Do you have a local community college? Some of them have no fee quilt classes.
Also check and see if you have a local sewing machine shop, possibly one that sells Janomes, Berninas etc. They would know about all the local quilting groups in your area, quilt shows etc where you could go to meet people. They might have a bulletin board that you can find info on or leave a card of your own asking for someone to call you.
Good luck, keep us posted on your adventures to finding friends to quilt with