Support Services

Updated June 20, 2006

It has been longer than I can remember since I last sat down to write an article for the Texas Website. I am hopeful that with the new format of the website, I will be able to update this section more frequently.

For those of you just reaching the website, WELCOME! Let me take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself. I have been working with the Texas Chapter since April of 1999. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work and am currently licensed by the State of Texas to provide counseling in addition to social work resource and crisis information.

My function for the Texas Chapter is to respond to all calls that come into the Texas Helpline (1-800-910-6111). In addition, I facilitate the Grapevine Support Group and help coordinate, train and support the other support groups across Texas.

A question I receive all the time is: What is the helpline and who calls? The helpline is available to anyone who has questions or concerns regarding HD. Through the helpline, I am able to extend education and materials to individuals new to HD. This not only includes families who are just discovering HD, but also to other organizations and health care providers who provide services to the HD community (doctors, nurses, counselors, home health providers, caregivers, nursing homes, group homes, law enforcement officials, etc.). In addition, the helpline provides me the opportunity to provide ongoing counseling and support for HD families. Some families contact me once, others monthly.

Much of the time I am asked: How can I help? Here are just a few ways you can donate your time, talent and dollars to the Texas Chapter: Attend a support group, participate in a fund raiser, chair a fund raising event, host a social event for HD families, volunteer to be the Volunteer Chairperson for the Texas Chapter, volunteer an hour (or more) a week to an HD caregiver, provide transportation for a phd to a support group, organize a support group in your area, make a weekly call to an HD family to help fight the isolation, get your friends, neighbors and acquaintances involved in the fight for a cure.

Call me and let's work together to make the Texas Chapter a great resource for the HD community.

Cheryl

Helpful Numbers

socialworker@hdsatexas.org

Austin

Meals on Wheel 512.476.6325
To Report Abues 800.252.5400
Eldercare Consultation & Referral, Family Eldercare 512.450.0844
Home Repairs (Austin Area Urban League) 512.478.9647
Special Transit 512.478.9647

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