Support Groups for 
Families Living with Aphasia

UPDATE: In-person support groups have been postponed due to COVID-19.
Some groups are meeting online, so please see the notes below.

Individuals and families affected by aphasia face unique challenges. Support specifically designed for these people is limited. Three groups have formed in the Portland, Oregon area that provide both the individual experiencing aphasia and family members the opportunity to develop a sense of community with others impacted by aphasia. These groups are organized and run by participants. Groups are free of charge, but do ask for small contributions to be given to the churches that have donated space. Regular attendance is not required, but families feel that attending often is beneficial to everyone. There are now three groups in the Portland Metro area for individuals and families living with aphasia:


 

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  • SE Portland
    Continuous Improvement Group 
    Who: Individuals and families 
    When: Postponed - Each Monday 
    11:00 – 12:00 
    Where: Valley View Evangelical Church 
    11501 SE Sunnyside Rd. 

     Clackamas, OR 97015​
     Contact: Don Rodgers (360) 693.9398

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  • NE Portland
    Speak EZ group 
    Who: Individuals and families 
    When: Postponed     - Odd numbered Saturdays (i.e. January 5th) 
    10:00 – 12:00 
    Where: Luther’s Lodge 
    Resurrection Lutheran Church 
    1700 NE 132nd Ave. 

     Portland, OR 97230
     Contact: Mike Yuckert 503-695-5160

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  • SW Portland
    Westside Aphasia Group 
    Who: Individuals and families 
    When: Postponed     - 1st & 3rd Saturday of
    each month 10:00 – 12:00 
    Where: St. Vincent Medical Center 
    Room varies – watch for directional signs 
    Contact: Susan Ginley 503-725-3546 
    sginley@pdx.edu

The Aphasia Network - Aphasia community suport group, Continuous Improvement Group
The Aphasia Network: Aphasia Community Support Group, Speak EZ Group

  • NW Portland Men's Caregiver Support Group
    Who: Male Caregivers
    When: Third Wednesday of Every Month       1:00 - 2:30pm
    Where: Zoom 
    Contact:  Mike Yuckert at myuckert@zoho.com or 503-695-5160

This Year marks the 27th Year of the Men's Group! Confidential Men's caregiver group - whether their spouse has Alzheimer's, stroke, cancer,  Parkinson's or other debilitating illness. Founded by Howard Shapiro and now led by Mike Yuckert, the group encourages men to take care of themselves first, and do things outside of the home to get re-energized so that they can be a healthier caregiver. This community led group is not an aphasia-specific program.

The Aphasia Network: Aphasia community support group, Speak EZ support group portland oregon, Suzanne Gardner

  • Women's Carepartner Grief Group
    Who: Women who are carepartners for their adult loved one living with an acquired chronic cognitive or neurologic deficit
    When: Wednesday's 6-7pm
    Where: Zoom 
    Contact:  Gabrielle Gardner at gsgardner5@gmail.com

 

This group provides time to share with others facing similar life challenges. We spend the hour learning about ways to cope with the stress, grief and loss associated with being a carepartner. This community led group is not an aphasia-specific program.

  • Backstrokes Music Support Group
    Who: A music group for the stroke community - For stroke survivors or other brain injury, friends and family.
    When: Mondays and Thursdays – 11:00 am – Noon
    Where: Zoom 
    Contact:  Anne Tillinghast at anne@nwbrain.network

 

For more information, please visit: