Social & Support Groups

Meet people in your local community, find people that share common interests, and build friendships that can last a lifetime.

Social Groups- for people with disabilities

Best Buddies: https://www.bestbuddies.org/pennsylvania/friendship fosters individualized friendships for people with and without an IDD diagnosis, with chapters for middle school, high school, college, and adults

GRASP of Greater Philadelphia: https://www.facebook.com/GraspPhilly/ a friendly, supportive virtual meeting group for adults ages 18 and older who are diagnosed with autism

Making Friends Social Group LLC: https://www.makingfriendssocialgroup.com/ offers social strategies for children pre-K through 5th grade diagnosed with ADHD, social anxiety, and language disorder

Our Community Cup Coffeehouse: https://ourcommunitycup.com/ a welcoming place for all people, offering activities like open mic and games

PA Deaf and ASL Social Events | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PADeafandASLSocialEvents This is a Facebook Page where people who are Deaf can go to check out different events/activities happening across PA for the Deaf population!

Thrive for Hope: https://youthmovepa.wildapricot.org/Thrive-for-Hope/ a virtual, drop-in support group for young adults ages 16-29

Support Groups- for parents & caregivers

  • ASERT: https://paautism.org/support-groups/ Search Autism support groups by PA County.

  • Coffee Closet with Barista Jake will be hosting a casual parent chat for those that have special needs youngsters, Teens or adult children with Physical, emotional or Intellectual disabilities. It’s at the Coffee Closet with Barista Jake inside of Vinyl Closet Records at 2117 west main street Norristown pa 19403. If you are interested in attending please contact Angela at 484-686-1188 or email baristajake2020@comcast.net

  • Families CCAN: https://www.familiesccanphilly.org/services-programs supports families through resource meetings, virtual workshops, service navigation, and more

  • JCHAI: https://www.jchai.org/ free, virtual support group for parents/caregivers of adults (17+) with disabilities

  • Kaleidoscope Clubhouse Parent to Parent Club: https://www.kaleidoscopeclubhouse.com/parenttoparent-club Free meet up for parents and caregivers who share the joys and challenges of caring for a child or adult with special needs. Meets in person at 701 Horsham Road Horsham, PA 18044

  • Kaleidoscope Family Solutions Inc: https://www.kfamilysolutions.org/kfs-pennsylvania/ Parent/ Caregiver Support Group via Zoom for all PA counties. Contact Pam Frebowitz at pfrebowitz@kfamilysolutions.org for dates and to RSVP.

  • Parent to Parent: https://www.parenttoparent.org/ matches a parent to a "mentor" parent to act as a peer support person

  • Philadelphia Parent Support Groups (PPSG) Sponsored by Vision For Equality, Inc.:

If you are a parent, family member of a person or individual receiving Intellectual disAbility Services in Philadelphia and looking to make a connection in your area, please contact the following:

  • Philadelphia Parent support Groups Clerical Assistant

Doreatha Davis: Direct Number: 267:702-1600 ddavis@visionforequality.org

  • Philadelphia Parent support Groups Administrative Assistant

Carol Costello:215-923-3349 ext. 204 ccostello@visionforequailty.org

  • NW Family Support Group

Germantown, Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill Representative: Verna Edwards -215-301-0436

  • Heart of the Family

Center City / South Philly Parent Support Representative: Marjorie Anderson - 267-307-6915

  • There’s A Place For Us Support Group

North Philadelphia Representative: Cleo Dupree – 21-5-329-5219

  • Abrienodo Caminos a los Latinos con Families”

Exceptional Families “ (Latinos Support Group) Liaison: Marisol Ramos – 267-773-5296

  • Roxborough Parent Support Group

Roxborough Representative: Carol Costello – 215-487-1240

  • West Philadelphia Parent Support Group

West Philadelphia, Mantua, Overbrook & SW Philadelphia, Winfield Representative: Doreatha Davis- 215-303-3501

  • Sibshops: https://siblingsupport.org/sibshops/find-a-sibshop-near-you/#b_start=0&c7=PA A support group for the siblings of children with special medical or developmental needs and challenges. The Sibshops model takes a wellness approach, providing opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context.