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.
Select a county
Multnomah Support Groups
Gimme a Break (GAB) Support Group
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Oregon
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.
At the present time, we are meeting via the Zoom platform.
Register here to participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlce2prD0jHN1ZZBHNnt6BR64mqhSslxrz
PFLAG East County
PFLAG
Launched in 2014, the East County Chapter is safe space for Gresham and East Multnomah county residents.
East Portland Community Center
740 SE 106th Multipurpose Room #3 (accessible)
Portland, OR 97216
Location Map
Parents of Teens/Adults on Spectrum Support Group
Autism Society of Oregon (ASO)
This is an unstructured time for caregivers of teens and adults to visit, talk and learn from each other working through similar situations.
Autism Society of Oregon
9320 SW Barbur Boulevard, Suite 240
Portland, OR 97219
Location Map
For more information, please call the ASO office at 503-636-1676 or send an e-mail to ASO at info@autismsocietyoregon.org
Adoptive Parent Support Group
The PATH Center
This group is for adoptive parents, and will include a pertinent, educational component each month. RSVP requested.
The PATH Center
4035 NE Sandy Boulevard Suite 200
Portland, OR 97212
Location Map
Chrysalis Support Group
Trillium Family Services
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.
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.
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)
KEEP
Options Counseling and Family Services
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.
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!
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...
Mirna Pani at (503) 250-0401, keepmetro@options.org, or mirna.pani@options.org
(updated 05/2022)
Greater Metropolitan Resource Parent Association Support Group
ODHS
Monthly training and support provided to Resource, Relative and Adoptive Families. Please contact us to register.
Virtual support group via zoom. Registration required.
Contact Doris or Donna to Register:
Doris Tamoro dtamoro@msn.com
Donna Thomas donna.thomas@dhsoha.state.or.us
(Updated 11/2021)
Infants and Medically Fragile Family Support Group (3rd Thursday)
ODHS Child Welfare
Welcome all Resource Foster Families!
We are starting up the infant/ medically fragile support group again!!
Goals:
- Connect with other families doing the hard work of caring for young and fragile childen
- Offer support and training for new and ongoing resource families
- Mentor and debrief challenges together
- Resource and referral suggestions
- Swap supplies and equipment
- Identify needs and increase skills
- Network respite care with those who have the skills and abilities you need!
ZOOM
Third Thursday From 10 AM - 12 PM facilitated By Mary Ashmun starting May 20th 2021
To Join: Download Zoom onto your device. At the meeting time click the link below:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1600442465?pwd=MXB3UExweHdJRm5qLzNlYlZsc0ZHdz09
ODHS Child Welfare Trainer Donna Thomas will help arrange training based on your requests, provide zoom platform and technical support as needed.
Questions? Reach out to Donna @ 503-545-6865
(updated 07/2021)
Embrace Foster/Adoptive family Support Group
Rise City Church
Join us for a time to gather together and connect with other foster and adoptive parents. We will provide some snacks AND childcare.
Please register your family so we can better serve you!
To Register : https://rise.cc/embrace
For questions about this group and other resources please contact Summer at : summer@rise.cc
(Updated 07/2021)
Talk it Over
Sponsored by NAMI Oregon and Providence Health and Services
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.
Margaret Puckette, 503-737-9971, raisingtroubledkids@comcast.net
Adoption Parenting Group
Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid
Facilitated by MereAnn Reid, Child & Family Therapist, specializing
in child development, adoption, and parenting. Topics determined by the
group, with support from fellow parents raising kids adopted at any age.
Sole parents and all couples welcome.
Childcare not provided; please contact group leader before your first session.
$40/family per session, sliding fee option.
Taborspace
5441 SE Belmont Street
Portland, OR 97215
Location Map
MereAnn Reid, MA, 971-533-0228, hello@mereannreid.com prior to your first session
Parenting Adopted Teens
Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid
TBD, Portland, OR
MereAnn Reid, MA, 971-533-0228, hello@mereannreid.com
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Kerby Ave
Parent-led
The general focus of this group is advocacy-based parenting. Grandparents, parents, families raising relatives are all welcome to attend.
Jefferson High School (Blazer Room A4344)
5210 N Kerby Avenue
Portland, OR 97217
Location Map
Carollynn Smith, 503-283-9594 or Patricia Trice, 503-283-6312
Adoption Across the Lifespan
Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid
8- to 12-week group open to adult adoptees and birth parents. Topics
include: search & reunion, identity & belonging, sharing your
story, and navigating mixed feelings.
TBD, Portland, OR
MereAnn Reid, MA, 971-533-0228, hello@mereannreid.com
PFLAG Portland
PFLAG
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.
First United Methodist Church
1838 SW Jefferson Street, Room 202 (accessible)
Portland, OR 97201
Location Map
info@pflagpdx.org, 503-232-7676
Camas/Vancouver Adoption Support Group
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.
Natalie Koprowski, 503-805-5148, natski81504@yahoo.com
NAMI Multnomah - Online Parent Support Group
NAMI Multnomah
Free, online peer-led support group for parents and caregivers of children / adolescents (ages 0-18) with mental health barriers.
Online
For group access, please call our HelpLine at 503-228-5692.
NAMI Multnomah - Family Support Group
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Multnomah County
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
For group access, please call our HelpLine at 503-228-5692
503-228-5692, info@namimultnomah.org
Infants and Medically Fragile Family Support Group (1st Thursday)
ODHS Child Welfare
We are starting up the infant/ medically fragile support group again!!
Goals:
- Connect with other families doing the hard work of caring for young and fragile childen
- Offer support and training for new and ongoing resource families
- Mentor and debrief challenges together
- Resource and referral suggestions
- Swap supplies and equipment
- Identify needs and increase skills
- Network respite care with those who have the skills and abilities you need!
First Thursday From 6-8 Pm Facilitated By Becci Hull Starting June 03,2021
To Join: Download Zoom onto your device. At the meeting time click the link below:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610800531?pwd=QjdkS25JSGxiMzNLVlBSNTBVTDY2UT09
ODHS Child Welfare Trainer Donna Thomas will help arrange training based on your requests, provide zoom platform and technical support as needed.
Questions? Reach out to Donna @ 503-545-6865