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.
• Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – New England Chapter offers workshops monthly on a variety of topics and support groups; https://asthmaandallergies.org/
• Emerson Hospital’s Cancer Support Group Emerson Hospital offers an array of groups and services to provide support and connection to others who understand what you’re going through. We also offer classes to help you look and feel your best; www.emersonhospital.org
• 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.
• The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. is a support group for families with children who have Type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes. The group helps parents connect with others near them for in-person get-togethers and offers online support; www.bartoncenter.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.
• Hurts, Hang-Ups and Habits Support Group meets on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm at Crossroads Childcare Center, 1301 Edgell Road, Framingham, and addresses issues like anger, resentment, anxiety, depression, grief and addictions. 508-877-7733; https://www.cr.newhope.org/what-is-a-hurt-habit-or-hang-up
• 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. 617-472-4880; ican-online.org.
• Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress mStatewide organization staffed by families working to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, offering resources and information for new and expectant parents, health professionals, families and children. Site of the Parents’ First Call Program, which makes connections for parents with a new diagnosis of Down syndrome with others who have had the same life experience. To speak to with a First Call parent: call 800-664-MDSC (6372), https://mdsc.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. 978-371-1543; minutemanarc.org.
• Parents of Children with Epilepsy is a support group for parents of children with epilepsy; https://www.massgeneral.org/children/epilepsy/education/family-life
• Sensory Processing Disorder–Parent Connections is a free, monthly drop-in group providing support, information, and understanding to caretakers of children with SPD; www.sepacnatick.org
• Support Group for Parents of Children with Mental Health Issues, 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? https://www.waysideyouth.org/
• 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.
• The Wellness Community of Greater Boston is a nonprofit organization providing psychological, social and educational support programs and services for cancer patients as well as for their loved ones; www.wellnesscommunity.org
