Connect, Support, Chat
Connection groups provide opportunities for people living with ALS and their loved ones to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving independence and maximizing quality of life.
All ALS Network groups are facilitated by our professional Care Managers, who have extensive experience in ALS. With many monthly options to choose from, our goal is to provide support that is convenient for you and your loved ones.
![Margie Petrakis 2016 CV Walk Margie Petrakis 2016 CV Walk](https://alsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Margie-Petrakis-2016-CV-Walk-square.jpg)
What You Can Expect
- Tips and practical solutions for navigating the everyday challenges of living with ALS.
- Resources for exploring options and making decisions throughout the disease process.
- Connection and support from other people living with ALS, caregivers, and loved ones.
Some topic-specific groups we offer include:
- Caregiver/Loved Ones
- Veterans
- Trach and Vent
- Living with ALS Under Age 50
- Familial Diagnosis
- General ALS
- LGBTQIA+
- Español
- Yoga
- Bereavement
Groups are offered free-of-charge and are open to people with ALS, caregivers, family members, and friends.
Questions?
Contact us for more information at 1-866-750-2572 or careservices@alsnetwork.org.
Upcoming Meetings
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
Loved Ones Group: Connect, Support, Chat
Loved Ones Group: Connect, Support, Chat
Facilitator: Kim Venezia, LMFT 510-569-3631 or kvenezia@alsnetwork.org Contact Kim for information on joining the group via Zoom!
4 events,
*DATE CHANGE* Adaptive Yoga/Assisted Movement and Guided Meditation
*DATE CHANGE* Adaptive Yoga/Assisted Movement and Guided Meditation
Adaptive Yoga/Assisted Movement and Guided Meditation will meet on Wednesday, January 8, at 11:30 AM PST instead of Wednesday, January 1. Adaptive Yoga for ALS is a fully seated or…
Turlock/Central Valley: Connect, Support, Chat
Turlock/Central Valley: Connect, Support, Chat
Turlock/Central Valley: Connect, Support, Chat Please contact facilitator, Kathleen Kelsey, for information on how to join via Zoom! Kathleen Kelsey, RCP: kkelsey@alsnetwork.org; 818-292-4315
*CANCELED* For Caregivers of ALS Clients Affected by FTD: Connect, Support, Chat
*CANCELED* For Caregivers of ALS Clients Affected by FTD: Connect, Support, Chat
For Caregivers of ALS Clients Affected by FTD: Connect, Support, Chat will not meet this month. The next meeting will be in February. Please contact the Director of Care Services,…
2 events,
Trach and Vent: Connect, Support, Chat
Trach and Vent: Connect, Support, Chat
Trach and Vent: Connect, Support, Chat Contact Facilitators: Robin Eller, RCP: 661-364-1913 or reller@alsnetwork.org or Kathleen Kelsey, RCP: (818) 292-4315 or kkelsey@alsnetwork.org for more information about how to participate via…
Ventura County Caregiver: Connect, Support, Chat
Ventura County Caregiver: Connect, Support, Chat
Ventura County Caregiver: Connect, Support, Chat Contact Emma for information on how to join virtually using Zoom! Facilitator: Emma Karavardanyan, M.A 747-282-8177 or ekaravardanyan@alsnetwork.org
1 event,
2025 Running Bitcoin Challenge
This is THE EVENT that combines Hal Finney's love of running and Bitcoin and is raising funds and awareness to help cure ALS, which claimed his life. You are challenged…
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
Community: Connect, Support, Chat
Community: Connect, Support, Chat
Community: Connect, Support, Chat Contact facilitator for information on how to participate via Zoom! Facilitator: Kim C. Venezia, LMFT, 510-569-3631 or kvenezia@alsnetwork.org
San Fernando Valley: Connect, Support, Chat
San Fernando Valley: Connect, Support, Chat
San Fernando Valley: Connect, Support, Chat Contact facilitator Emma Karavardanyan, M.A. for information on how to participate via Zoom! 747-282-8177 or ekaravardanyan@alsnetwork.org
4 events,
NorCal ALS Community: Connect, Support, Chat
NorCal ALS Community: Connect, Support, Chat
NorCal ALS Community: Connect, Support, Chat Please Contact Facilitator: Sara Holiday at sholiday@alsnetwork.org or (707) 727-5151 for details on how to participate!
Español: Conéctese, Apoyar, Unase/Spanish Language: Connect, Support, Chat
Español: Conéctese, Apoyar, Unase/Spanish Language: Connect, Support, Chat
Español: Conéctese, Apoyar, Unase/Spanish Language: Connect, Support, Chat Por favor, comuníquese con Debbie Joy para obtener instrucciones. Please contact facilitator Debbie Joy, MHA for information on how to join using…
*IN-PERSON* Kern County: Connect, Support, Chat
*IN-PERSON* Kern County: Connect, Support, Chat
Join us for Kern County: Connect, Support, Chat in-person at Brookdale Riverwalk, 350 Calloway Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312 in Building B, in the Theater room. For more information, please contact…
1 event,
5 events,
Riverside County: Connect, Support, Chat
Riverside County: Connect, Support, Chat
Riverside County: Connect, Support, Chat Contact Crystal for information on how to participate using Zoom! Facilitator: Crystal Galvan, RRT 747-284-3003, cgalvan@alsnetwork.org
*CANCELED* All-Hawaii: Connect, Support, Chat
*CANCELED* All-Hawaii: Connect, Support, Chat
All-Hawaii: Connect, Support, Chat will not meet this month. The next meeting will be in February. Please contact the Director of Care Services, Jennifer Claxton for information on how to…
South Los Angeles: Connect, Support, Chat
South Los Angeles: Connect, Support, Chat
South Los Angeles: Connect, Support, Chat Contact Brandon for information on how to participate via Zoom! Facilitator: Brandon Whatley, B.S., OTA 818-699-2280 or bwhatley@alsnetwork.org
2 events,
Glendale: Connect, Support, Chat
Glendale: Connect, Support, Chat
Glendale: Connect, Support, Chat Please contact Regional Care Manager Cynthia Marks, RT for information on how to participate using Zoom! cmarks@alsnetwork.org or 909-736-5677
1 event,
1 event,
6 events,
Bereavement (am): Connect, Support, Chat
Bereavement (am): Connect, Support, Chat
Bereavement (am): Connect, Support, Chat An additional time slot has been added for our monthly meeting for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to ALS. Contact Support Group…
Connect, Support, Chat: LGBTQ+
Connect, Support, Chat: LGBTQ+
Connect, Support, Chat: LGBTQ+ All LGBTQ+ people living with ALS and their family, friends, loved ones and allies are welcome to attend this meeting. Some meetings will be general discussion…
Familial ALS: Connect, Support, Chat
Familial ALS: Connect, Support, Chat
A quarterly online support group specifically for those with a Familial ALS diagnosis. Contact facilitator Cynthia Marks for information on how to participate via Zoom! Cynthia Marks, RT: cmarks@alsnetwork.org; 909-736-5677
2 events,
Monterey Bay: Connect, Support, Chat
Monterey Bay: Connect, Support, Chat
Monterey Bay: Connect, Support, Chat Contact Julie for information on how to participate using Zoom! Facilitator: Julie Scurich, OTR/L, ATP: (831) 247-9878; jscurich@alsnetwork.org
2 events,
Pomona: Connect, Support, Chat
Pomona: Connect, Support, Chat
Pomona: Connect, Support, Chat Call Roshandra for information on how to participate using Zoom! Facilitator: Roshandra Edwards M. Ed. 213-898-3388, redwards@alsnetwork.org
3 events,
San Francisco and Surrounding Counties: Connect, Support, Chat
San Francisco and Surrounding Counties: Connect, Support, Chat
San Francisco and Surrounding Counties: Connect, Support, Chat 1:00-3:00 PM Fourth Friday of each month For information on how to participate via Zoom, contact Facilitator: Trung Ton, BA Kin, 510-753-0395;…
Unpartnered People with ALS: Connect, Support, Chat
Unpartnered People with ALS: Connect, Support, Chat
Unpartnered People with ALS: Connect, Support, Chat A connection group for people living with ALS who do not have a partner/spouse on this journey. For more information and to register,…
3 events,
San Luis Obispo: Connect, Support, Chat
San Luis Obispo: Connect, Support, Chat
San Luis Obispo: Connect, Support, Chat Please contact facilitator Julie Scurich for information on how to participate via Zoom! Julie Scurich, OTR/L. ATP: 831-247-9878; jscurich@alsnetwork.org
*DATE CHANGE* Walnut Creek/East Bay: Connect, Support, Chat
*DATE CHANGE* Walnut Creek/East Bay: Connect, Support, Chat
Walnut Creek/East Bay: Connect, Support, Chat will meet on Saturday, January 25 instead of Saturday, January 18. Contact Facilitator Margie Petrakis, RRT, RN, for information on how to participate: mpetrakis@alsnetwork.org
1 event,
2 events,
Veterans with ALS: Connect, Support, Chat
Veterans with ALS: Connect, Support, Chat
This quarterly group will support U.S. Veterans, their family, friends and/or caregivers touched by ALS. The focus is keeping individuals connected with their local VA/PVA and educating on all benefits…
3 events,
Palo Alto: Connect, Support, Chat
Palo Alto: Connect, Support, Chat
Palo Alto: Connect, Support, Chat Contact Shannan for information on how to join virtually using Zoom! Facilitator: Shannan Sonnicksen, LCSW, MPH 510-342-9313, ssonnicksen@alsnetwork.org
*IN-PERSON* Ventura/Santa Barbara: Connect, Support, Chat
*IN-PERSON* Ventura/Santa Barbara: Connect, Support, Chat
Join us for Ventura/Santa Barbara: Connect, Support, Chat in person at Conejo Recreation and Park District - Hillcrest Center for the Arts at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA…
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
“An ALS support group is really just a camaraderie of amazing people, many of whom are dealing with the same issues, who share information. We form strong friendships with each other and with our families about our shared experiences.”
- Julianne Angel