Statewide 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

Statewide Support Groups

ORPARC Online Parent Group

Organized by
Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center
Description

The ORPARC Online Parent Group is a welcoming, private online forum for adoptive and assisted guardianship families eligible for ORPARC services. Members can connect with other parents in a private and convenient forum, moderated by ORPARC Family Support Specialists. Through this private Facebook forum, members can ask questions, share experiences, offer suggestions - celebrate the joys and triumphs of adoptive parenting while supporting one another through the challenges.

Contact info

For more information and to join the group, please contact Arah Gould, ORPARC Family Support Specialist at (503) 241-0799 or email agould@nwresource.org.

LGBTQ Online Parent Group

Organized by
Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center
Description

LGBTQ families are welcome to join ORPARC’s LGBTQ private Facebook Peer to Peer parent support group, exclusively for LGBTQ state adoptive & guardianship parents and supported by ORPARC Family Support Specialists.

Contact info

For more information and to join the group, please contact Michael McGrorty, LGBTQ Resource Specialist, at (503) 241-0799 or email him at mmcgrorty@nwresource.org.

Parenting a Second Time Around

Organized by
NorthWest Senior & Disability Services (NWSDS)
Description
Currently meeting via Zoom or telephone.

Group is for grandparents raising grandchildren or any other relative raising a relative.

If you are interested in calling in or getting on Zoom to attend the support group please contact Suzy Deeds. She will register you and give you a pin code so that you can call in or attend via Zoom.

Please contact Suzy if you'd like to be added to the email list to receive monthly fliers and group updates.

nwsds.org/index.php/home/seniors/help-in-your-home-and-caregiving/relatives-as-parents-program/

NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) serves Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Clatsop and Yamhill Counties. However, grandparents and relatives as parents in all counties are welcome to attend this support group by Zoom or telephone.

Meeting time
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 10:00am - 11:30am
Meeting location

Currently meeting via Zoom or Phone

Contact info

Suzy Deeds at (503) 304-3429 or suzy.deeds@nwsds.org, or Julie Mendez at (503) 304-3432.

(Updated 07/2021)

KEEP Support Groups

Organized by
Oregon Social Learning Center
Description

All KEEP Groups in Oregon: keepfostering.org/keep-in-oregon/

KEEP is a FREE support group for resource and kinship parents. 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.

Our groups are remote, providing lots of flexibility by bringing resources to families via ZOOM video chat. We keep all groups small; a typical group is between 5-7 families with two facilitators. We offer three main groups based on the age range of your foster children; KEEP TAG supports families with active placements ages 3-5; KEEP Standard supports families with active placements ages 4-12; KEEP Safe supports families with active placements ages 13+.

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.

Groups are offered year around on 16-week cycle. To learn more information, please visit the KEEP website to find your local contact information. keepfostering.org/keep-in-oregon/

Special Note: We offer both educational credits and money incentive for our families. Get 1.5 credit per session for total of 24 educational hours you can apply towards recertification. As an additional benefit, get paid $25 per session just for attending. That is $400 that is available per family, per group.

Meeting time
Groups are once a week for 90 minutes.
Meeting location

All groups are remote via ZOOM video chat.
All days/times are directly picked by the families we serve.

All KEEP Groups in Oregon: keepfostering.org/keep-in-oregon/

Contact info

To learn more information, visit the KEEP website.

All KEEP Groups in Oregon: keepfostering.org/keep-in-oregon/

On the KEEP website, scroll down to the map and click on your county for more information about KEEP services in your area!

(Updated 07/2021)

ON-LINE Autism Parent Group

Organized by
Synergy Autism Center
Description

Cozy up with a morning beverage and computer on the 4th Saturday of each month at 10am for a free online group for parents of autistic children in Oregon, facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center.

The group will look at a different topic each month including self-care, safety considerations, understanding your child's processing, social engagement and challenging your child without sending them over the edge.

Open to: Parents of autistic children of any age (birth - adulthood).

Meeting time
4th Saturday of each month 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Meeting location

Online via Zoom*

*You need to register in advance to receive the Zoom Link

Register online here

Contact info

Barbara Avila, MS, Synergy Autism Center

If you are interested in being part of this group, please sign up here and please contact ASO with questions or for more details at info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or (503) 636-1676 (toll-free: (888) AUTISM-1)

View all ASO groups here.

(Updated 03/2023)

Ties That Bind Support Group - Oregon Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Organized by
The Jessie F. Richardson Foundation
Description

Facebook group

To Connect, Educate and Empower Grandparents and Kinship Caregivers Raising Children in Oregon

Ties That Bind is an online, statewide Facebook group sponsored by AGE+ to increase connection, collaboration and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren and other kinship caregivers raising children in Oregon. The Facebook support group is a place for learning, sharing, and helping each other. This includes asking questions and finding answers to issues unique to grand-families, sharing stories, information, and feelings, building friendships, and finding resources by talking to others who are currently raising grandkids or who have been in similar situations.

Visit the Facebook page to join the group.

Meeting location

Facebook Group

Contact info

Ties That Bind is a program of AGE+. For more, call (503) 408-4759 or email info@ageplus.org.

Neurodiverse Individuals Support Group

Organized by
Neurodiversity Support Group
Description

A support group for neurodiverse individuals across the globe.

Meeting time
1st Saturday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM (PST)
Meeting location

Group meets virtually. Contact Sharrie for more information.

Contact info

Sharrie Ryan-Kreins, (503) 396-3361

(Updated 07/2021)