ADDICTION / SUBSTANCES SUPPORT GROUPS:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 1-800-737-6237

Sundays | Machias 7:00pm (“Downeast Group” – Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street)
Sundays | Pembroke 7:30pm (“Head of the Tide Group” – Grace Christian Church, 10 Leighton Point Road)

Mondays | Calais 7:00pm (“Alcoholics Only Group” – Personal residence, 90 boardman Street, Calais)
Mondays | Milbridge 7:00pm (“Milbridge Group” – Congregational Church, 10 Bridge Street)

Tuesdays | Indian Twp 7:00pm (“Indian Township Meeting” – Indian Twp Meal Site, 8 Kennebasis Road)
Tuesdays | Machias 6:00pm (“AA Step- Downeast Group” – Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street)
Tuesdays | Pembroke 7:00pm (“Crossroads Big Book Meeting” – Grace Christian Church, 10 Leighton Point Road)

Wednesdays | Calais 12:00pm (“Brown Bag Meeting” – Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main Street)
Wednesdays | Columbia 7:00pm (“Pleasant River Group” – Faith United Methodist Church, 444 US Route 1)

Thursdays | Calais 7:00pm (“Bridge of Friendship Group” – St. Croix Historical Society, 527 Main Street)
Thursdays | Machias 5:30pm (“AWOL AA Meeting” – Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street)
Thursdays | Machias 7:00pm (“Machias Valley Group” – St. Aidan’s Episcopal Mission, 36 Dublin Street)

Fridays | Eastport 5:30pm (“Eastport Step Meeting” – Senior Center, 9 Boynton Street)
Fridays | Machias 7:00pm (“Open AA – Downeast Group” – Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street)
Fridays | Princeton 7:00pm (“Keep It Simple Group” – Passamaquoddy Health Center, 401 Peter Dana Point Road)

Saturdays | Calais 8:00pm (“Bar 30” – Recovery Center, 311 Main Street)
Saturdays | Machias 10:00am (“Women’s AA Meeting” – Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street)
Saturdays | Machias 7:00p (“Moosebec Group” – St. Aidan’s Episcopal Mission, 36 Dublin Street)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for Women Only: 1-844-915-3341

Machias | Saturdays 10a-11:00a (“Women’s Meeting Machias” – St. Aidan’s Church, 72 Dublin Street)

Al-Anon: 284-1844 / 1-800-498-1844

For friends and family of alcohol users;
Mondays | Calais 7pm (Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main Street)
Wednesdays | Columbia 7pm (Faith United Methodist Church, 444 US Highway 1)

Arise Addiction Recovery Support Groups: 207-271-7060

Support groups for substance users. Childcare is provided at every meeting unless noted. For more information contact: PaulTrovarelloArise@gmail.com
Machias | Mondays 7p  (Christian Fellowship, 3 Davis Rd)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA): 1-833-436-6166

Sundays | Cherryfield 6:00pm (“Downeast Serenity Group” – Cherryfield Congregational Church, 12 River Road
Thursdays | Machias 7:00pm (“Downeast Group – Open NA Meeting” – Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street)

Parenting in Recovery Support: 207-255-8273

This unique group meets Tuesdays in Calais and Wednesday in Machias! This supportive, parent led group shares the challenges and successes of raising your children while in treatment and recovery. Click here to register before attending.
Calais | Every Tuesday 12:00p (Calais Recovery Center, 311 Main St.)
Machias | Every Wednesday 12:00p (Machias Recovery Center, 11 Free St.)

Quit ME (Tobacco, Alcohol or other Substances):

Tobacco: 1-800-807-1230 / Alcohol or other Substances: 1-866-811-5695
You can call any of their helplines or submit an online referral for help.  This service offers a no pressure approach.  Whether you are ready to quit or just thinking about quitting they will offer different levels of information, support, or counseling.
For tobacco help, MaineCare covers nicotine replacement meds but if you do not have MaineCare the Helpline can cover the cost of either nicotine patches, gum or lozenges for up to 8 weeks if you enroll in their “multiple call option” plan.  Individuals can also re-enroll in this program every 6 months if needed.

 

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT:

Alzheimer’s Support Group via Zoom: 1-800-432-7812 or 207-941-2865

Monthly meeting: every 3rd Thursday from 2:00pm – 3:30pm.  Call to sign up.

 

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT:

Maine Families: 207-255-0481

We have four 4 certified lactation counselors on staff to provide breastfeeding support to new moms. Our counselors will work with moms one-on-one to help them recognize breastfeeding problems and ways to solve them.Our staff is available to work with Moms during their stay in OB after childbirth and can continue to work with them once they return home with their baby. Counselors can provide support in the home and over the phone, whichever is more convenient to moms.

 

CAREGIVER SUPPORT:

Be There for ME (Maine online resource connection)

Supporting parents and caregivers in Maine. This online resource site covers topics like food, transportation, childcare, stress, parenting, child development and more.

Caregiver Action Network (Facebook Group)

Have you joined the Caregiver Action Network Community Facebook group? The group is a safe and supportive space for caregivers of all backgrounds who are caring for a loved one to share their story, ask questions, offer support, and connect with others who understand their journey.  And, as a member, you can participate in Real Talk Tuesday. Each week at 1 pm we will be hosting a Facebook Live on various caregiving topics.  Click here to join the group.

Caregivers Facebook Group

A private Facebook group for caregivers in Washington County – both informal and professional caregivers welcome.  Our goal is for this group to provide a platform for caregivers to talk to each other, ask questions, offer solutions based on experience with similar challenges, and point to helpful resources.

Caregiver Support Group:  1-800-432-7812

Eastern Area Agency on Aging brings caregivers together to share their experiences in a confidential and supportive setting in person at Calais United Methodist Church.
Calais | 4th Wednesday of the month 2:00 – 3:30p (at the United Methodist Church)
Zoom | 3rd Thursday of the month 2:00 – 3:30p (via zoom – call 1-800-432-7812 to sign up)

Caregiver Support Program for Veterans: 207-623-8411, ext. 5906

VA Maine health care offers a number of services to support you and the Veteran you care for. Ask a caregiver support coordinator to help you find what you need, whether it’s in-home help, someone to listen, or anything in between.

Daughterhood.org Drop-in Circles

Nearly a quarter of adults in the United States are simultaneously raising kids and supporting a parent. You are not alone. Managing the medical, financial, legal and emotional burden of care is overwhelming. There are resources for support, but the caregiver barely has time to breathe, much less research respite options.  Daughterhood is a community of experienced caregivers who facilitate virtual Drop In Circles where people can vent, share, and offer resources that are relevant because they’ve been there, done that. Make time to attend a Daughterhood Circle, and bring your own sandwich, baloney and all. Sign up for a Circle that is convenient for your schedule. The Circle Leader and the topic will be listed on the website when you sign up.

Family Caregiver Help Line: 1-855-227-3640

Available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Eastern  Support via phone, email, or live chat—whatever works for you
Free, live, confidential conversations with caregiving experts. Family caregiving can be overwhelming—but you’re not in this alone. When you reach out to the Caregiver Help Desk, you’re connecting with real, trained professionals who listen, understand, and offer personalized guidance.  This isn’t AI. This isn’t a bot.  This is real support from real people who get it.

Kindly Human (from the Caregiver Action Network)

Kindly Human offers 24/7 access to support from real people who truly understand, along with resources to help you navigate life’s challenges.  Whether coping with a family illness, financial stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed, Kindly Human provides empathy, understanding, and practical pathways forward.  Here’s what you’ll find with Kindly Human: Mini-podcasts, peer listeners, tailored supports, access for your loved ones, and privacy guaranteed.  Getting started is simple! Activate your account by visiting kindlyhuman.io/CAN. Bookmark the link for easy access anytime.  Your Group ID is: CAN.

Support Group for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Complex Medical Needs: 207-588-1933

This virtual support group from Maine Parent Federation provides parents and caregivers the opportunity to connect, find solidarity, give and receive empathy, share resources and provide encouragement to others who share common life experiences of medical caregiving. This group provides a confidential and safe space to share experiences related to the journey of caring for a child with complex medical needs. Click here to register.
Virtual Meetings | 4th Thursdays of the month 12p – 1p

 

CANCER SUPPORT:

Breast Cancer Support Group: 207-454-0501 / 207-952-2050

Calais | 4th Saturday of month 10am (at Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main St, first floor conference room). Meeting by Zoom may be arranged upon request.

Down East Breast Cancer Support Group: 207-664-0339

Machias | 4th Sunday of month 3:00pm (Whitney Wreath, US Route 1, Whitneyville), or email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org with your questions.
The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in collaboration with the founder of the Down East Breast Cancer Support Group holds a monthly support group meeting for women living with breast cancer. The group’s mission is to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients navigate through the process of healing and surviving.

Open Arms Breast Cancer Support Group: 207-664-0339

Ellsworth | 1st Sunday of month 2:00pm (Beth C Wright Center, 23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth), or email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org with your questions.
The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in collaboration with the founders of the Open Arms Support Group holds a monthly support group meeting for women living with breast cancer. The group’s mission is to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients navigate through the process of healing and surviving.

Prostate Cancer Support Group: 207-664-0339 or 207-949-0290

This monthly group is open to men diagnosed with prostate cancer that are seeking a community of support and understanding. The group also offers a great opportunity for men wanting to provide insight and mentorship for others.
Zoom | 4th Tuesday of month 3p – 4:30pm
To register call: 207-664-0339 or 207-949-0290, email: info@bethwrightcancercenter.org

 

DOMESTIC ABUSE & TRAUMA SUPPORT:

Next Step DV Women’s Support Groups: 207-255-4934

Machias | Tuesdays 12 noon (call for location information)
Calais | Tuesdays 5p—6p  (call for location information)

Domestic Violence Support Group (Beth Wright Center): 207-610-5152

Bi-weekly DV support group is intended to give people a safe place to listen, share, or just get out for an hour to welcome people who have been, potentially could be, or are living in a domestic violence situation.
Baileyville | 1st & 3rd Mondays, 5:30p—6:30p (Beth C Wright Cancer Resource Center, 163 Main Street, Baileyville) Email: info@bethwrightcancercenter.org

Downeast Sexual Assault Services Support: 1-800-871-7741 (24/7)

24 Hour Support Line. DE Sexual Assault Services offers support group services to assist victims and significant others of sexual assault. Support group services are confidential (call for dates, times & location information)

The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MeCASA): 1-800-871-7741

Statewide Sexual Assault Support Line: 24-Hour phone support, toll-free from anywhere in Maine.

 

GRIEF / LOSS SUPPORT:

Grief Support Group:  207-610-5152 

This support group is open to anyone affected by any type of cancer, bereavement, and/or grief.  This supportive gathering is designed to provide participants with the tools and encouragement they need to lead happy and healthy lives, event while battling cancer, grief, and/ bereavement. Email: info@bethwrightcancercenter.org
Baileyville | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 4—5p (Beth C Wright Cancer Resource Center, 163 Main Street, Baileyville)

Grief Support Group: 207-454-3141 or 207-454-0407

Drop-in occasionally or come each session, the support group is for anyone struggling with loss or grief. Different grief topics and strategies will be addressed each session as well as coping techniques.
Calais | 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6—8p (Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main Street, Calais)

GriefShare Support Group: 207-214-5754

A support group to help you move through the grief process.  The support group is for anyone struggling with loss or grief.
Calais | Mondays, 6p (Calais Veterans Center, 255 Main Street, Calais)

 

MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT:

Recovery Support Group:

NAMI Connection is a peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, with trained groups leaders who have been through similar struggles. Be heard & get what you need.

Zoom | Every Tuesday  6p – 7:30pm
Online Access / Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81773063284?pwd=RjhraUIzU3FWV1phZHR0WWxKQmtTdz09
Meeting ID: 817 7306 3284
Passcode: 414340
Phone: 646-558-8656

Zoom | Every Wednesday  6:30p – 8:00pm
Online Access / Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81392365062
Meeting ID: 813 9236 5062
Phone: 301-715-8592

Zoom | 3rd Thursday of the month  6:30p – 8:00pm
Online Access / Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81789679516?pwd=V0ZWVUoyeFlzMTYzUnBBNVR5bk5Ydz09
Meeting ID: 817 8967 9516
Passcode: 658129
Phone: 929-205-6099

Family Support Group:

For any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition… NAMI’S Family Support Group helps you gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. These meetings follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to learn and be heard.

Zoom | 4th Monday of the month  6:00p – 7:30pm
Online Access / Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84909040263
Meeting ID: 849 0904 0263
Phone: 646-558-8656

Zoom | 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month  6:30p – 8:00pm
Online Access / Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82463328767
Meeting ID: 824 6332 8767
Phone: 646-558-8656

 

PARENTING SUPPORT:

“Ask us Anything” Group (Maine Parent Federation): 207-588-1933 or 1-800-870-7746

A general forum for parents of children with special needs to ask questions about anything!  Join alongside MPF staff, community members, and families to meet and have your questions heard. We will have the option of one-to-one breakout rooms for more private questions and personal preferences. Occurs on the last Tuesday of each month 12p-1pm.  Please register with this link.https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucOCqqzsuE9QllHV5ECWAZKty01TqHUhZ
Zoom | last Tuesday of the month 12:00pm

Bumps and Babies:

A place of support for all moms and caregivers during pregnancy and postpartum
Machias | 1st Thursday of the month 10:00am (Porter Memorial Library)
Contact LeAnne for more information: doulaleanne7@gmail.com

Foster/Adoptive Parenting Group: 1-800-833-9786

Foster, grandparents, relatives… raising children; Childcare is provided
Machias | 1st Friday of month 5:30p—7p

Foster/Kinship and Adoptive Families Support Group: 207-271-3201

Machias | 2nd Tuesday of month 6:30pm (Dunkin Donuts, no children under 1 years old)

GEAR Parent/Caregiver Support Group: 1-800-264-9224

Weekly support group for parents or caregivers of children or youth with emotional / behavioral concerns. Call to register and learn more information.
Support groups held weekly via Webinar | Monday eves 7-8p & Wednesdays 1-2p

Lean On Me: 207-598-8066

Support group for parents with special needs children of all ages and diagnosis, focusing on advocating for your child.
Milbridge | 1st Tuesday of month 6:30pm (Women’s Health Resource Library)

Parenting in Recovery Support: 207-255-8273

This unique group meets Tuesdays in Calais and Wednesday in Machias! This supportive, parent led group shares the challenges and successes of raising your children while in treatment and recovery. Click here to register before attending.
Calais | Every Tuesday 12:00p (Calais Recovery Center, 311 Main St.)
Machias | Every Wednesday 12:00p (Machias Recovery Center, 11 Free St.)

Parent Support Group (for Special Needs Children): 207-588-1933 / 1-800-870-7746

Are you a parent of a child with different abilities and/or special needs? Would you like to connect with other parents to share experiences and resources? Join us on the first Thursday of the month at noon. This is an opportunity to connect with other parents & caregivers to share, learn and support each other as we navigate the journey with our kiddos.
Via Zoom | First Thursday of the month 12:00p (Register for Zoom here / or email: awiest@mpf.org)

Parents of Sexually Abused Children: 1-866-871-7741

24 hour hotline for support services

 

SPECIAL NEEDS/CHIILDREN with DISABILITIES (please see Parent Support)

 

VETERAN’S SUPPORT:

Caregiver Support Program: 207-623-8411, ext. 5906

VA Maine health care offers a number of services to support you and the Veteran you care for. Ask a caregiver support coordinator to help you find what you need, whether it’s in-home help, someone to listen, or anything in between.

Combat Veteran’s Support Group: 207-255-6535

Machias | Mondays 9—10:30a