Finding your community, parents who have the same concerns and challenges that you're facing, who understand and don't judge is very comforting. That's why we offer a variety of support groups so you can find your community, a respectful group who understands your worries, validates your feelings and shares their wisdom. People from all over the country join our support groups because they share one common thread, they are the parent or primary caregiver of a child who is struggling with their mental health.
Attendance is voluntary. Some people come to just a few meetings when they have something they would like to talk about but others find weekly attendance comforting and develop long-lasting friendships. While regular attendance is encouraged we understand your life is busy and it's not uncommon for parents to join while waiting for their children to finish practice or rehearsals.
The group is run by family support partners and volunteer parent facilitators trained in the Circle of Parents model. Facilitators are not clinicians or experts in parenting, they're simply parents/primary caregivers raising children with challenges just like you. Groups adopt their own rules which include confidentiality and a judgement free forum.
Members are free to participate in whatever way they are most comfortable. Many get the most out of talking and engaging with others, some prefer to listen or ask questions. The group facilitator ensures everyone is respected and has the space they need in the way they need it. You're always welcome to reach out to your groups facilitator before or after a meeting. Plus parents who choose can request to join the Parent Alliance Support Group forum. A private space where conversations can continue between meetings.
Weekly Group Meetings
Foster Parent and Kinship Support Group
Are you a foster parent, kinship caregiver, grandparents raising your grandchildren or an adoptive family? We understand that those things come with their own unique challenges. Whether you need advice from seasoned parents or are just looking for someone that understands, come spend some time in our support group with others living a similar experience.
Join us Tuesday's at noon.
Parents of Adult Children
Support Group
We have learned on our journey raising children what we needed the most and wish that we had along the way was a support system of other parents that understood what raising children like ours is like. We are here to be that for you. Come share space with other parents that have emerging adult children like yours and be in a safe and non-judgmental place where you can get support, we wish we had!
Join us Thursday's at 7 pm.
Friday Afternoon
General
Support Group
End the week surrounded by a community of parents who get you. Join us at noon to talk with other parents/primary caregivers who are raising children with mental health challenges. You'll feel safe sharing your struggles, triumphs and asking questions to other parents who understand.
Join us Friday's at noon.
What parents are saying
"My support group is a judgement free zone where other parents may be going through the same thing as you are. You can talk about anything that's bothering you without worrying about not being accepted."
"I come to the support group to connect with other guardians just like me. I learn a lot through our conversations like strategies to help cope with some of the hurt and strong emotions that come up as I'm raising my niece."
About
Parents
When we use the word “parents,” please know that we understand that all families are unique. We see “parents” as someone who is or has been the primary caregiver of a child or young adult who has social, emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. “Parents” may include birth parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents raising their grandchildren, kinship guardians, step-parents, etc.
Included in our diverse definition of family, we welcome two-mom families, two-dad families, single-parent families, blended families, foster families, guardians and families in which a grandparent is a primary caregiver.
We warmly welcome all families inclusively and openly without judgment.
