Community Help Services

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information about the American Cancer Society please visit our website at www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345 for cancer information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you would like to volunteer in your community with the American Cancer Society or participate in Relay For Life, please contact Natalie Burke at (256) 586-7435 or by email at natalie.burke@cancer.org.
 

Alzheimer's Caregiver's Support Group - Gilliam Springs Baptist Church, 1351 N. Brindlee Mountain Parkway. Third Thursday of each month from 6 - 7 p.m.  This is an on-going, open group which serves to support and encourage caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's or related diseases, while providing information on available resources.  For additional information call 586-3147.
 

Real Life Crisis Pregnancy Center - offers free pregnancy tests and confidential counseling.  116 Cullman Road, Arab,  931-2000.  Center is open 3-6 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. to Noon Thursdays and Saturdays.
 

TESA Ministry Center Classes:
Mondays
9:00 a.m. - Parenting Skills; 10:30 a.m. - Reading and Communication Skills; Noon - Anger Management

Wednesdays
9:00 a.m. - Financial Responsibility; 10:30 a.m. - Nutrition; 12:15 p.m. - Stop Smoking

The TESA Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  165 North Mains Street, Arab.  For information call 931-5549
 

Grief Support for Men - who have suffered a loss, 10:00 -11:30 a.m. and 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays.  Hospice of Marshall County offices,  8787 U.S. 431 in Albertville.  Pre-registration is required.  For information call 891-7724 or toll free 1-888-334-9336
 

Grief Support for Women - who have suffered a loss, 10:30 - Noon and 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Thursdays.  Hospice of Marshall County offices,  8787 U.S. 431 in Albertville.  Pre-registration is required.  For information call 891-7724 or toll free 1-888-334-9336
 

Drop-In Support - for anyone who has suffered a loss, 11:00 -Noon, the first Tuesday of each month.  Hospice of Marshall County offices,  8787 U.S. 431 in Albertville.  Pre-registration is required.  For information call 891-7724 or toll free 1-888-334-9336
 

Marshall County Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Confidential Hotline for those who are being abused by a partner or ex-partner. Abuse includes harassment, physical, verbal, emotional or sexual.  582-6883 or 1-888-582-6883
 

Spirit Group of Narcotics Anonymous - 8:00 p.m. Sundays in the building behind Irene's Catch Restaurant in Morgan City.  The Strictly anonymous support meetings can provide help for people with drug problems
 

Disabled Children's Programs - for children who have disabilities or children who are perceived to have disabilities are available through Arab City and Marshall County Schools.  It is available from children 3-21.  Information: Billy Roy, Arab Special Education Coordinator, 931-9239;  or Marshall County,  582-3994.
 

Alzheimer's Support Group - noon to 1:00 p.m. every third Monday of the month,  Beverly Healthcare - Arab.  Information:  586-3111
 

Better Breather's Support - for people with emphysema or other lung related problems, 1:00 p.m. second Tuesday of each month, Guntersville Recreation Center.  Information call Dean Barnard 593-4692.
 

Alcoholics Anonymous - for nonsmokers, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays.  Union Hill United Methodist Church.  For information call 586-8598, 582-8601, 317-6206.
 

Raised From The Ruins - program for people with alcohol, tobacco or other drug problems.  Organized at New Life Tabernacle.  For information:  586-7652
 

MS Self Help - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at Marshall Medical Center North board room.  For Information: Pam, 931-4664 or Angie, 894-3487
 

Alzheimer's Support Group - 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at Merrill Gardens, 151 Pelham Drive, Albertville,  Free care giving is provided during the meeting.  For information:  Merrill Gardens 878-3132 or E. L. Hill, 593-3327.
 

TOPS Weight Loss - (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Arab  Community Center.  Information 753-2721
 

TOPS Weight Loss - (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 9:00 a.m. Wednesdays, Twelfth Avenue Church of God.  Information: 931-0167 or 572-8086
 

GED Preparation Classes are offered through the Northeast Alabama Area Adult Education program.  Classes meet on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - noon and Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the North Alabama Skills Center (153 South Main Street, Arab).  Reading classes are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays.  All materials are furnished and classes are free. 

Training available in GED preparation, pre-GED testing, ASSET prep, academic remediation, preparation for pre-employment skills tests, instruction in study skills and techniques, computer training, career counseling, career search, resume, on the job training, job applications, online resume and job search, stress management, budgeting, interpersonal relationships, personal grooming, responsible citizenship, assistance with scholarship search and Pell Grant applications and more.  Call 931-2299 or 586-6026 for more information.
 

Union Grove Homework Helpers - 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the school library.  Certified teachers help parents deal with their reading, math and other homework problems.  It also helps students better understand what the teachers expect from their homework.  Information:  753-2532
 

Rainbow Kids grief and bereavement support group - 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. first and third Mondays of the month at Hospice of Marshall County.  Information: 891-7724
 

Individual and Family Support - The Services Community Council, Marshall-Jackson is seeking new members.  Individual and family support is about families helping families help themselves and their philosophy is "families know best what families need".  The council provides friendly, easy assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members.  Each member or a member of their family must have development disabilities.  For information or to volunteer call: Rebecca Shinault council chairperson at 574-1149 or Diane Bingham, regional coordinator at 582-3455.
 

Breast Cancer Support Group - Lobby of Physicians Office Building, Marshall Medical Center South.  Group meets each fourth Thursday of the month.  For information: 840-3688
 

GED Testing - Wallace State Community College will offer the GED test on Wednesdays according to demand.  The fee for first time testing is $33.00.  For Information: 352-8156
 

Extended Day - Arab Primary and Arab Elementary Schools from 2:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. each school day.  Information: 931-9218
 

Extended Morning - Arab Primary School for grades K-5 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:10 a.m.  Information:  931-9218
 

Even Start Applications - The program is for parents of children up to age 8, who are interested in working on the GED, parenting classes and job skills.  Information:  593-6040
 

Gifted Services - available through Arab City Schools for students identified as intellectually gifted or those who perform at high levels in academic and creative fields.  Anyone who thinks their child is gifted or exceptionally creative, call the guidance counselor at their child's school and ask for a referral for the gifted program.  For information: Billy Roy, Arab Special Education Coordinator at 931-9239 or Marshall County Schools at 583-3994
 

Hope Place - offers help for battered women.  Information: 1-800-691-8426 or 256-716-1000
 

Opportunities for Community Service

CAJA Training - Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates.  Information: 582-7888
 

Care Support Team Members - needed by CASA of Marshall County.  For Information: Bob Boully, 582-2963
 

Victim's Hotline - Volunteers needed for the Marshall County Domestic Violence Project (MCDVP).  Volunteers will provide intervention and support to domestic violence victims in crisis. Some callers might need a safe place to go, some information about MCDVP and/or referrals to other local resources, while other callers may just want to talk with a caring person.  Other duties include answering the hotline - 582-6883 in the MCDVP office on Ringold Street in Guntersville during office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.  Volunteers will be scheduled to work 2 or 4 hour shifts at their convenience.  Those interested in training should come by the RSVP office and complete and application.  The application process includes reference checks from three no related persons and a police background check.  For information: RSVP, 571-7734.
 

Arab Emergency Management Response Team - needs volunteers for basic fire suppression, first aid, shelter management, etc.  Information: 586-7191 or 586-8819.
 

Nurse Assistant Training Instructors - needed at the American Red Cross.  Interested RN's with two years experience (one year of long term care) and teaching experience needed.  Information 536-0084
 

Transitional Living Program - needs volunteers to work with 16-21 year olds by assisting them in developing skills necessary to be successful in today's world.  For information: 592-0843
 

Adult Foster Care Homes - are needed for disabled and senior adults in Marshall County.  Information: 1-800-926-8887.
 

Salvation Army - welcomes donations. Donors are asked to bring donations during store hours only.  Hours are Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Bring an itemized list for tax receipts purposes.  Trucks can pickup donations of furniture and working appliances.  For information: 586-8177
 

Food Pantry - of CASA, Guntersville, is open9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays.  1321 Gunter Ave., Guntersville.
 

Hope Place - offers help for battered women.  For information: 1-800-691-8426 or (256) 716-1000
 

RSVP Volunteers - are needed to bring personal skills and interests to share in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.  RSVP will match individual talents with a volunteer opportunity.  For information: 586-8289 or 571-7734
 

Reading Buddies - are needed to work one-on-one with below grade level readers in kindergarten through second grade at the Arab Elementary, Grassy Elementary and Union Grove Elementary schools.  Only one day per week for 20 minutes a child.  For information: 1-800-265-8694 or 571-7734 or e-mail lyndagstaley@aol.com
 

Vegetables, Meat, Fish - needed for CASA of Marshall County.  Anyone (including hunters, gardeners and fishermen) who can donate these needed needed food items can call 582-2963 or drop them by the CASA office at 1321 Gunter Ave., Guntersville.
 

Salvation Army of Marshall County needs non-perishable food items to help restock its pantry.  Food is used to make supplemental boxes for needy families.  Information: 582-0536
 

Volunteers needed at the Mountain Valley Arts Council to clip articles from local newspapers, plant and tend flowers around the office, be a coordinator of volunteer activities or help with any number of activities at the council.  Information: 582-1454
 

Albertville Senior  Center needs volunteers to deliver hot lunches to the elderly each day.  If you would like to help, call 256-891-8279 for details.
 

CASA of Marshall County seeks volunteers to drive individuals to doctor's appointments, sometimes in Birmingham or Huntsville.  Must have reliable transportation, insurance, etc.  Please contact Bob Boully for details. 256-582-2963.
 

Adopt-A-Mile program seeks volunteers/organizations to help keep roadways in Cullman County clean.  Contact Cullman People Against A Littered State at 256-736-2429.
 

Lake Watch on the Guntersville Reservoir.  A cooperative effort between Alabama Marine Police, Guntersville Police, Marshall County RSVP, Marshall County Sheriff, and TVA Police to promote a clean and safe environment for all people using and/or living near the Guntersville Reservoir.  Assist in educating the public concerning all types of boating safety, promote clean water initiatives, protect our environment, protect and improve game and fish population, work with law enforcement to observe and report dangerous or suspicious behavior.  No cost or membership dues.  Join today by calling 256-571-7734.  Report suspicious or unsafe activities by calling 800-839-0003.