Our Programs
Discover Our Programs:We offer a range of activities to support stroke survivors and caregivers. Join our Weekly Support Group for peer encouragement and our Caregiver Breakout Session to focus on caregivers’ unique needs. On alternating Tuesdays, work on everyday functional skills in a dedicated Occupational Therapy Sessionor build strength and mobility in our Movement & Balance Classes — both offered at 1–2 PM. Enjoy low-impact exercise in Aquatic Therapy, improve communication skills with Speech Therapy, and explore creativity in our Creative Arts Workshop. Connect with others at the Friendship Bench or join us for group outings and cultural events through our Community & Enrichment programs.
Click the links to jump straight to each program section and learn more.
Our programs welcome survivors and caregivers at many stages of the recovery journey. To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all members, participants should be able to independently manage personal care during sessions — or be accompanied by a caregiver who can assist. Not sure if a program is the right fit? Give us a call at 419-800-5433 — we'd love to talk it through.
Weekly Support Group
Wednesdays | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Temporary Location:
Mercy Health St. Anne Hospital 3rd Floor Conference Room
3404 W. Sylvania Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43623
Join us each week for our Support Group Meetings—an open and welcoming space where stroke survivors and caregivers can connect, share, and encourage one another on the journey of life after stroke.
Can’t make it in person? You’re welcome to join us on Zoom!
Zoom Link: Click Here!
Meeting ID: 883 1177 0323
Passcode: 709779
Our weekly group offers a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where participants can find support, encouragement, and hope. It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect with others who understand the journey, share your story, explore new approaches, and build lasting friendships.
Each session provides time for open discussion, emotional support, and practical advice. Topics often include:
• Coping with physical, emotional, and cognitive changes
• Navigating the healthcare system and post-stroke resources
• Setting goals and celebrating progress
• Supporting independence and adjusting to new routines
• Managing stress, motivation, and mental health
The group is facilitated by our Co-Founder and Executive Director, who is also a stroke survivor. Her firsthand experience brings empathy, strength, and hope to every session—fostering an atmosphere of trust, empowerment, and shared understanding.
Caregiver Breakout Session
To better support the unique needs of caregivers, a dedicated Caregiver Breakout Session is held during the regular weekly support group meeting on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
Caring for a stroke survivor is uniquely different from other caregiving roles. This journey can be hopeful, demanding, exhausting, and inspiring—all at once. Caregivers often risk neglecting their own health while supporting someone who may improve, adapt, and relearn skills over time.
Our caregiver sessions offer a judgment-free space to:
Share experiences and receive emotional support
Learn strategies for maintaining balance and personal well-being
Exchange resources and practical advice
Build lasting friendships with others who understand the journey
Laugh, cry, vent, and find renewed strength
Caregiving goals include promoting patient safety, encouraging maximum independence, and communicating with patience and compassion—while also prioritizing self-care and mental wellness.
You don’t have to do it alone. Join us to reconnect with your purpose, refill your cup, and walk this road with others who truly understand.
Tuesday programs alternate weekly: Occupational Therapy meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, and Movement & Balance Classes meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, both at 1–2 PM.
Occupational Therapy
1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 1–2 PM | Typically offered in the fall
Stroke Life Center
2200 Jefferson Ave., 4-A OMOM Wing
Toledo, OH 43604
Dedicated Occupational Therapy (OT) sessions are offered seasonally—typically in the fall—led by OT students under professional supervision. These sessions focus on relearning or adapting the everyday tasks that matter most: grooming, dressing, cooking, writing, and more.
Because our OT schedule is built around student availability, session dates are posted when confirmed. Sign-up is required—check the calendar or contact us to find out when the next sessions are scheduled.
Many of our members attend with a family member or friend, and caregivers are always welcome. If you'll need help with mobility equipment or personal care during the session, please plan to bring someone who can assist — it's a great way to experience the center together.
Movement & Balance Classes
Our Movement & Balance Classes help stroke survivors rebuild strength, improve mobility, and regain confidence in everyday movement—all at no cost to participants.
Classes are guided by trained staff and incorporate elements of both movement rehabilitation and everyday functional skills, so participants are always working on things that matter in real life. Sessions are encouraging and progress-driven, with no pressure to keep up.
• Movement focus — exercises to improve strength, coordination, and endurance to support daily function and reduce fall risk.
• Balance focus — activities designed to improve stability, body awareness, and confidence in movement
Many of our members attend with a family member or friend, and caregivers are always welcome. If you'll need help with mobility equipment or personal care during the session, please plan to bring someone who can assist — it's a great way to experience the center together.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Therapy offers stroke survivors and caregivers the opportunity to move, exercise, and build confidence in a supportive warm-water environment. The buoyancy of the water helps reduce stress on joints while providing gentle resistance that can improve strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, and mobility.
Whether you are continuing your recovery journey or simply looking for a safe way to stay active, Aquatic Therapy provides an encouraging setting where participants can work at their own pace while connecting with others who understand the challenges of life after stroke.
No swimming experience is required. Participants should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if aquatic exercise is appropriate for their individual needs.
Participant Information:
BAM requires all participants to rinse off before entering the pool. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow time for this requirement. Aquatic Therapy begins promptly at 1:00 PM.
Speech Therapy
At the Stroke Life Center, our Speech Therapy program is led by a licensed speech therapist who brings both expertise and compassion to every session. Designed specifically for stroke survivors, this program helps participants rebuild essential communication skills—whether that means improving speech clarity, strengthening memory, or regaining confidence in everyday conversations. Beyond language, our therapy also supports cognitive functions like problem-solving and comprehension, helping survivors reconnect with loved ones and re-engage in daily life.
Because every survivor’s journey is unique, our therapist tailors strategies to individual goals, creating a supportive and encouraging environment where progress—big or small—is celebrated. Offered at no cost, our Speech Therapy program empowers survivors not only to find their voice again, but also to rediscover a greater sense of independence and connection.
Creative Arts Workshop
The Creative Arts Workshop gives stroke survivors and caregivers a joyful, low-pressure space to explore creativity, express themselves, and connect with others. No artistic experience is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to try something new.
Each session offers hands-on creative activities designed to support cognitive engagement, fine motor skills, and emotional well-being. Beyond the studio, we also enjoy occasional field trips to the art museum, where participants find fresh inspiration and a shared sense of community outside our walls.
Friendship Bench
The Friendship Bench is a welcoming space where stroke survivors and caregivers can sit together, connect, and engage in meaningful conversation. Designed to support mental acuity and emotional well-being, the program encourages social interaction, memory building, and peer-to-peer support. Whether sharing stories, practicing communication, or simply enjoying companionship, the Friendship Bench helps participants strengthen both minds and friendships in a safe, uplifting environment.
Community & Enrichment
Life after stroke is about more than therapy—it’s about joy, connection, and shared experiences. Our community and enrichment programs include group outings, social activities, and cultural field trips, such as visits to the art museum or local sporting events. These opportunities help survivors and caregivers build friendships, stay engaged, and rediscover the simple joys of life together.
