We understand that dealing with ALS is physically, emotionally, and financially devastating for the person diagnosed and their family. ALS Resource Connections groups provide a caring, supportive, open environment for people to gather, connect, and talk with one another. These groups are open to persons living with ALS, their families, caregivers and friends, and are located around the state. They provide opportunities to learn more about living with the disease from others who understand the challenges, and to help establish a network of valuable resources and sustained support. A Regional Program Manager facilitates each meeting and will have speakers on relevant topics combined with time for attendees to discuss and share information and provide feedback to one another.
Virtual Support Group Meeting Instructions:
- You do not need your own username or password to sign in to the meeting, simply use the link provided to you in the email from your Care Services Manager. You will receive an email reminder several days before your region's scheduled support group meeting with the link to participate. If you have not received a link, please email or call your Care Services Manager in advance to receive the appropriate link.
- If using a phone/mobile device, you may be prompted to download the application through your app store. Please consider downloading the app a day or 2 before the meeting.
- When joining the meeting on a mobile device or computer, you may be asked to follow these prompts - "join using computer camera" and "join using computer sound". It is helpful to test the computer sound prior to the meeting. You may need to identify yourself when you join the meeting.
- For better connectivity, consider limiting the number of other applications running in the background, limit the number of devices connected to wi-fi, or if possible connect directly to your modem.
- Staff will be available prior to the start of the meeting to assist with technical difficulties. Please email the Care Services Manager in your region to assist.
Statewide Groups
Caregiver Connections Support Group
2nd Wednesday of Each Month, 2:00pm - 3:00pm┃ Brittney Mullins
For Veterans and Family Caregivers" Support Group
3rd Tuesday of Each Month, 2:00pm - 3:00pm┃Melissa Alcime
Newly Diagnosed Support Group
1st and 3rd Thursday of Each Month, 11:00am - 12:00pm┃Sharleen Caro and Kimberly San Martin
Starting Your Journey: Living With ALS Support Group
4th Tuesday of Each Month, 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Melissa Alcime and Alysia Nunez
North Florida
Northeast, North Central, Northwest Central Florida
2nd Tuesday of Each Month, 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET (1:00pm – 2:00pm CT)┃Brittney Mullins
East Central Florida
Orlando/The Villages/Brevard/Volusia/Flagler Support Group
2nd Wednesday of Each Month, 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Alysia Nunez
West Central Florida
Tampa/Pinellas Support Group
4th Monday of Each Month, 1:30pm - 2:30pm┃Lauren LaMar
Southwest Florida
Sarasota/Bradenton/North Port/Naples/Fort Myers Support Group
1st Wednesday of Each Month, 1:00pm - 2:30pm┃Sharleen Caro
Southeast Florida
Broward/Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Support Group
2nd Monday of Each Month, 1:00pm - 2:00pm┃Tina Duane
