Peer Support Groups

Peer support lead David Carter speaks to a patient at the Shepherd Center.

An inclusive approach that welcomes everyone

If you’ve been recently injured or encountered an onset of a complex condition, there is likely a peer group to serve you. If you are a family member or caregiver of someone who is participating in or has completed rehabilitation, we’ve created communities for you to be a part of. And if you’re a member of the community living with a neurological condition we serve but may have never been to Shepherd Center, you are also welcome to be a part of our Peer Support family.

Peer support groups

We have many Peer Support Groups that welcome patients, families, caregivers, and members of the community. These groups have formed over the years, and more are on the way.

Our longest-running support group, the spinal cord injury support group, is designed to provide resources for current and former patients with spinal cord injuries. We understand the unique and challenging journey spinal cord injury initiates, so we’ve created this supportive community. Connect with others who have traveled the same rehabilitation path and shared similar experiences—our group is led by former patients who truly understand what you’re going through. Our atmosphere is friendly and approachable, ensuring you feel comfortable attending and benefiting from these meetings. Join us to discover strength, knowledge, and camaraderie in your recovery journey.

Welcome to our Brain Injury Peer Support Group at Shepherd Center. We understand the road to recovery after a brain injury constantly evolves. Our friendly and approachable group offers a safe space for patients and former patients to connect with others who have traveled a similar rehabilitation journey, sharing everyday experiences. Led by compassionate individuals who have been through it themselves, our Peer Support meetings are an excellent way to find understanding, encouragement, and camaraderie. Join us as we embrace the power of community together.

Shepherd Center’s Peer Support Group for families and caregivers of loved ones with spinal cord injury and brain injury is like no other. We understand the unique and challenging journey you and your loved one are on, from rehabilitation to returning home. Our group provides a warm, welcoming, and fun space where you can connect with others who have been down a similar path, sharing their experiences and insights. Led by families and caregivers, our meetings offer a friendly and approachable environment to ensure you feel supported and at ease. Join us to find understanding, strength, and lasting connections on this journey of caregiving.

This community support group is dedicated to understanding the unique and challenging journey faced by patients with demyelination conditions such as multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica, and others, every day. Our support group provides a safe space for individuals to connect with others who have experienced similar situations. Share experiences, insights, and triumphs while receiving understanding and encouragement from peers. This group is open to current and former Shepherd Center patients and community members.

This program is for inpatient adolescents aged 14-21 with spinal cord Injuries and/or mild brain Injuries who intend to return to school and wish to be paired with a mentor. This program is in development and will be available soon.

For more information about other support groups throughout Georgia and other states, please visit the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association, Brain Injury Association of America, United Spinal Association, or the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Headshot of Jake Ciccone

I’m the bridge between our clinicians and the clients. As someone who’s been through it, I normalize what the program is, give them the techniques that worked for me, and support them in any way possible.

Jake Ciccone SHARE Military Initiative Peer Support Lead Liaison

Current public meeting schedule

In addition to our frequent meetings with current and former Shepherd Center patients and families, we also offer a monthly dinner open to inpatients, outpatients, and community families.

Peer liaison Daquarius Greene speaks to a patient at the Shepherd Center.
Peer liaison Daquarius Greene speaks to a patient at a peer group meeting.

Community peer support dinner

  • Monthly on the 4th Thursday 6:00–8:00 p.m. ET and Virtual Support via Zoom.
  • An in-person dinner is from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Separate support groups are held directly after the dinner for both survivors and caregivers from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

For more information and to receive an invitation to our monthly community dinners, click on the link below.

Sign Up for the Monthly Community Dinners

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