Balanced Learning Center
Balanced Learning Center
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  • About Us
  • Meet Our Team
  • Place a Referral
  • Clinical Services
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  • Joanie's Place
  • FRPC
  • Consultation & Training
  • Community
  • BLC Shop
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Place a Referral
    • Clinical Services
    • Group Programs
    • Joanie's Place
    • FRPC
    • Consultation & Training
    • Community
    • BLC Shop
    • Contact Us

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Meet Our Team
  • Place a Referral
  • Clinical Services
  • Group Programs
  • Joanie's Place
  • FRPC
  • Consultation & Training
  • Community
  • BLC Shop
  • Contact Us

Welcome to Joanie's Place!

Who is Joanie?

Marilyn “Joanie” DiSano was the grandmother of one our Balanced Learning Center team members whom always had an open-door policy in her home. No matter who walked through her door, Joanie would always ensure there was a seat at the table. Joanie embodied kindness, humor, acceptance, and love in every aspect of her life and the way she treated others. Her supportive and joyful spirit is what inspired Joanie’s Place - a space where everyone is welcome and the door is always open.   

What We Do

Individual Services

Individual Services

Individual Services

Joanie's Place has designated clinicians who specialize and are trained in working with LGBTQIA+ people. We service children and adults through individual counseling services. You can use the information below to place a referral.

Community Events

Individual Services

Individual Services

Joanie's Place offers an array of youth-focused and inclusive social events throughout the year, including the first-ever LGBTQIA+ Youth Prom in Fall River! We encourage you to follow us on social media and check out the calendar below for updates on upcoming programs!

Group Programs

Educational Initiatives

Educational Initiatives

Facilitated by licensed clinical staff, we offer LGBQTIA+ youth groups for middle and high school students such as our LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Group and Gender Support Group. In addition to our clinical youth groups, we also provide caregivers of LGBTQIA+ youth with support group and training opportunities as well as after-school programs at multiple middle schools in Fall River. Each of our groups prioritize cultivating support systems, education and strengthening confidence. Check out the calendar below for more information on upcoming group opportunities! 

Educational Initiatives

Educational Initiatives

Educational Initiatives

Joanie's Place offers trainings pertaining to education about the LGBTQIA+ community in schools and service agencies. Our current offerings  for trainings include:


  • LGBTQIA+ 101
  • Understanding Gender
  • How to Create Affirming Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Clients
  • Gender and Sexuality throughout the Lifespan


All presentations can be modified to suit the needs of the agency and/or school we are presenting at. Interested in scheduling a training? Contact us using the information below!

Upcoming Events

Support Our Mission

Here at Joanie's Place, we are so proud to provide a safe and supportive space for all LGBTQIA+ people in Greater Fall River. The majority of our programs and events are free and/or low cost to ensure we are as accessible to the community as possible. As a fairly new program, we rely heavily on donations to facilitate our services and events. If you feel so inclined to donate, you can do so using the button below. Unable to donate? Spreading the word about us is a huge help too!  

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

Photo Gallery

    Contact Us

    We always encourage ideas, suggestions and/or feedback on our programs and services. Feel free to drop us a line!

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    Interested in visiting? Schedule an appointment!

    45 Rock Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720, United States

    joanies.placeblc@gmail.com 774-654-0631

    Connect With Us

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