Soroptimist: Soroptimist International of Federal Way is an organization of women providing volunteer service to improve the lives of women and girls. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Vince’s Restaurant in Federal Way. New members welcome. Call Carol Stanley at (253) 838-3511.

Survivors Of Suicide Support Group: Support groups in both Tacoma and Auburn offer support for survivors of suicide. In Tacoma, the group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every first and third Monday of each month at Life Center Church located on South 19th Street and South Union Avenue. For more information, call Kathy at (253) 446-6500. The Auburn Group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at the Auburn Fire Station located on D Street and 15th Avenue. For more information, call Joan at (253) 838-8947.

Quilting Guild: Crazy Quilters of Federal Way group meets 6 to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday at Evergreen Lodge Retirement Home, 31002 14th Ave. S. New members and visitors welcome. Contact: (253) 833-8302.

Gay and lesbian support: There is a new Christian support group for family members of lesbians and gays. For more information, call Rev. Mark Bonnema at (253) 736-4425. The program is a ministry of Marine View Presbyterian Church.

Mental illness: The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grass-roots organization created to support families dealing with all types of mental conditions. Bipolar, schizophrenia, major despression, Alzheimer’s, etc. are some of the common mental issues facing one out of five families today. NAMI spends a lot of time fighting for better coverage from insurance companies, trying to improve the methods for dealing with the mentally ill, educating families and trying to raise awareness and break the stigma attached to mental illness. Call Shelley Merryfield at (253) 945-7157 or visit NAMI.org.

Messies Anonymous: A free 12-step group for those with too much clutter. Weekly meetings in Des Moines and other Puget Sound locations. Call Elizabeth at (206) 248-2922.

Country club: Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club announced its 2008 membership drive. To learn more, call Carol at (253) 838-0432.

FW history: The Federal Way Historical Society needs help with its newsletter, filing, typing oral stories and year-round society activities. The society holds its board meeting at 9:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month. To learn more, e-mail hsfwassist@yahoo.com or call Barb Barney at (253) 945-7842.

Military family support: Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings in Federal Way for military spouses and adult family members who have a military member in their life deployed, soon to leave or has recently returned. Topics of the group will include deployment concerns, parenting needs, self-care and relationship challenges. This group is free and confidential. Childcare is available. Services are provided by Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation, Veterans Services Program, 33301 1st Way S., Federal Way. To register, call (253) 661-6634, Ext. 145.

Veterans clinic: The Veterans Affairs Community Based Outreach Clinic in Federal Way serves veterans from the South King County area. The clinic opened last September at 34617 11th Place S. and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more, call (253) 336-4142.

Hospital helpers: The St. Francis Hospital Women’s Auxiliary is open to women of all ages with an interest in supporting hospital and community programs. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month at St. Francis Hospital. Call Toni Myhre at (253) 944-4176.

Al Anon: Al Anon, a support group for friends and families of alcoholics meets at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. There is also an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting at the same time and place. To learn more, call (253) 839-5200.

30th District Democrats: Group meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. To learn more, call (253) 661-2287 or e-mail chair@30thdemocrats.com. Also visit www.30thdemocrats.com.

30th District Republicans: Group meets 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Intellipass building, 1925 S. 341st Place, Federal Way. To learn more, call (253) 839-8048 or e-mail waltschrader@yahoo.com. Also visit www.fwgop.org.

Domestic violence: Coordinated Community Response Against Domestic Violence (CCRADV) promotes family peace in King and Pierce counties. This nonprofit organization is based in Federal Way and is always looking for volunteers and board members, especially male board members. To learn more, call (253) 929-1529 or e-mail ccradv@comcast.net.

Radio club: The Federal Way Amateur Radio Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Federal Way Church of Christ’s Teen Center, 29904 Military Road. Directions to our meeting place and other club information can be found online at http://fwarc.org.

Flute circle: The Wind Spirit Flute Circle invites the public to participate in exploring the Native American flute. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate or just listen. The circle meets at 6:30 to 9 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. Free private lessons are offered 6:30 to 7 p.m. before the circle meeting. Call Cheryl Phillips at (253) 568-6689.

Cats: Top Cats 4-H Club is designed to teach Federal Way children how to care for and show their cats. Call Karen Martin at (253) 839-1437.

Foster and Foster/Adoptive parents: Support group for potential and current foster and foster adoptive parents. Child care and light refreshments are provided. The Federal Way Support HUB meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at New Heart Church 33415 Military Rd S. To learn more, e-mail btinaj@comcast.net or call (206) 206-271-3750.

Jet Cities Chorus: The Jet Cities Chorus encourages interested women to attend a rehearsal of this local chapter of Sweet Adelines International. The chorus sings four-part, a cappella harmony, and offers continuing training and education to its members. All voice parts needed; all skill levels encouraged. Rehearsals are 7 p.m. Mondays at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2415 S. 320th St., Federal Way. For more information, visit www.jetcities.org or call (206) 406-1360.

Overeaters Anonymous: If food has become a problem, Overeaters Anonymous offers free weekly support meetings. The group gathers at 7 p.m. every Monday at 32300 1st Ave S. in Federal Way. No fees, dues, weigh-ins or diets are associated with Overeaters Anonymous. For more information, call (206) 264-5045 or (253) 472-5356.

Gamblers: Does gambling have you defeated? There is help! Call (888) 424-3577 for a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in your community.

Performing arts center: Anyone interested in being involved in the process of establishing a performing arts venue in Federal Way should call Joann Piquette at (253) 839-4389 or e-mail Jodawg@Juno.com.

PFLAG meeting: The South King County Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month at Unitarian-Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. To learn more, call (206) 325-7724.

Join the auxiliary: The St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary is open to women of all ages with an interest in supporting hospital and community programs. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month at the St. Francis medical office building. A summer social for all members will begin Aug. 20. To learn more, call (253) 944-4176.

Kiwanis: Kiwanis Club of Greater Federal Way meets 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Denny’s restaurant on 320th Street in Federal Way. We would like you to join us. Contact president Donavan Knight at (253) 719-8257 or Wayne Moritz at (253) 941-0354. Visit www.greaterfedwaykiwanis.org. The group’s main focus is to serve youth.

Mensa: Social club for those who enjoy stimulating conversation, fun events and a sense of family. Members meet regularly for dinner, game nights and other special events. A score in the top 2 percent on an accepted IQ test is required for membership. Submit your score from a previous test, or take the Mensa test. Tests will be held in October and November throughout Oregon and Washington. To register, contact testing@oregon.us.mensa.org. To learn more about Mensa, visit www.us.mensa.org or call (866) 239-7548.

Grief support: Widowed Information and Consultation Services, a non-sectarian group offers support to anyone coping with the death of their spouse or partner. The group meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at Village Green Retirement Campus, Fairfield Building, 35451 1st Ave. S., Federal Way. Call (206) 241-5650.

More grief support: Good Samaritan hospital is now offering a grief and loss support group. The group will meets 1 to 3 p.m. every Monday at the Auburn Senior Center, 808 9th St. S.E., Auburn. Group meetings will conclude Sept. 24. This resource is available to any adult who has lost a loved one. Space is limited, so registration is required. To register call Dana Neil at (253) 697-7136 or e-mail dana.neil@goodsamhealth.org.

Lions: The Federal Way Lions Club meets at noon the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Denny’s on South 320th Street. To learn more, call Bob Darrigan at (253) 874-4282.

Baha’is: The Federal Way Baha’is hold a variety of events all year and invite residents to join the fun. To learn more, call Jan Teal at (206) 790-1865 or visit http://bci.org/federalwaybahai/.

Book groups: The Federal Way 320th Library hosts regular book discussion groups. The Multicultural Book Group meets at 7 p.m. every second Wednesday each month. The Between the Covers Afternoon Book Discussion Group meets at 1 p.m. on the final Monday of each month. New members are welcome to both groups. The 320th branch library is located at 848 S. 320th Street. For more information about upcoming programs, visit www.kcls.org and click on “Programs.”

Rotary: The Federal Way Sunrise Rotary meets at 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Marie Callendar’s Restaurant, 31920 Gateway Center Blvd. S. To learn more, call president Byron Hiller at (206) 718-2715. The Federal Way Rotary Club meets at noon every Thursday. To learn more, call Lisa Skari at (206) 870-3705.

Angel Care: Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation offers free emotional support to those who have been newly diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery during treatment. Volunteers are available in Federal Way who can attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments. For more information, visit www.angelcarefoundation.org, call (877) 861-5655 or e-mail angelcare3@aol.com.

Homeschool Support Association: Local homeschool parents meet from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Thursday at First Baptist Church, 30029 16th Ave. S. in Federal Way. For information, call (253) 661-8182 or visit www.hsa-wa.org.

Women’s Club: The Women’s Club of Federal Way will host its monthly at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. For reservations or to learn more, call (253) 838-6753 or (253) 839-3519.

Bible study: A women’s Bible study will meet at 7 p.m. every other Thursday at nine Lakes Baptist Church, 1631 S. 330th St., Federal Way. Event includes worship, discussion and refreshments. No child care at this time. To learn more, call Carol Gill at (253) 835-3395 or e-mail carolccfw@comcast.net.

Alzheimer’s support group: A support group for caregivers who are caring for people with memory loss meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every first Wednesday of the month at the Federal Way Professional Plaza, located at 31919 6th Ave. S., Suite A-100. For more information, call Arta at (253) 534-7044.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group: Those diagnosed with or suspect they have interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, can learn how local practitioners are treating the disease and with what treatments they are having success. Meet others in your local community who share your challenge. Support group meets from 6 to 7 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at the St. Francis Hospital Outpatient Center (Jeff and LeAnne Stock) Conference room at 34515 9th Ave. S. To learn more, call Dana Andersen at (888) 323-6700, Ext. 3094.

Orchid Society: The Greater Federal Way Orchid Society hosts monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday at Kloshe Illahee meeting lodge located at 2500 S. 370th St. Meetings end before 9 p.m. For more information, call (253) 946-2300.

Town Criers: Town Criers Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. every Thursday at Highline Community College, located at 33320 First Way S., Building A. Visitors to these ongoing meetings are welcome. For more information, call (253) 835-0142.

Small business: “Pathways to Prosperity” Business Networking International (BNI) chapter meets 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday at Vince’s Italian Restaurant, 32411 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way. Small business owners are welcome to visit. E-mail Laura Clark at lauraclark@johnlscott.com or call (253) 569-3519.

American Legion: The American Legion meets at 7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month at Brooklake Community Center, located at 726 S. 356th St. In the event of holidays, meetings are postponed until the following Tuesday. The group is seeking new members and invites all members to attend. For more information, call (253) 927-3056.

Model railroad club: Tacoma Northwest Model Railroad Club currently has about 20 active members. Membership in the club is open to all who have an interest in model railroading. To learn more, visit www.tnwmrr.org or call (253) 568-1011.

Panic Relief: The nonprofit group Panic Relief hosts seminars for those seeking to overcome fears, anxiety and agoraphobia. Programs are from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, contact director Judy Schiffman at (732) 940-9658.