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
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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.
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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.
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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: