Nami Family Support Group: NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.

Nami Connection: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who've been there.

OPLM Other Parents Like Me

Other Parents Like Me is the nation’s largest, most accessible online community designed exclusively for parents of teens and young adults struggling with mental health challenges.

Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, substance use, or an eating disorder, know that you are not alone. With support groups available whenever you need them, led by trained parent leaders, and access to live, expert-led talks, we’re here to provide the help, hope, and healing your family deserves.

MindSpring: MindSpring’s support groups provide participants with the opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, develop lasting friendships, strengthen community networks, and reduce isolation. Community members are welcome to join at any time during the life of a support group and registration is not required.

Psychology Today

List of Parenting Support Groups in Iowa

Life Connections Wellness Groups:

Wellness Recovery Center is for individuals 18 and older who are recovering from a mental health issue who are looking for a place to go for social activities, group discussions, one on one conversations, or a place to be among others who understand.

This is a free place, providing an atmosphere in which an individual’s recovery is supported using one-to-one peer support, housed within the Wellness Center.

Join us for Wellness Groups any time 4pm-10pm Tuesday through Friday. Or Join Virtually.

Specific groups run 5:30pm-6:30pm Tuesday through Friday.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has free online peer-to-peer communities for people experiencing mental health challenges.

Multicultural Family Center Social Support & Advocacy Groups - in-person or online via Zoom - Dubuque, IA

LSI Parents as Teachers

Become the best teacher for your child. Receive personal home visits from an LSI Parent Educator, and learn about your child’s development from other families in your community. 

Eligibility     

• This program serves parents from pregnancy up until their child is 5 years old

• This program is for families experiencing barriers in raising a healthy family

• Families must reside in Cedar County

Contact

Melissa Tucker at 563.288.4171

Parent Partners are men and women who have been involved with the

Department of Human Services (DHS) due to child protection issues. At

one time, their children were removed from their primary care and have

since been successfully reunified.

• They work intensively with parents of children in care (removed from home by HHS) to promote engagement in case plan activities.

• Help maintain connections between parents and children while in out of home care.

• Share insight and understanding about their own personal experiences that may help the birth parents be successful in their own reunification efforts.

• Assist in the goal of reunification and/or the development of appropriate

• alternative permanent plans. Provide a sense of hope and inspiration to parents in the "system."

• Connect parents with resources.

• Provide encouragement, outreach and support.

Contact: Stacy Zachmeyer

Phone: 319-371-9128

Email: stacyz@cfiowa.org

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Feeling stretched in your role as a caregiver? Caregiving can be stressful—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you care for a loved one at home or in a care facility, nearby or far away, your role is important. You will learn ways to take care of yourself, reduce stress, improve your caregiving confidence, and establish balance in your life as you care for others.

Classes are led by a pair of certified class leaders for two primary audiences:

1. Caregivers of adults with chronic conditions (offered as six 90-minute workshops)

2. Caregivers of children with special health and behavioral needs (offered as six 2-hour workshops)

The Child Mind Institute is a global nonprofit working to transform children’s mental health.

Empowering children, families and educators everywhere

We believe that knowledge empowers families and communities to promote kids’ mental health. That means supporting children when and where they need it most. Whether we are sharing evidence-based information in our Family Resource Center or training educators and mental health professionals, we bring life-changing care within reach.

Rainbows for all children

Supporting Young People with Incarcerated Family Members. The incarceration of a friend or family member can cause immense strain on an important relationship while introducing stigma, shame, and emotional uncertainty into a young person’s life.  

Find a Group

Project Avary

Project Avary is a national leader in supporting children with incarcerated parents.

Children of incarcerated parents are often overlooked. We make sure they are seen, supported, and empowered. At Project Avary, we believe that every child deserves a community that sees them, supports them, and walks beside them. Our approach is built on long-term relationships, healing spaces, and leadership opportunities that give children of incarcerated parents the support they need — not just for now, but for the future.

New York Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents’ recommended books for and about children of incarcerated parents  

These books about children of incarcerated parents act as a resource for parents, caregivers, providers, and policy makers about the diverse needs and experiences of

children of incarcerated parent

Guide – Talking to kids about hard topics

The world we live in is full of difficult topics and as a parent or caregiver you may find yourself trying to navigate these conversations with your child. Difficult topics can include grief, divorce, world events, illnesses and more.

As caregivers we want to protect our children, but we also want to equip them with the emotional tools to navigate life’s challenges. Talking about tough topics strengthens your child’s ability to think, solve problems and communicate. It also helps to build your child’s resilience. When we open up and talk about tough topics with your child gives you a chance to explain values and beliefs that are important to your family.