General Information

Domestic Violence Shelters

Victims of domestic violence are provided a safe emergency residence in Gaston County as a service of the Gaston County Department of Social Services.

The Shelter of Gaston County is available to victims who live in Gaston County and are in physically violent or potentially violent situations.

Victims may enter when space is available.

In Lincoln County, residents may contact Amy’s Home, shelter for victims of domestic violence.

The shelters are open 24 hours a day.

The telephone numbers for the shelters are:
Gaston County: (704) 866-3679, day; (704) 866-3300, night; and Police Department, (704) 852-6000.
Gastonia: (704) 865-2323
Lincoln County: (704) 736-0112

Employment
The Employment Security Commission provides job information to applicants and employers, files and processes claims for unemployment benefits and releases labor market data.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
1391 Bessemer City Road, Gastonia 28053-1578
Phone: (704) 853-5328

Services for the Blind
The North Carolina Department of Human Resources offers vocational rehabilitation, medical services and social service programs to those who have vision problems. Contact Renee Ewing.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
330 N. Marietta St., Gastonia 28054.
Phone: (704) 862-7622

Veteran Services
Assists veterans and dependents who apply for benefits payable by the Veterans Administration.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
965 Roberts Drive, Gastonia 28052.
Phone: (704) 866-3606

AIDS Council
The AIDS Council of Gaston County Inc. provides education to stop HIV and services to help persons affected by HIV infection. Services include:

• Speakers Bureau for free presentations on the dimensions of HIV disease
  

• HIV seminars
  

• Support groups for people with HIV, their families and their friends
  

• Emergency funds for people with HIV
  

• AIDS Information Line, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.(704) 853-5101
  

• Peer education group for youth
  President: Sherri Putnam
  Staff: Patty Busch
  P.O. Box 1071, Gastonia 28053
  Phone: (704) 853-5101

American Red Cross
Helps victims of disaster and families whose homes have burned. Also offers help with communications to and from military families. Teaches first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and water safety classes. Blood services also provided. Serves the Gaston County area.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Answering service and disaster team on 24-hour call.
190 S. Oakland St., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 864-2623

Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County
Responds to the needs of young girls and women in unplanned or stressful pregnancies. The goal of the center is to offer free pregnancy testing, counseling, education and information, maternity home placement, maternity clothes, baby clothes, furniture and car seats. The center also offers classes in childbirth, single-parent support groups, post-abortion counseling and a 24-hour hotline. All services are confidential.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 3:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
3303 Union Road, Gastonia
Phone: (704) 867-3706

Gaston County Cancer Society Inc.
Aids local cancer patients and educates the general public about cancer. Provides counseling and support groups for cancer patients, financial assistance for medications and dressings and a loan closet for medical equipment and sick-room supplies.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
220 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 864-1271 or (704) 866-8581

Gaston Memorial Hospital
A not-for-profit general and acute care facility with a staff of more than 1,900 and 250 active physicians, 442 beds, all in private rooms.
2525 Court Drive, Gastonia 28054
Phone: (704) 834-2000

Heart Society of Gaston County Inc.
Information and referral, including distress calls for financial help and information on diet and heart ailments. Also offers blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, educational programs, support groups, loan closet for medical equipment.
220 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 865-1214

Hospice of Gaston County Inc.
Provides nursing, social, spiritual and bereavement services to terminally ill persons and their families, promotes quality of life.
258 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia 28054
Phone: (704) 861-8405

New Life Pregnancy Services
Provides pregnancy testing, counseling for clients, client’s parents and the father, education, maternity home placements, baby and maternity items, WINGS (a support group called With Infant and Needing Group Support), adoption information and referral, parent workshops, abstinence education programs. Also operates Sunshine House maternity home. All services are free and confidentiality is assured.
408 E. Eighth Ave., Gastonia.
Phone: (704) 854-8877 for an appointment or for more information.

United Way of Gaston County
Includes 31 health and human service agencies in Gaston County and operates the volunteer center and Information and Referral.
200 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 864-4554

Information and Referral/Volunteer Center
A service that links people in need with appropriate services available in the community. A service of the United Way of Gaston County.
200 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 864-5788

Volunteer Center
Matches people who wish to volunteer their time with agencies needing volunteers. A service of the United Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
200 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia 28053-2597
Fax: (704) 864-9464
Phone: (704) 865-0820

Gaston Baptist Association
Provides clothing, food, utilities, wood for heating, some transportation. Hours are 9-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Office is closed on Fridays and holidays. Call for an appointment.
1607 Rankin Lake Road, Gastonia 28052
Phone: (704) 867-0905

Salvation Army Emergency Assistance & Lodging
Provides financial assistance, food, clothing and temporary emergency shelter for men, women and children.
107 S. Broad St., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 867-6145

Alliance for Children and Youth
A United Way non-profit agency in Gaston County, initiates and fosters family support services, education, and advocacy that promotes the well-being and comprehensive development of children and adolescents ages 0-18.
Alliance for Children and Youth and Kids for Standards at (704) 867-3512
Child Care Information: (704) 922-0199
Juvenile Restitution: (704) 852-3123
218 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 867-3512

Family Service Inc.
Provides professional counseling for individuals and families, consumer credit counseling, enrichment education programs, sexual assault and domestic violence services and custody/visitation mediation.
214 E. Franklin Blvd.
Phone: (704) 864-7704

Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Consumer credit counseling including family budgets, debt reduction and referral for financial assistance. Serves Gaston and Cleveland counties.
130 S. Oakland St., Gastonia 28052
Phone: (704) 862-0702

Gaston County Human Relations Commission
Assists with grievances and complaints of discrimination based on race or sex in the areas of employment and housing with public and private employers, provides educational programs, mediation and community workshops on diversity and race relations.
965 Roberts Drive, Gastonia
Phone: (704) 866-3692

Gaston County Family YMCA
Puts Christian principles into practice through family child care, fitness, sports, aquatics and teens and senior programming.

Gastonia
615 W. Franklin Blvd.
Phone: (704) 865-8551

East Gaston Y
196 YMCA Drive, Belmont, located off Highway 273 heading into Mount Holly.
Phone: (704) 825-9140

Gaston Literacy Council
Teach adults one-on-one basic reading and writing skills. Coordinates peer tutoring programs for youth.
116 Marietta St., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 868-4815

Gaston Community Action
Services include Head Start program, home weatherization, total family assistance, volunteer income tax assistance once a year. Serves people below the poverty level in the Gaston County area. Head Start program serves Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland counties. Charter kindergarten serves Gaston county. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, other times by appointment.
332 S. York Road, Gastonia
Phone: (704) 866-8721

Gaston County Natural Resources Department
Provides leadership and natural resource technical and engineering assistance to the people of Gaston County to improve and sustaint their soil, water, air, plant and wildlife resources. Assistance ranges from helping with individual problems to helping a municipality with watershed management.
Gaston County Citizens Resource Center, 
1301 Cherryville Highway, Dallas
Phone and Fax: (704) 922-4181

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Provides educational information from North Carolina State University in agriculture, home economics, community and rural development, 4-H and other youth programs. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Gaston County Ciizens Resource Center, 
1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas
Phone: (704) 922-0301

ARC of Gaston County
Helps people with developmental disabilities access resources in the community, provides information and referral, case management and serves as an advocate for people with mental retardation.
200 E. Franklin Blvd., United Way Building, Gastonia.
Call: (704) 861-1036

Camp Sertoma of Gaston County
Summer recreational and developmental programs for people with mental retardation and people with speech and hearing impairments.
Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas.
Call: (704) 922-9579, 861-1036

Pathways MH/DD/MA
2505 Court Drive, Gastonia 28054
Call: (704) 867-2361

Gaston Residential Services
Residential services for adults in Gaston county with developmental disabilities.
419 S. York St., Gastonia 28052
Call: (704) 861-9280

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Vocational rehabilitation for the handicapped in a transitional setting. Fee usually paid by the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or through the Job Training Partnership Act. Serves Gaston County residents.
P.O. Box 668768, Charlotte 28266
Call: (704) 372-3434

• Gastonia store at Dixie Village Shopping Center
  2549 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia 28054
  Call: (704) 864-2225
  

• Gastonia store at Franklin Square
  1004 S. Church St., Lowell, 28098
  Call: (704) 824-1322
  

Holy Angels
Developmental and residential programs for people with mental retardation and physical disabilities. Services include group homes, residential center, Camp Hope, Great Adventure Club, Life Choices. Serves all of North Carolina.
6600 E. Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont 28012
Call: (704) 825-4161

North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Helps those in Gaston and Lincoln counties who have significant physical or mental disabilities to become successfully employed.

• 109 W. Eighth Ave., Gastonia 28054
  Call: 853-5358
  

• 2535 Court Drive, Gastonia 28054
  Call: (704) 853-5356
  

• P.O. Box 1918, Lincolnton 28093
  Call: (704) 483-4409

Gaston Community Action
Services include weatherization of homes for elderly who meet federal poverty guidelines. Serves Gaston, Lincoln and Stanley.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
P.O. Box 1653, 332 S. York Road, Gastonia 28053-1653
Phone: (704) 866-8721

Gaston County Department of Social Services
Includes chore services, foster care for adults and special assistance for adults.
Fee: Determined by services performed
333 N. Marietta St., Gastonia, 28052
Phone: (704) 866-3800

Gaston County Adult Services Division
Services include home-delivered and group meals, transportation, information and referral, in-home aid services, adult social work services, adult placement services, community alternative program for disabled adults, adult daycare and employment services.
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Fees: Charged for adult daycare on sliding scale.
333 N. Marietta St., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 862-7540

Adult Day Care Center
Provides daytime supervision and socialization for older adults.

• Gastonia: 901 S. New Hope Road
  Phone: (704) 866-3676

• Belmont: 402 N. Main St.
  Phone: (704) 825-5428

Social Security Administration
Provides benefits to elderly who are retired, survivors and disabled individuals and an information and referral service.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone (800) 772-1213: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
215 W. Third Ave., Gastonia 28052
Phone: (704) 854-3972

Adoption Information Exchange
Support group for adult adoptees and birth parents, search help available.
Call: (704) 537-5919

Adult Survivors of Incest Support Group
Meetings: 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Family Service Inc. of Gaston County, 214 E. Franklin Blvd. Fees based on sliding scale.
Call: (704) 864-7704.

AIDS/HIV Support Group
For people with AIDS or HIV infections, their families and friends.
Call: (704) 853-5101, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Better Breathers Club
Meetings: 3 p.m., last Thursday of each month at the Gaston County Cancer Society, 220 E. Franklin Blvd.
Call: (704) 864-1271

Birth and Beyond: The ABCs of Parenthood
Classes cover birth options, labor and delivery, new parenthood, child health and safety, breastfeeding and siblings.
Classes: 7 to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Call: (704) 834-2229.

Cancer — POWER
The Program for Oncology Wellness with Education and Rehabilitation is for all individuals diagnosed with cancer recently or many years ago. Services include an exercise and rehabilitation program, stress management, chat group, smoking cessation, nutrition information, Hospice introduction, prostate cancer support group, grief counseling and pharmacy information.
Call: (704) 834-3551 for information, including meeting times.

Cardiac Connection
This group provides fellowship and emotional support for people recovering from cardiac episodes including heart attacks, bypass surgery and congestive heart failure. Speakers each month cover topics including anatomy of the heart, diet, depression and exercise. The group meets monthly.
Call: (704) 834-4149, Cathy Moore

Compassionate Friends
This a non-profit, no-fee support group for grieving parents.
Meetings: 7 p.m. first Tuesday each month at First Presbyterian Church, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia.
Call: John and Rose Stanley, (704) 865-7229

Crohn’s Disease/Colitis
These conditions, involving inflammatory bowel disease, cause pain, bleeding and diarrhea. Although remission can be long, recurrence can be sudden. The group provides basic information about the conditions and other topics including stress management and nutrition.
Meetings: 7 p.m., fourth Tuesday of every month
Call: (704) 834-2251.

Diabetes Support Group
Education is the focus of the Diabetes Support Group. Members hear speakers discuss topics including diet, foot care, stress management and new medications.
Meetings: 7 p.m., fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. No meetings are scheduled in June, July and August.
Call: (704) 834-2251.

Dissociative Disorder (Multiple Personality) Group
Open-ended group. Counseling and assessment required. Cost based on sliding scale.
Meetings 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays at Family Service Inc. of Gaston County, 214 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia.
Call: (704) 864-7704.

Domestic Violence Treatment Group
A 12-week program sponsored by Family Service Inc. of Gaston County, 214 E. Franklin Blvd. Fee is $20 per session, assessment required.
Meetings: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays or 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays for 12 weeks
Call: (704) 864-7704, Wendy Whisnant

Fibromyalgia
This condition is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder causing discomfort in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fibrous tissues of the body. Members of the group share their experiences and learn effective coping skills.
Meetings: 7 p.m., second Tuesday of each month
Call: (704) 834-2138.

Gamblers Anonymous
Meets: 7:15 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Incarnation Lutheran Church, 6400 Old Reid Road, Charlotte
Call: (704) 552-4633

M.A.D.D.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, support group for people who have lost loved ones in wrecks caused by drunken drivers.
Meetings: 7 p.m., second Monday of each month, Gastonia City Police Dept., Long Ave.
Call: (704) 864-5179.

Mecklenburg Depressive/
Manic Depressive Association
Call: (704) 331-9500 for information.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Members receive general information and the special reassurance of relating to each other’s experiences.
Meetings: 10:30 a.m., third Saturday of the month at Gaston Memorial Hospital.
Call: (704) 834-5100.

Narcotics Anonymous
This group meets seven days a week at different locations in the Greater Gaston area.
Call: (800) 272-6184 for meeting times and locations.

Ostomy Club of Gaston County
Meetings: 7 p.m., third Monday of each month, 220 E. Franklin Blvd.
Call: (704) 864-1271.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Meetings: 7:30 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 258 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia or they can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 101, Gastonia 28052.
Call: (704) 629-4881 or fax o (704) 629-3151.

Parents on the Mend
For non-offending partners of sexually molested children
Meetings: 10:30 a.m. to noon, each Thursday at Family Services Inc. of Gaston County. Fee based on sliding scale.
Call: (704) 864-7704.

Parents Without Partners
Call: (704) 563-7458 for recorded listing of events and activities.

Parkinson’s Support Group
Provides information and support for patients with Parkinson’s Disease, their caregivers and families.
Meetings: 6:30 p.m., the first Monday of each month except in January and July.
Call: (704) 834-2251.

Time Out Youth Group
This is a support group for gay, lesbian and bisexual teens and young adults, ages 13 through 23.
Call: (704) 344-8335

Cornerstone Christian Center
Adult male residential alcohol/substance abuse, 120-day recovery center.
400 E. Fifth Ave., Gastonia, or write to P.O. Box 2074, Gastonia 28053.
Call: (704) 867-8749

Flynn Fellowship Home
Provides residential care to recovering alcoholic men through fellowship with other recovering alcoholics, counseling and Alcoholics Anonymous.
311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia
Call: (704) 865-9395.

Pathways MH/DD/SA
Helps residents deal with alcohol and drug-related problems.
2505 Court Drive, Gastonia 28054
Call: (704) 854-4830
Web: www.pathmhddsa.org

Insights and Recovery
DWI and substance abuse assessments and counseling.
359-D W. Main St., Gastonia 28052.
Call: (704) 868-8644

Narcotics Anonymous
Meets with recovering addicts on an anonymous basis. For more information, write P.O. Box 145, Belmont 28012
Call: (800) 272-6184, 24-hour hotline.

New Beginnings of the Southern Piedmont, LLC
Assessment, referral and counseling for individuals or groups for drug and alcohol abusers.
430 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Call: (704) 854-9102 for more information.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Gaston Intergroup and Al-Anon Family Services
Provides support groups to help cope with alcoholism. No fee.
212 South St., Gastonia.
Call: (704) 865-1561 for a schedule of meeting times and locations.

Serenity Club, 11 a.m.; Hwy 74W and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open discussion.

New Freedom Group, noon, Scout Hut, 502 Brooks St. Belmont; open discussion

Tri-City Alano Club/Lunch Group, noon, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

Stepping Stone Group, 12 noon; Flynn Home, 311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia; open book study.

Cup Group, 7:30 p.m., First ARP Church, 317 S. Chester St., Gastonia; closed discussion.

New Hope Group, 8 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, corner of Franklin and York streets, Gastonia; closed discussion.

Three Oaks Group, 8 p.m., 301 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia AA & Al-Anon; closed discussion; Big Book study, 8 p.m.

Mount Holly Group, 8 p.m., VFW Club, Madison Drive, Mount Holly; open speaker

Fairfield Group, 8 p.m., Methodist Church, Denver; closed discussion.

Serenity Club Meeting, 8 p.m., Hwy. 74 and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open book discussion

Serenity Club, 11 a.m., Hwy. 74 and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open discussion.

New Freedom Group, noon, Scout Hut, 302 Brooks St., Belmont; open discussion

Tri-City Alano Club/Lunch Group, noon, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

Stepping Stone Group, noon, Flynn Home, 311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia; open step study

Main Street Group, 8 p.m., Tri-City Alano Club, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open speaker

Basics Too, 8 p.m., Scout Hut, 302 Brooks St., Belmont; closed book study

The Gratitude Group, 8 p.m., Hwy. 74 and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open speaker

7&7 Group, 8 p.m., Recovery Center, 2505 Court Drive, Gastonia; open step study.

The Lawndale Group, 8 p.m., Bliss Center, Lawndale; open discussion

YANA, 8 p.m., for women only; St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, York and Franklin, Gastonia; closed discussion.

Bessemer City Group, 8 p.m., Community Center, 14th Street, Bessemer City; open discussion.

Lincolnton Group, 8 p.m., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Hwy. 150 North Lincolnton; open speaker.

Denver Group, 8 p.m., Bethel Methodist Church, Campground Road, Denver; closed discussion.

Dallas Group, 8 p.m., Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Gaston Church, Dallas; open discussion, also Alanon/Teen.

Serenity Club, 11 a.m., Hwy. 74 West and Bethlehem Road, Kings Mountain; open discussion.

New Freedom Group, noon, Scout Hut, 302 Brooks St., Belmont; open book study

Tri-City Anon Club/Lunch Group, noon, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

Stepping Stone Group, noon, Flynn Home, 311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia; open discussion.

Beginners Group, 8 p.m., Serenity Club, Shelby,;open step study

The Rankin Lake Group, 8 p.m., Gaston Baptist Association, Gastonia; closed discussion

The Belmont Group, 8 p.m., Scout Hut, 502 Brooks St., Belmont; open speaker

Beginners Group, 8 p.m., Sherrills Ford Presbyterian Church, Sherrills Ford; closed discussion

Lincolnton Group, 8 p.m., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Hwy. 150 North, Lincolnton; open discussion.

Cornerstone Group, 8 p.m., Cornerstone Christian Ministries, Fifth and Willow streets, Gastonia; open speaker.

Common Welfare Group, 8 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cherryville; closed discussion.

Main Street Group, 8 p.m., Tri-City Alano Club, 124 Depot St., Forest City, open step study

Serenity Club, 11 a.m., Hwy. 74 and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open discussion.

New Outlook Group, 11 a.m., women only, The Potters House, 1800 Burmil St., Ranlo; closed discussion.

New Freedom Group, noon, Scout Hut, 502 Brooks St., Belmont

Tri-City Club/Lunch Group, noon, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

Stepping Stone Group, noon, Flynn Home, 311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia; open discussion.

Uptown Group, 7:30 p.m., First Methodist Church, 190 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia; open discussion, last Thursday speaker.

Basics Too, 8 p.m., Scout Hut, 502 Brooks St., Belmont; closed step study

Bessemer City Group, 8 p.m., Community Center, 14th Street, Bessemer City; open speaker.

Fairfield Group, 8 p.m., Fairfield Methodist Church, Fairfield at Triangle, Denver; closed discussion.

Mount Holly Group, 8 p.m., VFW, Madison Drive, Mount Holly; open discussion.

The Fairfield Group, 8 p.m., Fairfield Drive at Triangle, Denver,; open speaker.

Firestone Group, 8 p.m., West Presbyterian Church, 1018 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia; closed discussion.

7&7 Group, 8 p.m., Recovery Center, 2505 Court Drive, Gastonia; open discussion.

Main Street Group, 8 p.m., Tri-City Alano Club, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open book

Serenity Club, 11 a.m., Hwy 74 and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open discussion.

New Freedom Group, noon, Scout Hut, 302 Brooks St., Belmont; open discussion

Tri-City Alano Club/Lunch Group, noon, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

Stepping Stone Group, noon, Flynn Home, 311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia; open discussion.

Recovery Center, noon, 110 Colonial Village Drive, Lincolnton; open discussion

Traditions Group, 8 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 258 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia; open discussion, open book last Friday of the month .

Mountaineer Group, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Kings Mountain; open speaker

Three Oaks Group, 8 p.m., Myers Memorial Methodist Church, 310 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia; open speaker.

Kings Mountain Group, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Hwy. 74 Business, Kings Mountain; open speaker.

Denver Group, 8 p.m., Bethel Methodist Church, Campground Road, Denver; open discussion.

El Viviendo Sobrio Group, Centro De Recuperacion, 2505 Court Drive, Gastonia; se habla Espanol.

Saturday Morning Group, 10 a.m., Holy Spirit Catholic, Hwy. 16, North West Port Community Center, Denver; discussion for women.

Serenity Club, 11 a.m., Hwy. 74 and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open discussion.

Tri-City Alano Club/Lunch Group, noon, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

Conscious Contact Group, noon, Scout Hut, Kenner Boulevard and Rook Street, Belmont; open discussion.

Main Street Group, 8 p.m., Triu-City Alano Club, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open speaker

Serenity Group, 8 p.m., Serenity Club, Shelby; open speaker

Cherryville Group, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 107 Academy St., Cherryville; speaker meeting.

Saint Michael’s Group, 8 p.m., School Building St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia; open speaker.

Stepping Stones Group, 8:30 a.m., Flynn Home, 311 S. Marietta St., Gastonia; open speaker

Serenity Club, 8.30 a.m., Hwy. 74 West and Bethlehem Road, Shelby; open discussion.

Main Street Group, 8 a.m., Tri-City Alano Club, 124 Depot St., Forest City; open discussion

7&7 Group, 1 p.m., Recovery Center, 2505 Court Drive, Gastonia; open speaker, Alanon.

Conscious Contact Group, 3 p.m., Scout Hut, 302 Brooks St., Belmont; open discussion.

Faith Group, 8 p.m., Lutheran Chapel, N. New Hope Road, Gastonia; open speaker

Kings Mountain Group, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Kings Mountain; open Big Book study.

The Red Door, 8 p.m., Civic Center, Pine Street, Lincolnton; open speaker

Main Street Group, 8 p.m., Tri-City Alano Club, 124 Depot St., Belmont; open discussion

Serenity Group, 8 p.m., Serenity Club, Shelby; open discussion

Alliance for Children and Youth
Promotes the comprehensive health and well-being of children and adolescents through education, family support services, advocacy and a variety of programs and workshops.
218 E. Franklin Blvd., P.O. Box 1695, Gastonia 28053-1695
Phone: (704) 867-3512

Gaston County Department of Social Services
Offers parenting classes for teens referred through the schools or the health department. The group meets monthly for peer support groups that focus on nutrition, development and self-esteem.
875 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
Phone: (704) 866-3613

Gaston County Health Department
Offers parenting classes for maternity patients who come to the health clinic. Other mothers may attend upon request. The classes are held in conjunction with Lamaze classes.
991 W. Hudson Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 853-5005

Pathways MH/DD/SA
Offers parenting classes two times a day on Tuesdays, from 10:30 a.m. to noon and again from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These are 10-week sessions with topics including child development, communication, discipline versus punishment, what’s appropriate at what stage for youngsters, power struggles between parent and child and more. Pre-registration required.
2505 Court Drive, next to Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia
Phone: (704) 867-4411
Web: www.pathmhddsa.org

Gaston Memorial Hospital
Offers a seven-week birth and parenting class for expectant parents. The class covers birthing options, infant care, child health and safety and breastfeeding.
2525 Court Drive, Gastonia
Phone: (704) 834-2229

Family Services Inc. of Gaston County
This agency offers a parenting class and a parent/child seminar as well as family and individual counseling.
214 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Phone: (704) 864-7704

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Parenting workshops are offered to schools, businesses, clubs and churches upon request. Topics may include discipline, keeping children safe at home, building self-esteem and more. The service offers free brochures on a variety of parenting issues.
Gaston County Citizens Resource Center on Highway 279 next to Biggerstaff Park, Dallas or mail to P.O. Box 476, Dallas 28034
Phone: (704) 922-0302

[  General Information | Fire Prevention ]
[  Community Assistance | Handicapped Services | Support Groups ]
[  Substance Abuse | Services for Aged | Parenting Support ]

Each day, an average of three kids die in home fires — 1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house fires each year. Ninety percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

Although smoke alarms are in 92 percent of American homes, nearly one-third don’t work because of old or missing batteries.

A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

There are simple changes that could save your life and protect you against a fire in your home. Measure your household safety with the following fire safety checklist.

Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

Fire experts nationwide encourage people to change smoke batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember to change your batteries is when you turn your clock forward in the spring. Replace old batteries with fresh, high quality alkaline batteries.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

After inserting a fresh battery in your smoke alarm, check to make sure the smoke alarm itself is working by pushing the safety test button.

Count Your Smoke Alarms

Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement and family room and most important, outside all bedrooms.

Vacuum Your Smoke Alarms

Each month, clean your smoke alarm of dust and cobwebs to ensure their sensitivity.

Change Your Flashlight Batteries

To make sure your emergency flashlights work when you need them, use high-quality alkaline batteries. Note: Keep a working flashlight near your bed, in the kitchen, basement and family room, and use it to signal for help in the event of a fire.

 Install Fire Extinguishers

Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it. Should you need to purchase one, experts recommend an all-purpose fire extinguisher that is listed by an accredited testing laboratory.

 Plan and Practice Your Escape

Create at least two different escape routes and practice them with the entire family. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire because they often become scared and confused during fires. Make sure your children understand that a smoke alarm signals a home fire and that they recognize its alarm.

Here are simple fire safety tips when you take care of children.

Protect yourself and the children you’re watching against fire by taking simple precautions.

Every household should have an escape plan. When you baby-sit, discuss what to do in case of fire with the adults in the household.

Be familiar with house. Learn all the exits, and know how to unlock doors and windows. Know two ways out of each room, especially bedrooms.

All households should have a meeting place outside where everyone gathers after escaping a fire. Have the adults show you the meeting place, and don’t confuse children with a different plan.

Discuss the escape plan and meeting place with the children. Make sure every child knows where to meet outside.

Be sure you know the location of a neighbor who will be home. In case of fire, you will have to call the fire department from the neighbor’s phone.

Keep anything that can burn, such as books, paper and clothing, at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from space heaters. Keep children away from space heaters, too.

Cook only if you have permission from the adults in the household. Never leave cooking unattended. Set a time to remind you to turn everything off.

Don’t let pot handles stick out over the edge of the stove. Turn them in to prevent spilling hot liquids.

Never put anything into a microwave unless you are absolutely sure it is safe. Paper, glass, and microwave-proof earthenware are safe. Metals, including aluminum foil, are not. Read and follow the instructions on all packaged microwave meals.

Keep children away from the microwave. be careful when removing covers from microwave containers; escaping steam can cause severe burns. Cool all foods sufficiently before serving them to children.

Never smoke while babysitting. If you find matched, lighters or other smoking materials, put them up high where children can’t see or reach them.

You should keep children in your sight every minute, until you are sure they are sound asleep. Even then, make sure you can hear them if they wake up.

In case of a fire, remember to call the fire department, don’t go back inside the house, and if you can’t get to the children call emergency services and tell them they are trapped inside.

Stop, Drop and Roll

If your clothing catches fire: Stop, don’t run. Drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over until the fire goes out. Babysitters may have to help children do this. Pull the child to the ground, and roll him or her over and over to smother the flames.

— National Fire Protection Association Information

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