Resources
In-Person Support Groups @ WNYIL
The in-person support groups at WNYIL are held at:
WNYIL, Mental Health Peer Connection, 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Located behind Jim’s Steak Out in the back parking lot. Look for the blue and white awning.
We are a scent free environment. Please refrain from wearing scented products (perfumes, colognes, oils, laundry detergent, or other products that are perfumed).
Hoarding 2 Healing
Where hoarding is transformed to healing through organizing lives one area at a time. Learn to organize, develop cleaning schedules, what it means to declutter – all in a judgement free space with a peer.
When
Every Monday
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration
Annie O’Neil, 716-529-3379
A2A Smart Recovery
Smart Recovery is peer support that helps individuals develop the skills needed to enter or maintain their recovery.
When
Every Monday and Thursday
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration
Tim Van Valkenburg, 716-931-2687 or 716-836-0822, ext. 135
Breaking Barriers to Employment
Peer run support group for those who are employed to help identify and overcome barriers to maintaining employment.
When
1st Friday of the month
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration
Zanus Cook, 716-836-0822, ext. 533 or 173
Mental Health Support Group
Open to anyone with any mental health challenge. Please call before attending for the first time.
When
Mondays
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Registration
Marie Therese Kersten, 716-435-0238
In-Person MHPC Forums
The in-person support groups at WNYIL are held at:
WNYIL, Mental Health Peer Connection, 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Located behind Jim’s Steak Out in the back parking lot. Look for the blue and white awning.
We are a scent free environment. Please refrain from wearing scented products (perfumes, colognes, oils, laundry detergent, or other products that are perfumed).
MHPC Housing Forum
We invite guest speakers to help in educating individuals on housing rights, housing resources, and various other topics to address many of the housing barriers in our communities.
When
2nd Friday of the month
Registration
Contact one of our Life Coaches to register at 716-836-0822
Brooks, ext. 183 Ashanti, ext. 160
Denise, ext. 169 Annie, ext. 144
F2F Grief & Loss Family Forum
Have you lost someone due to an overdose? Do you have a loved one in active use, and you do not know where they are for long periods of time? You are not alone. Our Family-to-Family staff can offer ongoing peer support services and connect you with additional services and support.
When
3rd Monday of the month
2:00pm-3:00pm
Registration
Cathie Campbell at 716-836-0822, ext. 139
Virtual/Hybrid Support Groups
Open Mic: Freedom of Expression – Starting August 7, 2025
People can freely express themselves through spoken word, singing, playing musical instruments, theater, dance and comedy.
When
1st & 3rd Thursdays
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration
Lisa Maria Cruz, 716-836-0822 ext. 509 or lisamariacruz@wnyil.org
Elevate: Peer Support & Wellness
A peer run support group that gives individuals a safe space to share experiences and develop coping strategies.
When
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Registration
RSVP with one of our Life Coaches at 716-836-0822
Housing Barriers
Support group designed to assist with housing barriers so when housing is obtained it can be maintained.
When
1st & 3rd Fridays
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Registration
RSVP with one of our Life Coaches at 716-836-0822
Socialization Barriers
Is socializing a challenge for you? Come and explore socialization barriers so you can overcome them with your PEERS. Help one another … You are not alone.
When
1st and 3rd Mondays
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Registration
RSVP with one of our Life Coaches at 716-836-0822
In-Person Support Groups in the Community
F2F Family Support Group – Niagara Falls/Lockport
This group is held monthly and offers Familial Peer Support, as well as a safe space, for open discussion on the struggles and positives of being a loved one of someone who is in active use and or recovery. You are not alone. Our Family-to-Family staff can offer ongoing peer support services and connect you with additional services and support.
When
The Last Monday of the Month
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location (rotates monthly)
Niagara Falls – 746 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Lockport – 140 Genesee St., Lockport, NY 14094
Registration
Katie Beebie, 716-495-2231
Hope Heals Family SMART Recovery Tuesdays
As family members, our pain grows as we watch our loved ones suffering from substance abuse. The confusion on how to help can be overwhelming. Anger and fear become a part of our everyday lives.
When
Tuesdays
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location
Sparks of Hope, 107 Main St, Hamburg, NY 14075
Registration
Alan Tomaski, 716-931-0380
A2A SMART Recovery Revive
Our goal is to help individuals gain independence from addictive behavior and lead meaningful and satisfying lives. (The room is open for 30 minutes before and after group.)
When
Tuesdays
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location
Sparks of Hope, 107 Main St, Hamburg, NY 14075
Registration
Alan Tomaski, 716-931-0380
A2A SMART Recovery – Lockport
Our goal is to help individuals gain independence from addictive behavior and lead meaningful and satisfying lives. (The room is open for 30 minutes before and after group.)
When
Tuesdays
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location
140 Genesee Street, Lockport, NY 14094
Registration
A2A Niagara, 716-398-4333
Healing Families – SMART Recovery
Join us for our peer family support group. We can help rebuild our lives after the devastation of substance use in our homes.
When
1st and 3rd Tuesday
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location
Rural Outreach Center, 730 Olean Road, East Aurora, 14052
Registration
Alan Tomaski, 716-931-0380
Family2Family – SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery Family & Friends program is designed to support those who have loved ones struggling with addiction or problematic behaviors. It provides a space for family members and friends to gain understanding, support, and tools to help themselves cope with the challenges they face.
When
Every Wednesday
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location
WNYIL Front Conference Room, 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Registration
Cathie Campbell, 716-836-0822 ext. 139
F2F SMART/Open Group – Nagara Falls
The SMART Recovery Family & Friends program is designed to support those who have loved ones struggling with addiction or problematic behaviors. It provides a space for family members and friends to gain understanding, support, and tools to help themselves cope with the challenges they face.
When
Every Wednesday
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location
746 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14301
Registration
Katie Beebie, 716-495-2231
An important note about the RSVP process and privacy:
To maintain your privacy, we do not publicly share the phone numbers and links to our virtual meetings. We respect people’s wishes to remain anonymous.
We’re Here to Help You.
Do you have feedback, questions or concerns? Call 1-800-348-8399 or click the link below for assistance.