Ongoing Programs, Support Groups and Activities

The Polk County Kids’ Directory has put together this listing of community groups and programs that meet on a regular basis. Looking for great story times around central Florida? Need to get connected with other parents or find an activity for your child? Scroll down to find something for your family. Please verify times and locations with each group. They are subject to change or postpone, especially during Holidays.

Auburndale:

HANNAH’S PRAYER offers support for those dealing with miscarriage, the loss of a child, primary/secondary infertility and the wait of an adoption. The group meets at 7-8:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Crossroads Community Church, 2583 Thornhill Road. Call 666-9558 or 967-6252 for more information.

Bartow:

“HEADS UP" is a faith-based information and support for parents of youth 8-18 years old facilitated by mental health workers and other professionals. Sponsored by Phoenix Hope Foundation. It meets at 7 p.m. third Tuesdays at First Baptist Church. Call 409-5049 for more information.

PARENTS’ SUPPORT GROUP meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Families of Polk County, 595 W. Main St. Assists families with children in crisis, typically teenagers who are misbehaving in school, have substance abuse problems or are in the juvenile justice system. An Alcoholics Anonymous sponsored Young People’s LGroup meets at the same time. Call (863) 519-0723 for more information.

Crafty Kids meets every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at Bartow Public Library,
2150 S. Broadway Avenue. Stories, Crafts Fun! (Ages Pre-K - 2nd graders). There is no registration required, just come as you can. Storytime is a great way to introduce children to the joy of books and reading, while inspiring a love of language and art. Storytime offers lively read alouds, storytelling, and related songs and crafts. It also offers the opportunity for social interaction with children of the same age. Call (863) 534-0131 for more information.

Lakeland:

Mommy & Me Mornings are special at Art Gecko...Come in this week and create a handprint plate for mom, grandma, that special teacher or anyone else important to you!  Your masterpiece promises to be as unique as your child and treasured by those who receive it. Please remember, we are here to assist you and have a book especially designed with handprints and feetprints too!  No reservation needed, just come in and enjoy your time together! We are located at 6645 S. Florida Ave. in the Shoppes of Christina plaza. Call (863) 646-8282.

SIBLING COURSE is designed to help a child adjust to having a new baby in the family. For children 4 years old and older. Call 687-1100, Ext. 2097 to register.

Parents Rallying for Individuals with Disabilities Everywhere! (P.R.I.D.E.) is a support network for families and caregivers of children with disabilities, ages birth to 21 years. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Call 701-1151, Ext. 138 or 686-1221, Ext. 228.

A PLACE FOR GRACE helps families after the loss of an infant or young child. Call 294-8845 for appointment.

PARENTING SUPPORT FOR SINGLE MOMS offers child care for ages birth to fifth grade during the meeting at 5 p.m. on Sundays at Crestview Baptist Church, 6959 Old Polk City Road. Call 858-3314 or 559-1822.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDKIDS is a facilitated support group for grandparents to discuss issues, needs and resources available to them. The group meets at 12:30 p.m. second Fridays at Lake Morton Senior Center, 90 Lake Morton Drive. Call 640-5474.

DIVORCE CARE FOR KIDS
meets 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Victory Assembly of God, 1401 Griffin Road. Call 859-6000 for more information.

MOMMY & ME PLAY DATE meets every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at GymEtc, 3222 Winter Lake Rd. Children, ages one to five, and their parents can enjoy fun activities in a clean and safe environment. Cost is $4 per child and $3 for siblings. Call (863) 667-1281 or visit www.gymetc.org for more information.

A DIFFERENTLY ABLED PARENT SUPPORT GROUP (ADAPS) offers support and resources to families and caregivers of children with disablitities, ages birth to 21 years. They meet the last Tuesday of each month at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Call Kim Ellis at (863) 701-1151, ext. 152 or Nicole Torres at (863) 686-1221, ext. 228 for more information.

MOMMY AND ME meets 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays at Family Fundamentals Building, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Education and support for parents in the care of their baby from birth to one year. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME for four and five-year-olds
is an interactive program of stories, songs, finger-plays and more for you and your child to enjoy together! It meets
Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Drive. Call (863) 834-4268 for more information.

MOMMY AND ME “TWO” meets 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Family Fundamentals Building, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Social group provides support and education for parents of toddlers up to two years of age. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

TODDLER TIME is designed for toddlers, ages two and three, and meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m. It meets in the meeting room of the Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Drive. Call (863) 834-4268 for more information.

LAKELAND PARENTS OF MULTIPLES meets second Thursdays at Faith Lutheran Church, 211 Easton Drive. Provides support for parents of multiple birth children. Speakers of general interest, playgroups and family activities. Visit www.lakelandpom.com, or e-mail lpommembership@yahoo.com for more information.

PARENT AND CHILD TOGETHER TIME (PACT) meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. This group allows parent and child (ages 2-3) to meet together with others in guided group activities. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM meets at the Youth Academic Center in Lakeland, Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. This free after-school program offers open enrollment for students grades K-12. Transportations, tutorial, computer classes, parenting workshops, and Spanish classes Provided. Call Lavonne Bradley at 294-0565 for more information.

YOU AND ME PLAYGROUP meets Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Two to three year olds can learn to interact in a group setting while still being near their care giver. Registration required. Call 683-6504.

MOTHER GOOSE TIME meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Lakeland Public Library. This is a lap-sit program for babies under two-years-old that includes rhymes and songs. Call 834-4280.

MY PLAY & LEARN TIME meets Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. This program for 3 to five-year-olds and a caregiver provides school readiness activities. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS at Family Fundamentals offers parenting classes, child birth preparation, car seat installation, smoking cessation, first aid and CPR, anger management. They meet at 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Call (863) 686-1221 for days and times.

SAFE KIDS CHAPTER meets 10:30 a.m. third Mondays at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Dedicated to the prevention of childhood injury by developing prevention strategies. Call Lou Jorden at (863) 686-1221, Ext. 247. for more information.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH COURSES classes on weekdays, Saturdays and special classes for teenagers at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Call (863) 687-1100, Ext. 2097 to register or for more information.

TUESDAY TRUNK TALES meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Children ages three to five participate along with a caregiver in story and school readiness activity time. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

BABY SAFE/CHILD SAFE COURSE meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd. This is an American Heart Association Infant/Child CPR course. COST: $23 per person, $40 per couple. Call (863) 687-1100, Ext. 2097 to register.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS includes sotry and school readiness activity for children ages three to five and an adult caregiver. It meets Wedensdays at 9: 30 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

BREAST FEEDING CLASS
LAKELAND -- Assists new mothers in successful breast feeding. WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m. third Mondays and 9:3011:30 a.m. select Saturdays Lakeland Regional Medical Center, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd. 687-1100, Ext. 2097 to register.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT teaches children ages three to five and their adult caregiver creative movement. Class also includes 45 minutes of school readiness activity. It meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Call (863) 284-1685 for more information.

BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT
La Leche League offers information and encouragement to women who want to breast feed their babies. WHEN: 10 a.m. first Mondays, 6 p.m. second Mondays Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Call 680-1118 for information.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL (NAMI) supports and encourages family and friends of the mentally ill. It meets second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

TUTORING through Ameriorps and the Learning Resource Center. We can help your child, Kindergarten through third grade, in reading, math or science. Tutoring is free or reduced cost based on sliding sclae. Call (863) 688-9477 for more information.

PARENTING CLASS offered by Healty Families of Polk. Must call to register. Call (863) 603-6461.

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION offered by Polk County Health Department. Class is seven weeks long and registration is required. Cost: $20. Call Lou Jordan at (863) 686-1221, ext. 247.

CO-PARENTING seminar for parents going through divorce, custody battle or paternity action.Tickets are $25; reservations required. Call (863) 534-4698. WINTER HAVEN -- 1 p.m. third Mondays, Northeast Government Center, No. 7, 3425 Lake Alfred Road. BARTOW -- 6 p.m. fourth Tuesdays Polk County Courthouse. LAKELAND -- 9:30 a.m. third Fridays, Larry Jackson Branch Lakeland Public Library.

AUTISM support through PEACE (Parental Encouragement for Autistic Children Everywhere) educates, empowers and provides support to families with children on the autism spectrum. Free respite care available. Meets 6-8 p.m. first Tuesdays, Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

ADOPTION SUPPORT through Forever Families of Polk County. They offer support for adoptive parents, both domestic and international, and for those interested in or working on adoption. Also play group for children. Meets 6 p.m. first Fridays, 77 Woodside Drive. Call Selina at (863) 648-0242 or (863) 529-3352, or Denise at (863) 644-1378 for more information.

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF POLK COUNTY meets every Thursday, 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Highland City, 5410 Yarborough Lane. During group meetings we intend to have professional speakers talk with us, have different organizations give us information to resources that we may not know about, and obviously create an atmosphere where all families feel welcomed and apart of something great! Our goal is to create an atmosphere where we can share ideas, information, and similar experiences through our children. Call (863) 661-1735 for more information.

PARENTING GROUP FOR MOMSmeets Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at various locations throughout Polk County. This is an active group of moms who gets together for walking, play dates, birthdays, moms' night out, field trips and more. For more information, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lakeland_Moms_On_the_move

Winter Haven

SIBLING PREPARATION CLASS
meets at Regency Medical Center. COST: $5. Call 294-7020 for dates and times. Pre-registration required.

FIRST MONTHS CLUB
FOR PARENTS is informal sharing as well as information on topics such as sleeping, feeding, safety, and growth and development. Babies welcome, birth to 24 months old. Group meets at 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Regency Medical Center, 101 Ave. O S.E. Call 294-7020.

Club Fabulous! meets every Wednesday 6:30 p.m. at The Ladies Lounge, 145 Avenue A SE. A beauty club for those who love beauty! Mags, books, tips, great salons, scary salons, products, hair, make up, style, health, etc! This is an ongoing event. Please call (863) 299-9355 for upcoming schedule/details.

PARENTING CLASS offered by Winter Haven Behavioral Health. Must call to register. Call (863) 291-3611.

BABY BIZ meets at Regency Medical Center, 101 Ave. O S.E., for this four-hour class. Pre-registration required. Call 294-7020 for more information.

BREAST FEEDING PREPARATION CLASSES
helps expectant parents learn ways to get the breast feeding experience off to the best start. Class meets at Regency Medical Center. Call 294-7020 for class times and to register.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH COURSES at Regency Medical Center offers a five-week series and a two-week refresher series. Address is 101 Ave. O S.E. Call 294-7020 to register.

Lake Wales

BABY BOOKWORM meets Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Gardens Lane. This new program is a lap-sit story time for pre-walkers. The program will provide adult-child interaction for babies and their caregivers. This infant lap-sit story time is for pre-walking infants and their parent or caregiver. Each session provides adult-child interaction, simple stories, songs, action rhymes, and more. Come and share lullabies and stories. Call (863) 678-4004 for more information.

WIGGLES AND GIGGLES was created for walkers through age four and their caregivers. Each session is a fun introduction to books, fingerplays, action songs, and rhymes. Wiggles and Giggles meets Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Gardens Lane. Call (863) 678-4004 for more information.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Gardens Lane. Please join us for stories, songs, activities, crafts and fun! There is no fee to join in the fun and pre-registration is not required. All that is needed is you! Call (863) 678-4004 for more information.

CHESS meets Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 11:30 a.m. at Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Gardens Lane. Sharpen your chess skill or just learn the basics. Get your brain in gear with Coach Leland Fenner. Call (863) 678-4004 for more information.

FRENCH FOR CHILDREN is available at the Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Gardens Lane. "French for Kids" for elementary age children and "Intermediate French" for middles schoolers. Karine Madaus, Librarian Assistant, teaches the classes. Karine is a native of France. Call Mrs. Madaus, (863) 678-4004, for current times and registration information.