Support Groups

Editor’s Note: While all attempts have been made to make these lists as accurate as possible, times and program availability may be subject to change. Please check information in advance to avoid disappointment.

ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS

For adoption support, please visit this link of resources: https://bostonparentspaper.com/adoption-support-groups/

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS

• La Leche League of Bedford offers information and support to mothers in Bedford and surrounding communities. 781-275-6564, 315-491-6806, 850-524-7804 http://lllmarivt.org/organizer/lll-of-bedford/.

• La Leche League of Marlborough – Sudbury helps mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Call 508- 624-0833, 978-443-0766, 978-443-2735 http://lllmarivt.org/organizer/marlborough-sudbury/.

• La Leche League of Silver Lake offers information, encouragement, mother-to-mother support and education. Children are welcome. (781) 585-4926 http://lllmarivt.org/organizer/silver-lake-plymouth/.

• Nursing Mothers Support Group meets weekly at 200 Unicorn Park Drive, 1st Floor Conference Room, Woburn. Call Winchester Hospital’s Outpatient Lactation Center at 781-756-4788.

CHILDCARE SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

• ChildCare Choices of Boston (CCCB) refers parents to licensed childcare providers in the city and supplies information and advice about the types of childcare to help determine whether a family qualifies for state assistance. 617-542-5437. http://childcarechoicesofboston.org/.

FATHERS SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

• At-Home Dad Network is a group of at-home dads offering support for fathers who stay home to parent. Playgroups, activities and affiliations with other At-Home Dad Networks worldwide. To join an At-Home Dad group or start one of your own, visit athomedad.org or contact founder Peter Baylies at info@athomedad.org.

GENERAL PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

• The Allston Brighton Family Network offers free programs to support Allston-Brighton families with newborns through 4 years old. 617-474-1143.

• Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly, offers a variety of parent support groups, including groups for mothers with babies of various ages, for teen and young mothers, for young fathers and for those who have suffered infant loss. 978-927-9103.

• Boston After School and Beyond provides information and resources for parents to help decide where their children will spend their time outside of school. The Web site gives lists of programs and information on how to choose the right one. bostonbeyond.org.

• Cambridge Family and Children’s Service offers MAPP (Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) Training to all who are interested in becoming foster parents or adoptive parents in Massachusetts. 617-876-4210 or email CFCS@helpfamilies.org; www.helpfamilies.org.

• Canton Parent Advisory Council For Student Services is a special needs support group for Canton families; https://www.cantonma.org/student-services/cpaccs-v2

• COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) provides support and community for children of lesbian and gay parents, and sponsors many discussion groups, gatherings and family events. colage.org.

• Concord Family Network offers family events, playground get-togethers, a book club and playgroups for families with children ages 0-8. concordfamilynetwork.org.

• Counseling Referrals: The Social Work Therapy Referral Service offers free, confidential referrals for individual, couple, family and group therapy. Matches are made based on specialty, location and insurance. A public service of the National Association of Social Workers. 617-720-2828 or 800-242-9794.

• Families First offers workshops for parents at community sites in Boston, Cambridge, Dorchester, Lexington, Newton, Peabody, Waltham and Westford. Topics include discipline, communication, self-esteem, ages and stages, family dynamics, school issues and more. Families First will also do a workshop for your group. 617-868-7687.

• Family Network offers support, resources and information to parents, teachers and daycare providers, as well as workshops and consulting. 978-468-1198.

• First Connections serves parents of children up to age 4 with parenting groups, single parent activities, seminars, family social events, parenting education, resources and referrals. Community Agencies Building, Suite 1009, 111 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord. 978-287-0221.

•Greater Boston Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) invites gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders and their parents and families to join us for an evening of conversation, sharing, support and connection. Greater Boston PFLAG has nine regional support group meetings including Arlington, Boston, Cape Ann, Concord, Easton, Metrowest, and Reading. For meeting dates and more information call 781-891-5966 or go to www.gbpflag.org.

• InSight Education Center provides a variety of services for parents, teachers, childcare providers and anyone who lives, works or interacts with children. Services include monthly parent/teacher workshops, on-site presentations and training, private consultations, family coaching and more. 781-294-8004.

• Jewish Family & Children’s Service offers a variety of free parent support groups, including drop-in groups for moms and babies, a postpartum adjustment support group and a support group for new fathers. 781-647-JFCS (5327).

• Lincoln Family Association offers a toddler drop-in play center, a middle school drop-in center and special events for children, adults and families; lincfam.org.

• Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund provides funding, training and programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect. 617-727-8957; info@childrenstrustma.org; childrenstrustma.org.

• Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care offers child care, residential services and adoption information. 617-988-6600;  mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/department-of-early-education-and-care/

• North Suburban Family Network, a program of Hallmark Health, offers play groups, educational programs and drop-in play times to families in Melrose, Reading, North Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and surrounding towns. 781-246-5187.

• NRC Family Network – serving families with children under 4 in Abington, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Hanover, Hanson, Raynham, Rockland and Whitman – offers a variety of FREE parenting support groups, workshops and events for parents and families. 781-681-9736..

• Parents Helping Parents offers free, confidential and anonymous weekly support groups for parents throughout Massachusetts who are feeling frustrated, overwhelmed or anxious. 617-926-5008. The group also offers a Parental Stress Line, 24 hours, 7 days a week, manned by counselors who offer support in problem solving. 1-800-632-8188. info@parentshelpingparents.org. parentshelpingparents.org

• Plymouth Family Network provides support to Plymouth parents with children ages 4 and under. The network organizes playgroups, parenting workshops and family events; maintains a parents’ library and a toy lending library; and is a resource and referral agency. 508-732-0166.

• Project Bread FoodSource HotLine helps those who may need help with putting food on the table. Call the hotline for information. 800-645-8333, info@projectbread.org.

• Reach Beyond Domestic Violence offers a 90-day emergency shelter for victims and survivors of domestic violence in the Metro West area of Boston. Also offers support groups, children’s counseling, legal advocacy, community outreach, education, resources, referrals and a toll-free hotline. 800-899-4000; info@reachma.org; reachma.org.

• Room to Grow enriches the lives of babies born into poverty throughout the first three years of development with one-on-one parenting guidance, child-rearing information, clothing, books, toys and other essentials items for growing babies. 617-859-4545; roomtogrow.org.

HEALTH AND SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS

• Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – New England Chapter offers workshops monthly on a variety of topics and support groups. (781) 444-7778

• Families for Depression Awareness is a national nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders. The organization provides education, outreach, and advocacy to support families 781-890-0220; familyaware.org.

• Family TIES (Together In Enhancing Support) provides statewide information and parent-to-parent support for families of children with special needs and chronic illness. 800-905-TIES; massfamilyties.org.

• International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting vaginal birth after Cesarean. northeastrc@ican-online.org, ican-online.org.

• Minuteman Early Intervention in West Concord serves infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays and individuals of all ages with specific developmental disabilities and their families. 978.287.7800; minutemanarc.org.

• Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Issues, Second and fourth Monday of every month, 10:30am to 12:30pm, Wayside Youth and Family Services, 118 Central St., Waltham. Are you the parent or caregiver of a child or young adult with behavioral or mental health issues? Are you feeling alone and isolated? Are you overwhelmed by dealing with ‘the system’, paperwork and phone calls, or just ‘burned out’? Do you know how to access medical, mental health or special education services for your child? Do you just need to talk to other parents and caregivers who understand? waysideyouth.org/ForFamilies/ParentSupportServices.aspx

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services to families who qualify for this national program. 800-WIC-1007; mass.gov/wic

LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

• The Children’s Room: Center for Grieving Children and Teenagers in Arlington provides support, counseling and group sessions. 781-641-4741; info@childrensroom.org; childrensroom.org.

• Listening, Reflecting, Healing in Needham offers a four-week support group, Moving Forward After Pregnancy Loss, for those who experienced a first-, second- or third-trimester loss. Participants should be able to commit to all four meetings. $125. 781-366-5300; mfgcgc@yahoo.com, listeningreflectinghealing.com.

MOTHER’S  SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS

• Ashland MOMS welcomes members who live in Ashland and are a mom or mom to be! Playgroups, community activities, online message board, moms’ night, babysitting co-op and more offered; https://www.facebook.com/AshlandMAMoms/

• MOMS (Mothers Offering Mothers Support) Club of Norfolk, Plainville, & Wrentham is a chapter of a not-for-profit organization geared to the unique needs of mothers who are at home with their children, infant through Kindergarten age, during the day. npwmoms@gmail.com; npwmoms.org.

• Greater Newburyport Mothers and Families Club includes more than 800 members in the Newburyport area and offers adult and child social activities, playgroup matching, charitable work, and networking. greaternewburyportfamilies.org.

• Newton Women’s’ Forum is a nonprofit organization created to help mothers in Newton and surrounding towns meet, share ideas and information, and build a community for themselves and their families. The group hosts activities for children, families, and moms and partners. newtonmoms.com; newtonmoms@gmail.com.

MULTIPLES SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS

• The Mass. Mother of Twins Founding Chapter (MMOTA-Founding Chapter) is a support group for local parents of twins or multiples. The group provides phone and online support services, COPE meetings for new and expectant parents, playgroups, outings and general meetings. General meetings are held several times a year in Winchester. (781) 989-3222; info@mmota-founding.org; mmmota-founding.org.

• North Shore Mothers of Multiples, a support group for mothers of twins and multiples, meets the second Wednesday of the month to exchange ideas and participate in different programs. Expectant mothers and grandmothers are welcome. 978-646-9406. nsmom.org.

• The Seaside Mothers of Multiples is a nonprofit support group for mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month (Sept-June) in the multi-purpose room at the Emilson YMCA in Hanover. Monthly meetings feature speakers, plus monthly newsletters, welcome meals for new mothers, and other activities. http://www.seasidemoms.org

• South Shore Mothers of Multiples is a nonprofit support group for mothers and expectant mothers of twins and other multiples. The group meets monthly in Braintree. ssmom.membership@gmail.com; https://www.facebook.com/groups

• The West Suburban Chapter of the Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Association provides support for mothers of twins in west suburban Boston. New members are welcome. General meetings are commonly held on the second Thursday of each month, September through May at 7pm at St. George Catholic Church in Framingham or the Elks Lodge in Natick. wscmmota.org.

NEW PARENTS SUPPORT GROUPS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

• New Babies/New Parents Support Group is for first-time parents with infants up to 6 months old to meet with other parents and a leader for support and discussion. Call for the next start date. Groups meet once a week for eight evenings at One Wells Ave (Ground Floor) in Newton. Registration required. 617-332-3666; https://www.williamjames.edu/centers-and-services

• New Mom Support Group is offered by The Parent Connection of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the following communities: Chestnut Hill, Monday afternoons at Healthworks Fitness Center, 1300 Boylston St.; Dedham, Tuesday mornings at Dedham Health and Athletic Complex, 200 Providence Highway; Milton, Friday afternoons at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, 199 Reedsdale Rd. Milton. FREE. Registration required. 617-667-BABY. http://www.bidmc.org/parentconnection.

 

Do you know of a resource group we should add to this list? Please email the name and city of the group to editor@bostonparent.com.