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

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)

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

Parents of Teens/Adults on Spectrum Support Group

Organized by
Autism Society of Oregon (ASO)
Phone
503-636-1676
Description

This is an unstructured time for caregivers of teens and adults to visit, talk and learn from each other working through similar situations.

https://autismsocietyoregon.org/support/support-gr...

Meeting time
Meets the second Saturday of each month, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Meeting location

Autism Society of Oregon
9320 SW Barbur Boulevard, Suite 240
Portland, OR 97219
Location Map

Contact info

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

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

This group is for adoptive parents, and will include a pertinent, educational component each month. RSVP requested.

https://www.portlandneurofeedback.org/the-path-cen...

Meeting time
3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Meeting location

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

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)

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.

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

Mirna Pani at (503) 250-0401, keepmetro@options.org, or mirna.pani@options.org


(updated 05/2022)

Greater Metropolitan Resource Parent Association Support Group

Organized by
ODHS
Phone
503-285-9103
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:

    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)

    Organized by
    ODHS Child Welfare
    Phone
    503-545-6865
    Description

    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!


    Meeting time
    THIRD THURSDAY FROM 10 AM -12 PM
    Meeting location

    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

    Contact info

    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)

    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

    Image Loading...

    Contact info

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

    Adoption Parenting Group

    Organized by
    Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid
    Description

    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.

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

    Meeting time
    3rd Friday of the Month, 10:00am - 11:30am
    Meeting location

    Taborspace
    5441 SE Belmont Street
    Portland, OR 97215
    Location Map

    Contact info

    MereAnn Reid, MA, 971-533-0228, hello@mereannreid.com prior to your first session

    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

    Adoption Across the Lifespan

    Organized by
    Northwest Adoption Support, MereAnn Reid
    Phone
    971-533-0228
    Description

    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.

    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

    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://www.pflagpdx.org/portland-chapter-2/

    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

    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

    Infants and Medically Fragile Family Support Group (1st Thursday)

    Organized by
    ODHS Child Welfare
    Phone
    503-545-6865
    Description

    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!

    Meeting time
    FIRST THURSDAY FROM 6-8 PM
    Meeting location

    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

    Contact info

    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