Marion 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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Marion Support Groups

KEEP

Organized by
Options Counseling and Family Services
Description

KEEP is a FREE support group for certified resource and kinship parents with active placements ages 3+. It’s designed to enhance skills while supporting each family on their individual journey. It’s 16 weeks; we meet once a week, and groups are 90 minutes.

KEEP curriculum is evidence based with a trauma informed lens. Our facilitators bring in weekly lessons focusing on things like looking at challenging behaviors, introducing new skills, balancing encouragers and setting limits, promoting peer and school success, and managing stress.

Although psychoeducation is a big component, KEEP strives to provide very warm and non-judgmental space where local resource and kinship parents can have frank conversations, share personal experiences, exchange resources, and find ways to stay connected beyond 16 weeks that we are directly involved with them.

KEEP TAG- for families with a toddler placement (ages 3-4)

KEEP standard- for families with placement 4-12

KEEP SAFE- for families with a placement of 13-18.

Our groups are small and intimate. A typical group is between 6-7 families with two facilitators. KEEP offers other great benefits. Earn up to 24 educational credits towards your recertification hours. Additionally, earn $25 per session, that is up to $400 that is available per family per group.

We look forward to connect with each family and get them started with their KEEP Support Group!


Meeting time
Evenings
Meeting location

Currently, all groups are remote using ZOOM as our online platform. Days and time are picked by participating families. Most request falling on weekdays and evenings.

Groups are offered year around on 16 week cycle. To learn more information, please fill out our self-interest form at https://www.keepfostering.org/pdx-foster-kin-paren...

Contact info

Tricia Brinlee 971-301-3117 mid-valleyKEEP@options.org


(updated 05/2022)

The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)

Organized by
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
Description

The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) is for unpaid relative caregivers who are:

  • age 55 or older and
  • the main caregiver for a child age 18 or younger, or an adult with disabilities

The following services are free:

  • Caregiver Training and Support Groups - We offer information on training and support groups to help you with your role as a caregiver. The Family Caregiver Happenings has a listing of some of the trainings and support groups.
  • Individual Counseling – This program pays for eight sessions of professional counseling directly related to caregiving.
  • Access to Respite Services – Respite care provides you with a short-term break from caregiving. It lets you rest and feel less stressed. We can help you find respite care that can be provided in your home or at another location.
  • Help Finding Services – Our Relatives as Parents Program worker can help you find services for your caregiving needs.
  • Supplemental Services – These services are based on what you need. Examples include tutoring, driver’s education, car seats, and swimming lessons.
Meeting time
3rd Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Meeting location

In person at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services, address: 3410 Cherry Avenue NE, Keizer, OR 97303.

The support group is open to individuals in the following counties: Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Tillamook.

Contact info

Contact Aging and Disability Resources contact information at 503-304-3420 or information.nwsds@nwsds.org to register.

Click Here for More Information

Email: information.nwsds@nwsds.org

Online: adrcoforegon.org

Circle of Security Parenting

Description

Group not currently meeting. Please reach out to Lisa Mayfield if you're interested.

New ways to understand, effective ways to respond. Circle of Security enhances parents’ awareness and understanding of children’s needs and how their own responses meet those needs. COS parenting is engaging and understand, and firmly based in current developmental neuroscience and attachment theory.

Learn more about Circle of Security here.

Meeting time
TBD
Meeting location

If interested, please reach out to Lisa Mayfield.

Contact info

Lisa Mayfield, 503-588-5884

(Updated 07/2021)

Adopting Oregon's Kids (A-OK) Support Group

Organized by
Parent-led
Description

Each month has a new topic for discussion.

Childcare is not available

Meeting time
Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, 12 noon - 1pm
Meeting location

500 Summer Street
Salem, OR 97301
Location Map

Please contact Roberta in advance for room number.

Contact info

Roberta Lincoln, 503-947-5214

Lattes with Laurie

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

Parenting a child with challenges can have its difficulties, especially during a pandemic. You may be feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and alone. Join our support group and find community. Here at OFSN, we want to come alongside you and support your family.

https://www.ofsn.org/

Meeting time
1st/2nd/3rd Wednesday from 8:00am - 9:30am, 4th Wednesday from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting location

Group meets via Zoom

Contact info

Call or email to register lauriee@ofsn.net 503-302-9290

Family Support Group

Organized by
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Marion Polk
Description

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

https://www.nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI/Affiliat...

Meeting time
2nd and 4th Saturdays 1-2:30 pm
Meeting location

Salem Hospital Community Health Education Center
890 Oak Street SE
Salem, OR 97301
Location Map

Contact info

Pat Beaman, pat5036@centurylink.net, 503-364-1077

Marion County Wellness Support Group

Organized by
Oregon Family Support Network
Phone
971-209-9617
Description

Get to know other families! Learn how to enhance your well-being with topics like: stress management, behavioral strategies, and self-care.

Dinner and supervised activities for children provided to those who RSVP.

OFSN serves families raising children and youth who experience mental, emotional, behavioral and/or physical challenges.

https://www.ofsn.org/ofsn-regional-offices-oregon/...

Meeting time
Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Meeting location

Salem Alliance Church
555 Gaines Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Location Map

Contact info

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Melissa from OFSN at 503-507-0660

Marion County Adoption Support Group

Organized by
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
Phone
see below
Description

Meeting dates and times currently flexible and TBD.

Meeting time
TBD
Contact info

Please contact Kem Sunitsch: 503-378-5289, kem.sunitsch@dhsoha.state.or.us for more information.

(updated 07/2021)