Multnomah Support Groups

We can help you find a group, start a group or support your own! Or, access the AdoptUSKids free support group curriculum to help you along.

If you know of any new or updated support group information, or cannot find a group in your area, please contact us (503) 241-0799 / (800) 764-8367 or orparc@nwresource.org for help and suggestions.

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Multnomah Support Groups

Adoption Essentials Parent Group

Organized by
Family Zest, MereAnn Reid
Phone
971-224-7563
Description

Hosted by MereAnn Reid, parent coach, play therapist, and adoption specialist focused on attachment and child development. Sessions are built on the essential book, Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency (2019). Topics include loss, rejection, shame & guilt, grief, identity, intimacy, and mastery & control. Discussions include practical applications of regulation skills, transracial family dynamics, understanding attachment and long-term influences of different types of adoption across the lifespan, including sibling relationships, support for positive discipline and strengths-based family communication.

This is not a therapy group, but a support and discussion group with a focus on building community ties and enhancing parent self-care. Sole parents and all couples welcome.

Cost: $800/family for 8-session series; partial scholarships available.

Visit the website: https://www.familyzest.com/adoption-parenting

Meeting time
Meeting dates TBD, usually twice per year. Group meets online.
Meeting location

This is an online group for parents only.

Contact info

Contact MereAnn Reid at 971-224-7563 and hello@mereannreid.com or visit the website at https://www.familyzest.com/adoption-parenting.

(Updated 05/2023)

Gimme a Break (GAB) Support Group

Organized by
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Oregon
Phone
503-467-0332
Description

For parents raising children with Cerebral Palsy and similar conditions, however everyone is welcome.

HABLA ESPAÑOL? Alza tu Voz: Groupo de Apoyo y Recursos es un grupo para padres de hijos con parálisis cerebral o otras discapacidades de parte de UCP Oregon. Todas las juntas seran el segundo jueves de cada mes de la 6:30pm a 8:00pm en las oficinas de Portland.

https://www.ucpaorwa.org/familysupport.html

Meeting time
Meets the second Thursday of every month, 6:30pm - 8pm
Meeting location

At the present time, we are meeting via the Zoom platform.
Register here to participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlce2prD0jHN1ZZBHNnt6BR64mqhSslxrz

Contact info

Katherine Ball, 503-467-0332 or kball@ucporegon.org

(Updated 07/2021)

Chrysalis Support Group

Organized by
Trillium Family Services
Description

A school-based prevention program to support teenage girls who are survivors of trauma. Groups use an evidence-based curriculum to support girls in understanding how surviving trauma has impacted them and making sense of their trauma in a way that allows them to move successfully into their futures. Group members learn healthy coping skills, learn about trauma and its effects, and support each other in telling their survival stories.

https://trilliumfamily.org/programs-and-services/p...

Meeting time
Group meets weekly October - June. Schedule depends on school site.
Meeting location

Still finalizing school sites for 2021-2022. Groups meets at various Portland Public High Schools and East County High Schools. Contact Erica Weber for the specific locations.

Contact info

If you are interested in joining a Chrysalis Group or referring a high school girl to the group, please contact Erica Weber, LCSW at 503-939-0923 or email eweber@trilliumfamily.org.

(Updated 07/2021)

LGBTQ+ and Gender Queer Teens

Organized by
The PATH Center
Phone
971-940-2601
Description

An 8 week process group for all genders, ages 12 + exploring strengths and challenges among a resilient and caring community. In-person evenings, TBD. Questions? Contact: stephen@thepathcenter.org

Meeting time
In-person and in the evenings; dates and times to be determined
Meeting location

The PATH Center
4035 NE Sandy Boulevard Suite 240
Portland, OR 97212
Location Map

Contact info

Contact: stephen@thepathcenter.org

(Updated 05/2023)

PFLAG East County

Organized by
PFLAG
Description

Launched in 2014, the East County Chapter is safe space for Gresham and East Multnomah county residents.

https://www.pflagpdx.org/east-county/

Meeting time
1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Meeting location

East Portland Community Center
740 SE 106th Multipurpose Room #3 (accessible)
Portland, OR 97216
Location Map

Coming Together: Families in Focus Support Group

Organized by
Oregon Family Support Network
Phone
503-363-8068
Description

A Support Group for:

  • Parents and caregivers of children and youth experiencing mental health and behavioral health challenges
  • A safe space for families to come together and support each other
  • To encourage families to elevate their voices and discuss barriers they face while navigating local systems of care such as: school/special education, ODHS, mental heath, juvenile justice and more
Meeting time
Every Fourth Thursday of the Month, 6:30-7:30 pm
Meeting location

Group meets virtually via Zoom. View all support groups (with Zoom links) here.

Contact info

To register please contact: Chelsea Mersereau via phone at 971-500-3494 or email at chelseam@ofsn.net.

Rebuilding Community: Beyond Religious Trauma

Organized by
The PATH Center
Phone
971-940-2601
Description

An 8 week closed relational abuse of power. Meet with peers who have “been there” in a welcoming, trauma in formed space. Mondays at 6:30 pm over zoom. Questions? Contact: teresa@thepathcenter.org

Meeting time
Mondays at 6:30 pm over Zoom
Meeting location

Group meets virtually on Zoom. Email for link.

Contact info

Contact: teresa@thepathcenter.org

(Updated 05/2023)

Art Therapy Group for Adoptees

Organized by
The PATH Center
Phone
971-940-2601
Description

A 4-week closed process group, ages 11-14, exploring art and identity in an inviting and safe space with other adoptees.

Time: Tuesdays from 4pm to 5:15 pm in person.

Cost: $55 per group, insurance billable.

Facilitator: Pam Wood, LAT, ATR. Qs? Contact: pam@thepathcenter.org for more information.

Meeting time
Tuesdays from 4-5:15pm
Meeting location

The PATH Center
4035 NE Sandy Boulevard, Suite #200
Portland, OR 97212
Location Map

Contact info

Contact: pam@thepathcenter.org

(Updated 05/2023)

Adoptive, Resource, Guardianship Parent Support Group

Organized by
Kinship House
Description

Please contact Melissa Smith-Hohnstein (msh@kinshiphouse.org) prior to attending to verify group time, ensure there is space and make sure the group is a good fit for parents.

Opportunity for adoptive, guardianship and resource (foster) parents to share their experiences, receive support and connect with others on a similar journey.

Group offered at no cost.

No childcare currently available.

Meeting time
1st Wednesday of the Month/ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (subject to change based on group interest)
Meeting location

Kinship House

Contact info

Melissa Smith-Hohnstein, Kinship House Clinical Supervisor, Training Director & Found

Email msh@kinshiphouse.org

Last updated: 4/23/2024

Greater Metropolitan Resource Parent Association Support Group

Organized by
ODHS
Phone
503-889-0193
Description

Monthly training and support provided to Resource, Relative and Adoptive Families. Please contact us to register.

  • Receive support from your peers
  • Share resources
  • Share favorite Winter activities you do with your family
  • Let ODHS know what worked well this year and ideas for ongoing support
  • Meeting time
    2nd Tuesday of every month - 6:30 to 8:30 pm
    Meeting location

    Virtual support group via zoom. Registration required.


    Contact info

    Contact Doris or Donna to Register:

    (Updated 05/2023)

    Talk it Over

    Organized by
    Sponsored by NAMI Oregon and Providence Health and Services
    Description

    The Talk it Over support group is for parents, caregivers, and siblings of a child, teen, or young adult with a serious behavioral disorder. Group is for family members only, including siblings. Snacks are provided. No registration required.

    It is a free public service provided by NAMI Oregon with support from Providence Health & Services.

    https://raisingtroubledkids.com/

    Meeting time
    Meets the second and fourth Sunday of each month (except holidays), 4pm - 6pm
    Meeting location

    Providence Child Center
    830 NE 47th Avenue
    Portland, OR 97213
    Location Map

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    Contact info

    Margaret Puckette, 503-737-9971, raisingtroubledkids@comcast.net

    Parenting Adopted Teens

    Organized by
    Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid
    Phone
    971-533-0228
    Description
    4-week group for parents raising kids 12-17, adopted at any age.

    https://mereannreid.com/groups-workshops-1/

    Meeting time
    TBD
    Meeting location

    TBD, Portland, OR

    Contact info

    MereAnn Reid, MA, 971-533-0228, hello@mereannreid.com

    Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Kerby Ave

    Organized by
    Parent-led
    Description

    The general focus of this group is advocacy-based parenting. Grandparents, parents, families raising relatives are all welcome to attend.

    Meeting time
    Meets the last Tuesday of the month, 9 - 11 am
    Meeting location

    Jefferson High School (Blazer Room A4344)
    5210 N Kerby Avenue
    Portland, OR 97217
    Location Map

    Contact info

    Carollynn Smith, 503-283-9594 or Patricia Trice, 503-283-6312

    Camas/Vancouver Adoption Support Group

    Description

    The group is currently on hold but considering Covid-safe meetups outside with just parents where we can maintain social distancing yet still chat and get support. Please reach out if interested. Foster and adoptive families welcome.

    Contact info

    Natalie Koprowski, 503-805-5148, natski81504@yahoo.com

    NAMI Multnomah - Online Parent Support Group

    Organized by
    NAMI Multnomah
    Phone
    503-228-5692
    Description

    Free, online peer-led support group for parents and caregivers of children / adolescents (ages 0-18) with mental health barriers.

    Meeting time
    1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 4:00 - 5:30 PM
    Meeting location

    Online

    Contact info

    For group access, please call our HelpLine at 503-228-5692.

    NAMI Multnomah - Family Support Group

    Organized by
    National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Multnomah County
    Phone
    503-228-5692
    Description

    NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.

    For all family members and loved ones of individuals (primarily adults, but all are welcome) with mental health barriers.

    Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances.

    NAMI’s Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.

    • Free of cost to participants
    • Designed for adult loved ones (18+) of individuals living with mental illness
    • Led by family members of individuals living with mental illness
    • No specific medical therapy or medication is endorsed or recommended
    • Confidential
    Meeting time
    Every Monday, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
    Meeting location

    CURRENTLY ONLINE

    TaborSpace
    5441 SE Belmont
    Portland, OR 97215
    Location Map

    Contact info

    For group access, please call our HelpLine at 503-228-5692

    503-228-5692, info@namimultnomah.org

    http://namimultnomah.org

    PFLAG Portland

    Organized by
    PFLAG
    Phone
    503-232-7676
    Description

    Currently meeting online. Learn more and register here.

    The "mother" chapter of the PFLAG Portland chapter family and one of the oldest Chapters in the PFLAG National Network, PFLAG Portland has been serving Portland families since 1977, and as an affiliate of the PFLAG National network since 1982.

    https://pflagpdx.org/about-pflag-pdx/

    Meeting time
    2nd Tuesday of the Month, 6:30pm-8:30pm
    Meeting location

    First United Methodist Church
    1838 SW Jefferson Street, Room 202 (accessible)
    Portland, OR 97201
    Location Map

    Contact info

    info@pflagpdx.org, 503-232-7676