Multnomah Support Groups

Adoption Essentials Parent Group

Family Zest, MereAnn Reid

971-224-7563

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 dates TBD, usually twice per year. Group meets online.

This is an online group for parents only.

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

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Oregon

503-467-0332

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

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

• DATES: Currently on hiatus, but usually held the second Thursday of every month, at 6:30pm.

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

(Updated 01/2025)

Relatives as Parents Program

Family Caregiver Support Group

JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP THATSEEKS TO BRING COMMUNITY TO ELDERS (AGE 55+) RAISING CHILDREN.

The first date for this support group is April 8th, 2025, at 1pm-2:30pm, and will repeat every second Tuesday of the month. Attached is the flyer for our support group.

For more information, contact: JENNIFER.M.FOREMAN@MULTCO.US, or call 503-988-8210

Every second Tuesday of the month / 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Virtual via Zoom

For more information, contact: JENNIFER.M.FOREMAN@MULTCO.US

Or call: 503-988-8210

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.

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

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

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)

LGBTQ+ and Gender Queer Teens

The PATH Center

971-940-2601

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

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

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

Contact: stephen@thepathcenter.org

(Updated 05/2023)

PFLAG East County

PFLAG

503-232-7676 x3-5

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

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

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

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

eastcounty@pflagpdx.org

Coming Together: Families in Focus Support Group

Oregon Family Support Network

503-363-8068

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

Every Fourth Thursday of the Month, 6:30-7:30 pm

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

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

Rebuilding Community: Beyond Religious Trauma

The PATH Center

971-940-2601

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

Mondays at 6:30 pm over Zoom

Group meets virtually on Zoom. Email for link.

Contact: teresa@thepathcenter.org

(Updated 05/2023)

Art Therapy Group for Adoptees

The PATH Center

971-940-2601

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.

Tuesdays from 4-5:15pm

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

Contact: pam@thepathcenter.org

(Updated 05/2023)

Adoptive, Resource, Guardianship Parent Support Group

Kinship House

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.

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

Kinship House

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

Email msh@kinshiphouse.org

Last updated: 4/23/2024

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.

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

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

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

Greater Metropolitan Resource Parent Association Support Group

ODHS

503-889-0193

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

2nd Tuesday of every month - 6:30 to 8:30 pm

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 05/2023)

Parenting Adopted Teens

Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid

971-533-0228

4-week group for parents raising kids 12-17, adopted at any age.

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

TBD

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.

Meets the last Tuesday of the month, 9 - 11 am

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

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

503-228-5692

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

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

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

503-228-5692

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

Every Monday, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

CURRENTLY ONLINE

TaborSpace
5441 SE Belmont
Portland, OR 97215
Location Map

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

503-228-5692, info@namimultnomah.org

http://namimultnomah.org

PFLAG Portland

PFLAG

503-232-7676

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/

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

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

info@pflagpdx.org, 503-232-7676