CRISIS/SUPPORT GROUPS

Aging Information Line. 741-5244. A 24-hour telephone service that links persons at least 60 years old with social services.

The AIDS Arms Network. 521-5191. Referral/case management organization that refers persons with AIDS and AlDS-related complex to agencies that can provide assistance in any area, including medical care, housing, counseling, assistance with funeral planning, and legal assistance. AIDS Anns networks with 40 affiliated organizations.

AIDS Information and Resource Center. 521-5124. Provides food and clothing for people with AIDS, as well as financial help with rent, car repairs, etc., until Social Security benefits go into effect. Provides speakers for any groups interested in finding out more about AIDS and publishes a newspaper, AIDS update. The hot line number is 559-AIDS.

Alcoholics Anonymous. 239-4599. A fellowship of alcoholic men and women who share their experiences with those who want to stop drinking, Members an available to anyone who calls. AA is non-denominational and dedicated to the treatment of alcoholism.

American Association of Retired Persons. 361-3060. Will help anyone over 50 with health, auto, and home insurance, age discrimination, and legal and banking questions. They also publish a magazine called Modern Maturity. Chapters meet monthly. $5 membership fee.

American Red Cross. 871-2175. Provides disaster aid and services to military personnel, their families, and veterans; offers courses in CPR, first aid. preparation for parenthood, babysitting skills, boating safety, swimming, and leadership skills to youths ages 12 to 18.

Association for Retarded Citizens of Dallas. 634-9810. Provides information and support to people who are mentally retarded and their families, and promotes their interests in the community. Services include individual and systems advocacy, information and referral, parent and professional education, transition services, life skills classes, social activities for retarded adults, and short- and long-term respite care. Bimonthly newsletter, lending library, and speakers bureau available.

Big Brothers and Sisters of Metropolitan Dallas. 871-0876. A non-profit organization that matches adults with children from single-parent families to form one-on-one relationships. Age requirements: boys 7-14: girls 6-15; adult volunteers must be at least 19.

Child Abuse Hotline. (817) 640-6200. For reporting child abuse and neglect to (he Texas Department of Human Services.

CONTACT Telephone Counseling. Contact line 233-2233; Contact-Teen line 233-TEEN. A comprehensive telephone service that offers listening, counseling, and crisis intervention. Also offers emergency aid for food, transportation, shelter, road service, bus tickets, and prescription medicine, within an hour, for anyone who needs help. The contact lines are open 24 hours every day and are staffed by trained volunteers.

Crime Prevention. 670-4427. The Dallas Police Department will show homeowners or businesses how to make (heir buildings burglar-proof for free. It also offers programs on rape and assault prevention, neighborhood crime watch, and employee-crime prevention.

Dallas County Rape Crisis and Child Sexual Abuse Center. 653-8740. Provides therapy for rape victims and children who have been sexually abused. Will videotape sexual assault validation for evaluation purposes for children 10 and under. Hot line staffed 24 hours. Services provided free to Dallas County residents.

Easter Seals Society for Children. 358-5261. Provides outpatient services through its centers in Dallas and Carroll-ton for children, newborn to 16, with physical and developmental disabilities. Offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy, audiology, psychiatric and social services, educational services, and medical clinics.

Family Gateway. 741-6515. Provides a 30-day stay for homeless families that qualify under its guidelines. Also provides job-training classes, hot meals, medical and dental care, legal help, and clothing.

Family Outreach Richardson-Plano Inc. 231-6584. Funded through the Texas Department of Human Services and community support, (he program is a volunteer organization for strengthening families and for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Volunteers work with individual clients, and a speakers’ bureau provides programs on teaching children the toots to prevent sexual abuse. Also offers parenting classes.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). 637-0372. A victim support and education group for (hose who have been injured or have lost loved ones to drunk drivers. Although not associated with MADD, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) has been organized at various local high schools.

Oak Lawn Community Services. 520-8108 Offers general low-cost counseling for individuals, families, and groups for all types of problems. Also offers AIDS counseling at no cost for people with AIDS, a drug and alcohol abuse recovery program for homosexuals, as well as a buddy project and transportation.

Parents Without Partners. 556-0908. Single parents with children (custody not required) meet several limes each month for socializing and support. Parental status must be verified. $37 per year.

Pastoral Counseling and Education Center. 5264525. Offers a variety of counseling, including individual, family, and group counseling and play therapy for children, Also offers seminars and workshops on a variety of subjects, including surviving traumas, co-dependency, and child abuse.

Suicide and Crisis Center. 828-1000. Phones are staffed 24 hours with counselors trained in suicide prevention. Support groups and/or references are available for family and friends of suicide victims. Speakers’ bureaus offer presentations and community workshops to the public on suicide prevention.