After the Loss
A free support group provided by Ellis Hospital for pregnancy loss and infant death. Meets on the third Thursday of even-numbered months at 7-8:30 p.m. at McClellan campus conference room in Schenectady. For more information, contact Jill Hagan at 346-9414 or [email protected].
The Post Adoption Resource Center (PARC) at Parsons Child and Family Center
Group dedicated to supporting and sustaining adoptive and pre-adoptive. Adoption-sensitive staff work directly with families to help understand and provide assistance when dealing with potential issues that adoptive children may face. The program currently serves 10 counties, including Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties. PARC offers parent support group meetings, typically twice a month. Call PARC for more information at 518-426-2888 or [email protected].
The TEARS Foundation
An organization that seeks to help lift the financial and emotional burden from families that have suffered the loss of a child between 20 weeks gestation and 1 year of life. Volunteers needed as well. For more information, go to www.thetearsfoundation.org or contact Brenna at [email protected], (518) 512-1940.
The Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York
An organization that provides support and information to all those whose lives have been touched by Spina Bifida, including outreach to new families while their child is still in the hospital, as well as groups for young children, teens and parents. Social activities provide a fun way to meet others with Spina Bifida, and information and referral services are a vital link to better health outcomes for people living with Spina Bifida. For more information, email [email protected], call 399-9151, or go online to www.sbaneny.org.
Shades of Light Postpartum Support
Peer support groups for moms during their first year postpartum who are experiencing a Postpartum Mood Disorder or are struggling during the postpartum period. Troy group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., and second Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m., at Three Sisters, 406 Fulton St., Suite 513, Troy. To register, contact Amy Breese, 469-8704 or [email protected] Saratoga group meets the third Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Library, 49 Henry St. To register, contact Suzanne Nelson at 955-6770 or [email protected].
Epilepsy Parent Network
Support group for parents of children with epilepsy who would like to connect with other parents. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every other month at the Epilepsy Foundation office, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205 from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information please contact Lori Kidd at 456-7501 or via e-mail at: [email protected].
Adoptive Families of the Capital Region
Supporting adoptive families and prospective adoptive parents in the Capital Region for over 25 years by providing educational workshops and social events. Events are open to the general public. For information call 448-5295 or visit http://adoptivefamilies.homestead.com.
The Bus Stop Club
The Bus Stop Club provides support to siblings of children with chronic illnesses or special needs. The group meets monthly at the Guilderland, Bethlehem, Troy, Saratoga and East Greenbush YMCAs to provide a safe and fun environment that allows members to express themselves, and more importantly, just be kids. Go to www.busstopclub.com or call 221-4402 for information.
Empty Arms Support Effort-EASE
A support group for parents who have suffered a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. Held the third Tuesday of the month at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany from 7:00-8:30 pm. Call Amy at 782-7038 or Barry at 237-5553.
The Dad’s Place at P2P of NYS
The place for fathers and male caregivers of someone who has a developmental disability, where men discuss issues in a positive, confidential manner. Meetings are held one Monday a month at the Parent to Parent of NYS office in Schenectady. For information, call or e-mail Jim Swart, 381-4350 or [email protected].
Elementary Family Group
This group is for families that have elementary aged children. We will be getting together to let our kids play at local parks (or other meeting spots) and to share fun experiences together as families. All family members are welcome to attend. For information visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elementaryfamilyplaygroup or e-mail [email protected].
Parenting Teens Program
Parents, got teens? Need help communicating? Worried about dating and relationship intimacy? Wondering about whether to negotiate those rules? If you answered `yes` to any of these questions, the Worth Waiting For Program of Community Maternity Services can help. Call Michelle Schwenzfeier today at 482-8836 ext. 257 to learn more about services and program eligibility.
Father’s Rights Association
Open to men and women who want to work to keep fathers and their children together. Monthly meeting on second Thursday of each month, 7-9 p.m., at the Colonie Community Center. For information, call 869-9463.
Wits End Family Support Group
For parents and caregivers of children experiencing emotional, behavioral and/or social difficulties. Free meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each month at the CEO Joseph L. Bruno building at 2328 Fifth Ave., Troy. For any questions or directions, call Ruth Fennelly at 272-6012, ext. 208.
EPIC Parent Support
Join a free EPIC parent support workshop, with light snack, raffles, bus tokens and certificate of completion available. Call Pattie at 462-2113 to register.
Support Group for Interracial Families
Those interested in joining a social and support group for Albany area interracial families to form new friendships, discuss issues facing families and plan activities for adults and children, can e-mail Pat at [email protected].
Parents Apart
A two-part, five-hour seminar for separating parents providing practical advice focused on the special demands of parenting children. Seminars offered on an ongoing basis for $60, scholarships are available. Call Brian Welsh at 845-294-8082 for information.
Single Parent Network
Single Parent Network is an organization that has activities for single parents, single grandparents and their children. Call 452-6883.
Family Survival of Columbia County
Playgroups, parent support lectures and special family events, free. Call 392-3911.
Parents Anonymous
Free self-help group open to all parents who want to improve their relationships with their children. YWCA offers Parents Anonymous groups in four regional counties. Call 374-3394, ext. 128.
Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center
Providing professional and parent-to-parent support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, 1 Marcus Blvd., Suite 105, Albany. Call 438-1113, go to www.dsahrc.org,or email [email protected].
Families United Network
Offers general support for any behavioral problems. Get information, outreach support, advocacy and referrals. Call Joan Valery at 426-2619.
Parent Support Group
Support for parents sharing concerns for their children who have special emotional, behavioral or social needs and/or have been hospitalized, depressed or out of control. Schenectady County Counseling Center; call 381-8911.
Toughlove
Support group for parents of troubled teens, Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Hampton Manor Beach House, off routes 9 and 20, East Greenbush. Call Dawn, 732-4759.
Compassionate Friends
Self-help group offering friendship and understanding for bereaved parents and relatives. Held third Tuesday of the month, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut St., Albany, 439-0346.
NarAnon Family Support
For those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of a family member or friend. Meetings held Tuesdays 7-8:30 pm, Colonie Christian Life Center, 31 Vly Road, Albany. Go to nar-anon.org/Nar-Anon/New_York for information.
