Finding Resources and Emotional Support
Parents tell us...
"I love my support group. It keeps me going. The kids are happy to see each other too."
"Whenever I have a problem, I ask my support group. Someone always has an idea worth trying."
"We do fun things together. I can relax and know they will understand. We might need to leave early due to a melt-down, but that is okay."
Printable list of commonly recommended family support organizations
Oregon Family Networks
Family-led support organizations serve all disabilities. They help families achieve full inclusion by advocating, problem solving, building connections, and creating fun family events.
Jackson and Josephine counties: Bridging Communities
Clatsop,Deschutes Crook and Jefferson counties: Central Oregon Disability Support Network
Columbia, Lincoln counties: COAAST Network
Yamhill, Polk and Marion counties: Creating Opportunities
Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties: FACT Oregon
Lane County: Families Connected/The Arc
Douglas County: Families Engaging and Thriving Together
Klamath County: Family Advocacy & Support Network
Statewide for all families with parenting concerns: Reach Out Oregon
Specialized support resources (partial list)
Adoption and foster care support
Grandfamilies support and information
Kinship Parenting of a relative child in Oregon
IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
Islamic Social Services of Oregon State
Native American Youth and Family Center
Tricare for Kids Coalition (military families)
The Sick Chicks (online support for chronically ill young women)
Support for LGBTQ families
Condition-specific resources
These resources provide help and support for specific health conditions.
Support for families of medically complex children: Complex Child Newsletter
Support for families of children with a Life-limiting illness: Coping with a Child's Death or Life-limiting Illness
Support and information for families with Cerebral Palsy and similar conditions: United Cerebral Palsy and CP Toolkit from CP NOW
Support for individuals and families affected by autism: Autism Society of Oregon
Support for families of children with mental or behavioral health concerns: Oregon Family Support Network
Support for families facing immediate behavioral or parenting concerns: Reach Out Oregon
Support for individuals and families affected by mental illness: National Alliance Mental Illness
Support for families affected by epilepsy: Epilepsy Foundation Oregon
Information and support for families affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: FASD United and FASD Collaborative Project
Support for families affected by ADHD: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Support and information about Down syndrome: NW Down Syndrome Association
Support for families affected by Charcot Marie Tooth: Charcot Marie Tooth Association
Support for families whose children are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Hands and Voices
Support for families and individuals who are Deafblind or have Usher Syndrome: Oregon Deafblind Project
Support and information for families affected by hemophilia and other bleeding disorders: Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders
Peer support network of young women and girls with scoliosis: Scoliosis Curvy Girls
Support and information for families whose children have kidney disease: NW Kidney Kids
Support for families whose children have been diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia: Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation
Support for families who have been affected by Juvenile Diabetes: Oregon/SW Washington Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Support for families of children with serious heart conditions: Mended Little Hearts, Sisters by Heart
Support for families of children with Tourette Syndrome: Tourette Association of America
Support for families affected by Prader Willi Syndrome: PWSA
Disclaimer
Inclusion of resources on our site does not imply endorsement nor does exclusion mean we do not think it is valuable. We work to keep our list of resources current and relevant but it is not exhaustive.
Please contact us at 855-323-6744 o 833-990-9930 (español) contact@oregonfamilytofamily.org