Self Advocacy
The Arc of Opportunity’s Family Support Group gives families the opportunity to come together in a confidential and judgment-free environment to talk about their stories, experiences, goals, and challenges. Understanding that you are not on this journey alone is often comforting and allows families to stay focused while finding strength in the supporting of each other.

The Family Support Center offers information, support, advocacy and activities for children and adults living with developmental disabilities and their families. This comprehensive service links families with similar needs and concerns, identify individualized needs, brainstorm service options while working to connect persons served to appropriate resources. Conversation groups can include families of children with all disabilities, all ages, and all family members. Please call for more information.

Offers parent support and education groups and interactive playgroups. Groups meet in Pittsfield. Call for more information and visit the online event calendar for a complete list of a variety of activities.

Infants 0-1
Our FREE support groups provide safe and nurturing spaces for mothers and/or fathers with their babies (birth to one year) to give and receive support, ask questions, and begin building a parent community. Weekly Support Groups: Breastfeeding Support, Fragile Beginnings Phone Support, Multiples, Mothering After Mother Loss and much more. Since 1989, CERS groups and services have been empowering parents to find what works best for them and for their babies. Please visit the website for more information or call.

Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC) Supports individuals with developmental delays, disabilities and family challenges to pursue their personal potential and success in the community. Offers Resource and Referral, Family Support Network, Parent : Parent Support, Medically Fragile Support Network CAST- Cape Advocates Standing Together (self-advocacy network), Recreational and Training Opportunities. Please call for more information.

Free peer family support group for adults living with the drug addiction of a loved one; meets monthly in Davenport Conference Room 102A, Salem Hospital. Contact us to learn details and to register.

Mothers Social Group
Moms of Amazing Kids is focused on moms who are raising children with medical, developmental, and other special needs. Moms of Amazing Kids provides the opportunity to connect with other moms who “get it” while having a little fun too. We host monthly dinners, classes, workshops, and more and have support groups for moms as well as spouses and relatives. We also organize sensory-friendly and inclusive playdates offering a wonderful, safe, and judgment-free way to have fun with your kids. Our active Facebook group provides an opportunity for moms to share resources, recommendations, and to talk about the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs. Check our website for more information.

New North is a one-stop family center that offers assistance to families who have a member with a developmental disability. The staff helps families with information and support through a network of human service agencies and community service providers. Support group meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly from 10AM-Noon at 11 Wilbraham Road, 2nd Floor, Springfield. All parents are welcome to join our support group, regardless of the diagnosis of the child.

Hosts a variety of support groups and avtivities for families. These monthly support groups are for English- and Spanish-speaking parents of individuals with disabilities. Visit the website or Call to learn location, time and dates for meetings.

Parents of children in a residential placement come together to discuss issues and provide support for one another. This group meets quarterly on Tuesday evenings. Call for dates and more information.

Transition to Adulthood
Parents of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and/or ASD meet with other parents to informally share experiences & information regarding the issues you may face during the teenage years (ages 13 to 18). Held the second Thursday of each month from 10:00am-12: 00 pm. Please visit the website, call or e-mail.

Family Networking and Support Groups.
Families coming together and supporting each other has always been fundamental to The Arc’s services. The Arc hosts both a Dads’ Night Out and a Moms’ Support Group. Come join us for a relaxing evening while enjoying dinner and networking with other families who walk the walk. Please call for meeting location and details.

The Bridge is a community-based, family-driven program supporting families and their children ages 0-18 years old. The Bridge is one of a network of eighteen Family Resource Centers across the Commonwealth. All services are free and available to any child or family. Offers Parent Support Groups, Educational classes including financial literacy Arts, Cultural, and Recreational activities–dance, yoga, and more! Specialized clinical supports for youth and their families Family Groups for learning and skill-building. Please call for more information.

Support group intended for families who have children with learning needs or extra challenges, the opportunity to talk with other parents about how they handle things like community life, sibling relationships or family dynamics, MUST live in Erving, Leverett, New Salem, Shutesbury, and Wendell. Please be in touch regarding the current schedule. Group will be held at different schools in Erving School Union #28 throughout the year. Childcare available but requires pre-registration.