Support groups

There will be times in everyone's life when they could use the support of others. New parents and parents of multiples (twins, triplets and beyond) may enjoy having other parents to share their experiences with. Parents of children with chronic or life-threatening illness or families who have experienced a death of someone very close to a child may find tremendous comfort in a peer group that understands their situation. Eugene Pediatric Associates and other community programs offer the support you need. If you can't find the group you're looking for, please give us a call.

Support Group for Chronically and Seriously Ill Children

Started in 2007 by Dr. Bradshaw and parents in her pediatric practice, this group is designed to help families as they face the challenges of life-long or life-threatening illnesses. It provides a safe environment for parents to talk about the health needs of their children, as well as the grief, anxiety, joy and other emotions associated with their child's illness(es). The group offers mutual support, not professional therapy.

Led by parent facilitator, Christy Gonenne, group members meet monthly and often choose a specific topic for discussion. This has proven to be a great resource for parents as they search for medical specialists, consider new medications and therapies, manage insurance issues and seek child care. To learn more about this group, contact Dr. Bradshaw at Eugene Pediatric Associates at (541) HUG-KIDS (or 541-484-5437).

Birth to Three

Located in Eugene, Birth to Three is a private non-profit group whose mission is to strengthen families and promote the well-being of children through parent education and support. Parents share parenting experiences, learn more about early childhood development and can access community resources.

Birth to Three, Baby Connection is a drop-in opportunity for families with new babies to meet other families, weigh babies and consult with a lactation consultant to learn about feeding and other parenting issues. This drop-in group is offered Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon.

Birth to Three also offers parents of infants, 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds a chance to meet as a group. Led by a professional parent educator, these groups meet for 10 weeks and follow a carefully developed educational curriculum.

Parents can also call Birth to Three's Parent HelpLine to receive support and information. The Parent HelpLine can be accessed Sunday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about Birth to Three services, call (541) 485-5211, or go to www.birthto3.org.

Twins and Beyond

Twins and Beyond is a Eugene/Springfield club for families with twins, triplets and beyond. The group offers moral support, a monthly newsletter, e-mail loop, club library, play dates and social gatherings. To learn more, go to www.twinsandbeyond.com.

Courageous Kids

When a loved one dies, Courageous Kids provides support for children, ages 6-17, and their caregivers. Weekly support groups are divided by age and are led by trained facilitators. Family members meet separately, but at the same time, to talk about their own experiences. Teens can also join a drama/theater group or become peer-grief educators. To learn more, contact: Program Manager Isa Jennings at (541) 242-8693.