Support Groups

St. Francis Adult Center
SELF-HELP AND SUPPORT GROUPS
What are Self-Help Groups?
The Franciscan Friars of Saint Francis of Assisi Church offer their facilities as a community service and ministry to many autonomous Self Help Groups. Each group conducts its meetings independently.
Most of the groups listed here are based on the Twelve Step Program of Recovery pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous. The meetings all generally follow the same format: a member will share his or her “story” (what it was like, how he or she came to the program, and what it has been like since then). This is then followed by sharing by other members. This description can be more accurately detailed by members of any of the groups.

What problems are dealt with?
Most of the groups deal with some kind of compulsive or addictive behavior, i.e., behavior that has become out of control and is getting in the way of functioning in daily living. These problems include alcohol, sex, lying, etc.
How can I learn more about a group?
The best way to learn about any of the groups listed here is to attend one of the meetings and observe. Members of the group will answer your questions.
Who can join these groups?
Members of these groups are of all races and religions. All that is necessary is to admit that there is a problem, that it is out of control and that you want help and/or support.
Where are these meetings held?
The majority of meetings are held in one of the classrooms at the
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Adult Education Center
135 W. 31st Street,
between 6th & 7th Avenues.
The Center is also used for Adult Education, the Music Ministry and other Church affiliated groups. The building is found immediately to the left of St. Francis Church through a short passageway next to the church.
PLEASE NOTE: The dates and times of the meetings listed are subject to change. Please call the Adult Education Center 212 736-8500 x311 for the most recent schedule.
The weekly schedule posted in the St. Francis Center and at the information desk in the Church Office or call 212 736-8500 x311.
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Deals with the compulsion to drink and ways to achieves sobriety.
Sundays Room 5 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
Mondays Room 5 12:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Wednesdays Room 5 12:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Thursdays Room 5 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
Fridays Room 5 12:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Saturdays Room 5 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
A.A.C.—AL-ANON Deals with overcoming the problems of having grown up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home or with addictive relationships.
Sundays Room 2 10:00 am — 12:00 pm
AL-ANON Deals with overcoming problems of having an alcoholic in one’s life. The alcoholic may be a spouse, another member of the family or a friend. The alcoholic may be in or out of recovery.
Tuesdays Room 4 12:30 pm — 1:30 pm

SRA-ANON A 12 Step fellowship for those who find themselves involved with or their lives affected by another person’s sexual behavior. Deals with overcoming the problems of having a sex addict in one’s life. The sex addict may be a spouse, partner, another member of the family or a friend. The sex addict may be in or out of recovery.
Saturdays Room 3 6:00 pm — 7:15 pm

CEA-HOW (Compulsive Eaters Anonymous)Offers compulsive eaters a structured approach to 12 Step recovery.
Wednesdays Room 4 6:30 pm — 7:30 pm
Fridays Room 3 6:30 pm — 7:30 pm
Saturdays Room 2 - 11:00 am — 12:15 pm
COSA (Codependent Relation with Sex Addict) is a 12 Step fellowship for those who have been affected by someone else's compulsive sexual behavior. The group supports those who are working a journey of recovery from sexual codependency, also know as co-sex Addiction. COSA members become aware of their own codependent behaviors in relationships with friends, family member and partners. Admission to ourselves allows us to acknowledge our own patterns in addictions and sexual codependency.
Fridays Room 2 6:15 pm — 7:45 pm
JA (Johns Anonymous) Deals with helping people to stop patronizing prostitutes and to enjoy a meaningful life.
Mondays Room 2 7:30 pm — 8:45 pm
SAA (Sex Addicts Anonymous) Deals with overcoming compulsive sexual behavior, and leading sexually healthy lives.
Mondays Room 4 8:00 am — 9:00 am
Tuesdays Room 4 7:15 pm — 8:45 pm
Wednesdays Room 4 8:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Thursdays Room 2 7:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Saturdays Room 2 2:30 pm — 3:35 pm
Saturdays Room 2 4:00 pm — 5:30 pm
Sundays Room 2 Intergroup 2:00 pm — 3:30 pm
Sundays Room 2 6:00 pm — 7:00 pm
SMA (Self Mutilators Anonymous) A spiritually based program analogous to A.A., for people who wish to stop physically injuring themselves (i.e., cutting, hair pulling, cuticle tearing, etc.)
Wednesdays Room 3 7:45 pm — 8:45 pm
SLAA (Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous) Deals with overcoming compulsive sexual and emotional behavior, i.e., addiction to relationships, romance, fantasy, intrigue, and as well as promiscuity, prostitution, pornography, adultery or masturbation.
Mondays Room 5 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
Tuesdays Room 5 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
Wednesdays Room 2 8:00 am— 9:00 am
Wednesdays Room 5 (Men) 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
Thursdays Room 4 4:30 pm — 5:30 pm
Fridays Room 2 4:30 pm — 6:00 pm
Fridays Room 5 6:15 pm — 7:45 pm
Saturdays Room 2 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm
Sundays Room 3 (Women) 3:30 pm — 4:30 pm
WA (Workaholics Anonymous) A workaholic works or keeps busy with activity compulsively and leaves little or no time to be alone and quiet. Therefore, we usually do not know who we are and what we rally feel and want. Work and activity are the primary focuses in our lives, often excluding others. Workaholics Anonymous (WA) is a 12 Step fellowship of individuals who share our experience, strength and hope so that we may solve our common problem and help others recover from Workaholism.
Fridays Room 4 6:00 pm — 7:00 pm