All phone numbers are area code 916 unless otherwise noted.
We recommend calling ahead to RSVP and confirm details.

Support Groups are Organized by Topic:
Adoption
Breastfeeding
Crisis/Abuse
Homeschooling
Parenting:
- New Parents
- Multiples
- Moms
- Dads
- Single Parents
- General
Playgroups
Special Needs:
- Parents and Their Children with Special Needs
- Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Families Affected by Down Syndrome
Public Education & Resource Programs


Adoption:

Adoption Support Group
For those in the process of adopting. Meets at 7-9pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month in Roseville. Call Kris Allen: 300-6333 or Sharon Maccini: 456-3379.

Placer Kids
Learn all you want to know about becoming a foster care provider or adoptive parent. Free information sessions offered, with no commitment required, the 3rd Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm in Auburn. Contact Placer Kids at 888-387-9982. For childcare, RSVP to Marilyn: (530) 886-2893.

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding Coalition of Placer County
Offering free group lactation consultations to residents of Placer County on a drop-in basis every Thursday 10am–1pm. Visits are staffed by a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). 780-6454.

Breastfeeding Moms’ Support Group
Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM, leads this free supportive gathering for all moms—a great place to have questions answered and connect with other mothers. 10am-12pm on Fridays at Cottage Park on Cottage Way, across from Kaiser Morse Hospital. 613-5210. IBCLC@BreastfeedingNetwork.net.

National Women’s Health Center Breastfeeding Helpline
Offering breastfeeding support and advice Monday-Friday 9am-6pm EST. 1-800-944-9662.

Mothers’ Support Network (MSN)
Hosted by the Mothers’ Support Network, Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM, offers her expertise regarding your breastfeeding trials and tribulations. Her support and encouragement will be incorporated into the New Mom’s Group, on Wednesday once a month (check Web site for dates) at 10:30am-12pm. 971-4860.

MSN’s Breastfeeding Support Group
Do you have breastfeeding questions? Need support and encouragement? Attend MSN’s group, facilitated by Beck Diel, lactation consultant intern. Thursdays 10:30am-12pm. 971-4860.

La Leche League (LLL)
An international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization deciated to providing education, information and support to women who want to breastfeed. Membership is $40 for one year. All breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to their local chapter's free monthly meeting:

LLL - Auburn
Meets on the 4th Thursday of each month, 10am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Auburn. Contact Becky: (530) 878-1855.

LLL - Folsom
Meets the second Wednesday of each moth, 9:30am at Folsom Kaiser facility in Folsom. Contact Sandy: 985-9424 or Janine: 933-6099.

LLL - Grass Valley/Nevada City
Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month, 10am at Sierra Adoption Agency in Grass Valley. Contact Risa: (530) 273-5558.

LLL - Roseville/Citrus Heights
Meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7pm at Mercy Phsycians Plaza in Carmichael. Also meets the third Tuesday of each month, 10am at Raley's Event Center in Roseville. Contact Deanna: 747-1180.

LLL - Sacramento
Meets the third Thursday of each month, 10am at Central Methodist Church in midtown Sacramento.

Sutter Medical’s Lactation Station
Located in Sutter Memorial Hospital in downtown Sacramento, this small shop offers breastfeeding supplies, an on-hand lactation consultant, parenting books and many resources. 733-0877.

Women, Infants, Children Program of Sacramento County
Offers breastfeeding support, resources, nutritional information and food to low-income and working mothers, pregnant women and children under 5 years, including foster children. 427-5500.

Crisis or Dealing with Abuse:

24hr Parent Support Line
1-888-281-3000. Offering emotional support, crisis intervention and resources/referrals to caregivers of children - parents, grandparents, teen parents, foster parents and guardians, who may call 24 hours a day. Trained and caring volunteers offer confidential support and help you with concerns. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Liseanne Wick at 368-3110 or lwick@TheEffort.org.

Child Abuse Prevention Council of Placer County
Continuous classes offered to meet the changing needs of local families. Call for more information. In Auburn: (530) 887-3536. In Colfax: (530) 346-9575. In Roseville: 774-6802.

Child & Family Institute (CFI)
Provides treatment and prevention services to at-risk children and homeless children. Services include family and outreach counseling, development groups and therapy. Applications are being accepted for volunteer workshop/training. Call the Volunteer Coordinator: 736-0895.

Kaiser Medical Center
Offering resources for women affected by violence and abuse; this is free and open to the general public. 614-4740.

Kinship Support Circles
Grandparents, aunts and others who are parenting a relative's or friend's child (ages 0-18) are invited to join the "Circle of Support." Share information, ideas and community at group meetings with others who understand what you're experiencing. Roseville meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, 6-7pm, at the Roseville Family Resource Center: 916-774-6802. Auburn meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month, 6-7pm, at Placer Kids: 530-887-3536.

Sacramento Crisis Nursery
Provides respite care, counseling and referrals for families and is an emergency shelter for children age 6 and under. The nursery works toward early intervention of child abuse and neglect by providing parents with support and resources. Open 24 hours a day, you may call at any time: 679-3600. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Judy Schefer at 290-8200 or judy.schefer@KidsHome.org.

SNAP (Survivors of Clergy Abuse)
This support group for male and female survivors of clergy sexual abuse offers monthly support group meetings 1-3pm on the second Sat of each month, plus phone support and access to information and activist outlets to help educate the public and protect future generations of children. For more details, please call Crystal Shaw: 670-5595 or Nancy Sloan: (707) 631-7654.

Homeschooling:

Davis Christian Home Educators Cooperative (DCHEC)
Provides support, interaction and friendship for homeschoolers of Davis, Woodland and surrounding communities. Classes, which are held once a week for 4-6 weeks are taught by group members. Monthly field trips are regularly held. Park Day: Tuesdays 11:30am-1:30pm and meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Contact Melissa Draper: (530) 757-2602 or wild_boys@sbcglobal.net.

Homeschooling Co-Op of Sacramento
An eclectic group of homeschoolers who meet regularly for park days, skate days, field trips & other educational opportunities. For details, call Lisa: 826-5749.

Sacramento Area Homeschool Info & Chat
A resource for all types of homeschoolers to network, get information or plan events. 671-4168.

Sacramento Learning Freesource
This green group promotes recycling and reusing by offering used learning and educational materials for free.

Sacramento Unschooling Network (SUN)
Learn about the unschooling way of learning and join other Sacramentans who live the unschooler lifestyle at monthly family events. Contact Bronwen: 445-7956, Traci: 424-2703 or SUNetwork-owner@yahoogroups.com.

The Well Trained Mind (TWTM)
A support and resource group for Sacramento area families using The Well Trained Mind approach to homeschooling.

Yolo County Homeschoolers
All education methods, preferences, philosophies and all ages welcome. Park Days, e-newsletter & more. Contact Carl Schwedler: (530) 756-8238, Eve: (530) 753-6464 or yoloannounce@yahoogroups.com.


New Parents:

"Baby and Me" New Moms Support Group
Mercy offers an ongoing education/support group designed to help new mothers learn about themselves, their new roles and coping with the changes and challenges new moms experience. A Mercy educator facilitates the group. All are welcome. There is no fee to attend. Groups meet weekly in Folsom, Sacramento and South Sacramento. For meeting locations and times: 614-2200.

Bayside Moms & More
Moms with newborn to kindergarten-age kids meet on Fridays at 10:30am for play groups, park days, crafts and more. Serving Roseville/Granite Bay/Rocklin. 791-1244.

New Mothers Outlet
Support group for new parents and babies (6-12 months old), with regular weekly meetings offered in Roseville, Auburn, Elk Grove and Sacramento. Call 733-7080 (ext. 5) for days, times and locations. No pre-registration and drop-ins are always welcome. Offered through the Sutter Auburn Faith Foundation. 1-800-401-4454.

MSN's New & Pregnant Moms’ Group
Do you have questions about your new baby? Need some support and encouragement? The Mothers’ Support Network invites you to spend some time with the New & Pregnant Moms’ Groups. Babies range from a few days old to around 1 year. Pregnant moms often come too to expand their circle of friends and prepare. Weekly meetings held Wednesdays, 10:30am-12pm, at the MSN Parent Resource Center in Sacramento. Free. You can reach facilitator Mya Dudzik at 868-4884.

Young Mothers Pregnancy Workshop
Kaiser locations in Sacramento and Roseville offer a free workshop where young moms (19 and under) can talk with other young moms and to various health professionals about pregnancy, breastfeeding, nutrition, emotions and more. This is open to the general public. 614-5152.


Multiples:

A.W.E.M.O.M.s, for Mothers of Multiples
"At Wits End Mothers of Multiples" meets 7-9pm on the first Thursday of each month for planned topics/discussion & third Wednesdays for social events, at Peace Presbyterian Church in Elk Grove. Serving South Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt and Lodi.

Mothers of Multiples - El Dorado Hills
EDMOMS is dedicated to mothers of multiples living in El Dorado, Sacramento and Placer Counties. All current and expectant mothers of multiples are welcome to become members and meet for support, activities, playtime and information. Information line: 729-6667. For membership questions contact Stacy: 355-0573.

Sacramento Parents with Multiples
For families with or expecting multiples. Meetins 7pm on 4th Tues each month (6:30pm, new members). Monthly newsletter, holiday parties, social activities for parents and children. 725-TWIN.

Moms:

BizyMoms.com
Support/networking group for work-at-home parents, offering events, activities and more.

ICAN of Sacramento
Support for women who have experienced a cesarean, traumatic birth, or would like information or support for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Any pregnant woman seeking information to help her avoid an unnecessary cesarean is also encouraged to attend. For times and locations, call Laine: 363-2182.

International MOMS Club
Ever feel like you’re the only stay-at-home Mom you know? You’re really not alone. MOMS Club provides support, fun and bonding with other Moms who stay at home, or work part-time, just like you. Visit momsclub.org to link up with a chapter near you, or connect with one of the following local MOMS Clubs:

MOMS Club of Antelope/Elverta
Link to their Web site for events, resources and more.

MOMS Club of Citrus Heights
Playgroups, field trips, park days & more. momsclub_membership@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Elk Grove/Franklin
Fun activities include play-groups, Mom's Night Out, park days, walking club, monthly meetings and more! Boundaries are south of Elk Grove Blvd., north of Arno Rd., east of Frankin Blvd., and west of Hwy 99. egfmoms@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Fair Oaks
Link to their Web site for events, resources and more. info@FairOaksMomsClub.org.

MOMS Club of Rocklin (North)
Meetings typically fall on the last Tuesday of the month, 10am, at the Rocklin Library.

MOMS Club of Rocklin (South)
Link to their Web site for events, resources and more.

MOMS Club of Roseville
Support group for moms and their children as well as playgroups, park days, and more. Serves Roseville north of Pleasant Grove. MomsClubOfRosevilleNorth@hotmail.com.

MOMS Club of Sacramento/Land Park
Support and activity group for mothers and their children, offering play groups, park days, stroller walks and more. For membership information: momsclubsacramento@gmail.com.

MOMS Club of Sacramento/Natomas Park
A great way to meet other Moms and their children. Activities include play groups, field trips, park/pool days, Moms' nights out and service projects benefiting women and children. Contact Noelle: noeypoe@aol.com.

Hadassah Mom’s Group
The Hadassah Mom's group will be meeting on the second Monday of the month, from 9-11 am. Children from 0 to 3 are welcome. Locations will vary; contact sachadassah@yahoo.com.

Mocha Moms of Sacramento
The primary mission of Mocha Moms Inc. is to support and encourage women of color who are at-home mothers. Playgroups are held Tuesdays 10am-12noon; Moms only meetings are held the third Saturday of each month from 12pm-2pm. Contact: sactomochamoms@yahoo.com.

Morning Out for Mothers (MOMs)
Dedicated to building a community of support, encouragement and friendship among local moms. MOMs meets 9:30am-11:30am on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church (on Fair Oaks Blvd). Childcare provided so you can truly have a “morning out”! Contact Megan Kiernan: morningoutformothers@gmail.com.

Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPs) - Roseville
For moms with babies to kindergarten-age kids. Enjoy speakers, make fun crafts and meet new friends over a hot breakfast, while the children attend their own program to explore and play in a loving atmosphere. Meetings are twice a month (September-May) in Roseville on Thursday and Friday mornings, 9-11:15am; MOPs also conducts summer events. For more information contact Ali Browning: 408-2342 or browningdaniel@aol.com.

Mothers’ Support Network
Offers education, empowerment and support to moms in greater Sacramento through quarterly newsletters, educational and social events. Bring your kids to the next monthly meeting and make new friends. Call Barbara: 744-1478. MSN’s New & Pregnant Moms’ Group meets Wednesdays at 10:30 am, 2460 Avalon Drive, Sac. Contact Melissa: 285-7494.

Rocklin Moms & Tots
A non-profit social and support group for Moms with young children in Rocklin and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide variety of activities including playgroups, park days, art, outings, holiday parties, moms' night out, dads & tots and more! Contact Rebecca:415-0303.

Sierra Moms
Meets 2nd Monday at Lakeside Church for socializing & guest speaker. Other activities include playgroups, Moms Night Out, Bunko, scrapbooking & babysitting co-op. General/open house meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 9:30am at Lakeside Church. 978-5995.


Dads:

Daddy’s Here
A men’s support group that meets Thursdays from 7-8:30pm at The Center for Fathers and Families in Sacramento. Gain valuable information and insights on custody issues, divorce, family court, parenting and other topics. Contact Terry at 568-3237 (x205) or email terry@FathersAndFamilies.com to find out more.

Fathers' Support Group
This organization provides fathers with a forum for sharing ideas and regularly giving and receiving support from other fathers. Groups are led by trained facilitators each Thursday from 7-8 pm at 2831 Fruitridge Road, Suite M in Sacramento. Contact 739-0894 or dasfall@jbanta.com.

TrailBlazers Fathers Forum
Dads, grandparents, uncles and men impacted by children with any disabilities have been meeting for over 10 years. Meets the last Tuesday of each month, 7-9pm at Round Rable Pizza in Granite Bay (8755 Sierra College Blvd.) Contact Al or Raymond: 922-9276 or WarmLine@WarmLineFrc.org.

Single Parents:

Parents Without Partners - Sacramento Chapter
A non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the interests and support of today’s single parents and their children. Regular, diverse social gatherings, educational and support programs for single parents. 484-4678.

Single Parent Support Group
Single parents in the Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay and Lincoln areas are welcome to share in activities and discussions and support for one another. Meets on the last Thursday of each month in Rocklin. Membership is free and kids are welcome to attend. 789-8709.

General Parenting:

Attachment Parenting International (API)
API is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization offering emotional, educational and practical support to parents who practice attachment style parenting or who wish to learn more about this style of parenting. All interested individuals are invited, and babies are welcome, to attend support group meetings, held on the 3rd Thursday of each month in Roseville. Contact Deanna at 787-1198.

Country Moms & Kids
Non-profit organization aiming to provide a social and educational network for mothers, children & families. Monthly newsletter full of fun activities. Serves Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay & surrounding areas.

Food Allergy Support Of Sacramento (FASS)
Monthly meetings held the first Thursday of the month at 7pm. Link to their site for meeting information. 487-3981.

Holistic Moms Network - American River Chapter (formerly Placer County Chapter)
Meeting held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center of Fair Oaks.

Holistic Moms Network - Cosumnes River Area Chapter
Join other parents interested in natural health and mindful parenting, the first Tuesday of each month, 7-9pm, at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Elk Grove. Play groups, support network, and moms' nights out also available. Contact Austen Sandifer: 230-6132 or sachmn06@yahoo.com.

Mountain Moms and Little Folks
A non-profit social and support group for families with small children (0-5). Events include park days, play dates, local tours, family outings, holiday parties and parent’s night out activities! (530) 470-2212.

Parent Innovators
This group for local parent inventors (formerly OPIPs) is for those who have already invented a product, or have an idea but could use some encouragement getting started. The group meets once every other month. Members share stories, exchange ideas, and offer support to one another. Free. Contact Eva Winger: 320-7403.

PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
An all-vonunteer group of GLBT friends and family, providing a safe and confidential place to talk. Meets the second Monday of each month, 7-9pm, at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Conference Room A. Contact 863-9622 or information@pflagplacercounty.org.

Sacramento Parents Group
Share support, advice, weekly activities, playgroups, classes and fun special events. Membership dues ($24/year) fund activities and events. Contact Jennifer Varanini Sanchez, at jvaranini@yahoo.com.

Sharing Parents
For those going through pregnancy or infant loss, this parent-to-parent support group offers a variety of services, comfort and community. General meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month, offering a time for bereaved parents to come together and share their feelings and love for their babies. Subsequent pregnancy meetings, for parents contemplating a future pregnancy after a loss, or those who are currently pregnant, happen on the 4th Monday of each month. Both meetings held 7-9pm at Mercy Women's Center (650 Howe Ave, Ste. #530 in Sacramento). Attendance is free. 424-5150.

Playgroups:

International MOMS Clubs
Various Sacramento-area chapters hold playgroups. Please check the listings to find contact information, etc. under “Parenting: Moms" support groups listings.

Me Gusta Baby Playgroups - Downtown Auburn
Connect with other families at Me Gusta Baby. Play area includes train tables, a dollhouse, a stove and refrigerator, and other eco-friendly toys and games. Organic snacks provided for parents and children. Thursday playgroup (for ages newborn-2): 3:30-4:30pm and Friday playgroup (for ages 2+): 10:30-11:30am both hosted at 895 Lincoln Way, Auburn. (530) 888-7566.

Mocha Moms, Inc.
This support group holds playgroups Tuesdays 10am-12noon at various locations. sactomochamoms@yahoo.com.

MSN Folsom Area Playgroup - at Ernie Sheldon Park
Get out and play! The Mothers’ Support Network hosts a Folsom Area Playgroup on Mondays, 9:30-12:30pm at Ernie Sheldon Park in Folsom. Rainy day play moves indoors. Free. If you’re coming for the first time, please check for any updates or changes. You can contact Jen DeLugach (985-4136, Jen@BirthResource.com) or Jennifer Shvetsky (792-8810, Jennifer1134@aol.com).

MSN Infant and Toddler Playgroup
Perfect for little ones from crawling to about age 3. Open to mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers, etc. Ideal for those who can't make it to groups during the normal weekday and still great for anyone who wants evening social time. The plan is to provide social time for parents while incorporating educational play, music and stories. 6pm-7:30pm at Parent Resource Center in Sacramento on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Free. Contact: Temperance Harkins at 879-0571 or Virtue0101@yahoo.com.

MSN Sacramento Area Playgroup - at Tahoe Park
Can You Come Out to Play? The Mothers' Support Network hosts a Playgroup on Wednesdays at 10:45am at Tahoe Park in Sacramento (unless rained out). Play sets will accommodate children of all ages, and all are welcome, including homeschoolers and their parents/caregivers. Bring sand box toys, snacks, drinks and lunch, if you like. Bring a blanket—they often have circle time with finger plays and singing! Free. Contact: Shirley Jellison at ShirleyJellison@Sprintmail.com or 359-0633.

MSN Sacramento Area Playgroup - at William Land Park Playground
Playtime for Parents & Kids! The Mothers' Support Network welcomes new families into their Playgroup Tuesdays, 10:30am-12noon (unless pouring rain), at William Land Park Playground in Sacramento. Enjoy play, conversation and support. Great for kids of all ages, from crawlers to older kids. Look for the picnic table with a purple tablecloth, just outside the school. There will also be a sign. Free. Contact: Lisa Ham at Lisa@SpaceEchoes.com or 359-0633.

Parents and Their Children with Special Needs:

Friday Night KidzKlub
A three-hour respite for parents of special needs kids (ages 1-16), KidzKlub offers free compassionate and competent child care on the first Friday of each month, 6:15-9:15pm at Bayside Church in Granite Bay. Siblings welcome, nurse on hand. Advance reservations required. Contact Melynda: 746-8697 or KidzKlub@Surewest.net.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Greater Sacramento Chapter
Voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services, including education programs, co-pay assistance, and a variety of youth, adult and parent support groups held in Sacramento and Placer counties. Contact Susan: 800-410-8170 (ext. 19) or Susan.Todd@lls.org. General information resource hotline: 800-955-4572.

Muscular Dystrophy Association
Free monthly support groups, including Parent Support, Kids Activity, Caregivers Support and General Diagnosis Support, for families affected by MD and related diseases. Contact 921-9518 or Sacramento@MdaUda.org.

National Stuttering Association - Sacramento Chapter
Meets on the second Thursday of each month. 7-9pm at McGeorge Law School (upstairs) in Sacramento. Free. Call Dr. Kelso prior to attending: 682-8625. WeStutter.org

Nor-Cal Kids Club
This group offers support, information, community connections and fun for families with any type of special needs child. Meetings take place on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each month, starting August 14, from 7-9pm, in the Auburn Library’s Beecher Room. Contact Ron: (530) 315-0393 or NorCalKidsClub@Aol.com.

Nor Cal Service for Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Sacramento Chapter
This non-profit, established by and for deaf and hard of hearing people, hosts social events (like bingo nights and scrapbooking socials) and deaf access services, including drug/alcohol prevention and communication assistance. Voice: 349-7500. Interpreters: 349-7525. Email: Info@NorCalCenter.org.

SEAMS (Support, Education & Advocacy for Mothers and Fathers of children with Special Needs)
Lead by teachers and parents, SEAMS supports, advises and welcomes all families and educators. Meetings include guest speakers and open forums. Held the 2nd Friday of each month 7pm-9pm at the Heritage Theatre (upstairs) in Lincoln. Contact Christina: 408-5069 or Info@MySeams.org.

Therapeutic Recreation Services
Concentrating on ability rather than disability, TRS provides award-winning activities for children, teens and adults with special needs. Programs include low-cost travel excursions, vocational training and a social club for people who enjoy friends, food and fun. Meets the first Friday of each month. 381-0255 or Trs@SacCounty.net.

TrailBlazers Fathers Forum
Dads, grandparents, uncles and men impacted by children with any disabilities have been meeting for over 10 years. Meets the last Tuesday of each month, 7-9pm at Round Rable Pizza in Granite Bay (8755 Sierra College Blvd.) Contact Al or Raymond: 922-9276 or WarmLine@WarmLineFrc.org.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) - Greater Sacramento
Improving independence, productivity and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families, UCP offers respite for caregivers, classes for disabled individuals, therapeutic and educational programs, access to resources and more. Contact 565-7700 or Ucp@UcpSacto.org.

Warmline Family Resource Center
Information, understanding and support from parents who have “been there,” plus links to area services and support groups. Serving six area counties. Sacramento: 922-9276 or 800-660-7995. Roseville: 782-7147.

Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders:

Auburn ASD & LD Support Group
Support and resources for parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7-9pm in the Auburn Library Beecher Room. Contact Karen Clay at claynco@inreach.com.

Autism Speaks - Sacramento
The Sacramento Community Leadership Committee (CLC) of Autism Speaks organizes area awareness and fundraising activities, including the Walk Now for Autism (held this year on Sept. 28 at UC Davis MIND Institute). Contact Sacramento@AutismSpeaks.org for more information.

Autism Spectrum Disorders - Elk Grove Resource Group
Meets on the 1st Sunday of each month, 1-3pm at Blue Moon Café. Contact Connie: 683-5652 or Lynne: 682-1740 (9am-5pm).

FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment) Family Empowerment Forum
Improve your knowledge and ability to advocate for your child. Meetings are open to everyone with an interest in individuals on the autism spectrum. Meets the 3rd Sunday of each month, 1-3pm, at Ajay's Karate in Sacramento. Childcare is not available. Contact Connie.Ajay@feat.org or Lynne.Weissmann@feat.org prior to first attendance.

FEAT Elk Grove Parent Resource Group
Primarily assists parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (but offers help to anyone who has children with disabilities). Meetings: 3rd Sunday of each month, 4-6:30pm at the Holiday Inn Express’ Lodi Room in Elk Grove. 683-5652.

FEAT Family Resource Meetings
Get information and join a support network of families who meet and discuss issues surrounding autism, advocacy and treatment options. Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7- 9pm, at the UC Davis MIND Institute Auditorium in Sacramento. Child care is not provided.

Friday Night KidzKlub
A three-hour respite for parents of special needs kids (ages 1-16): 1st Friday of each month, 6:15-9:15pm, at Bayside Church in Roseville/Granite Bay. Siblings welcome. Advance reservations required. No fee. Contact Melynda Adragna: 746-8697 or KidzKlub@surewest.net.

Nor-Cal Kids and Teens Club
This group offers support, information, community connections and fun for families with any type of special needs child. Call Ron at 530-315-0393 or email NorCalKidsClub@aol.com.

Nor-Cal Bowling Club
Nor-Cal Kids Club invites children with special needs, family and friends to come out and play. Socializing on Tuesdays at Crest View Lanes in Carmichael or Thursdays at Rocklin Bowl in Rocklin. Cost: $2 per game, plus $3 shoe rental on Tuesdays and free shoe rental on Thursdays. Family members are encouraged to participate at the same price. Friends are welcome at the regular rates. Call Ron at 530-315-0393, Teresa at 599-2200, or email NorCalKidsClub@aol.com.

Sacramento Asperger Syndrome Information & Support
Meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 7pm-9pm at the M.I.N.D. Institute, contact Lynne Weissmann, 916-682-1740 or Lweissman@aol.com.

Families Affected by Down Syndrome:

National Down Syndrome Coalition - Greater Sacramento
Providing education, charitable resources and supportive socializing opportunities to families touched by Down syndrome (including “Mommy and Me” playgroups, Teen/Young Adult events, educational seminars, New Parent support, anytime telephone support and more). Call 532-4773 or email Info@NDSCoalition.org for more information.

Down Syndrome Information Alliance (DSIA)
Dedicated to improving knowledge and providing support for local families affected by Down syndrome. The DSIA offers family support at local Community Network meetings and educational and social activities. DSIA will also host the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Sacramento in July, 2009. Contact Elaine: 799-6438 or Elaine@DownSyndromeInfo.org. Info and parent support hotline: 658-1686.

DSIA Monthly Family Support Nights – listed by area:

DSIA – Elk Grove
Contact Tammy at 682-3145 or Ababich@Surewest.net for meeting times and locations.

DSIA – Folsom/El Dorado Hills Area
This group, offering fun and support for families affected by Down syndrome, meets on the first Sunday of every month, 4-6pm at various locations. Contact Elaine: 799-6438 or Elaine@DownSyndromeInfo.org.

DSIA – Placer Area
Meetings are held once a month at a rotating location. Contact Nancy: 955-9819 or Disneybabe@Sbcglobal.net for meeting time, location and additional info.

DSIA – Sacramento
Held on the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm at The Toy Box in Sacramento. Children are welcome. Contact Magdeline: Magzog1@Sbcglobal.net or Amanda: Sean@CccSac.org.

DSIA – West Sacramento/Woodland
Monthly meetings for parents and their infants or toddlers with Down syndrome run September through June. For meeting time, location and more info contact Robin Bent: (530) 668 3870 or Bent@ycoe.org. These groups are part of the Yolo Area chapter and families may attend meetings there, too.

DSIA – Yolo County Area
Monthly playgroups held on the last Monday of each month during the academic school year at the Infant Steps Program classroom. Contact Andrea: (530) 297-5991 or Castuders@Aol.com.

Public Education & Resource Programs:

State Department of Education: Special Education
Alice Parker, Director: 445-4729.

Programs for Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities: Birth-2 Years
Carlos Flores, Manager: 654-2773, email: cflores@dds.ca.gov.

Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 3-5
Alice Parker, Director: 445-4623.

Office of State Coordinator- Vocational Ed for Students with Disabilities
Department of Education: 657-2451.

Programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Maridee Gregory, Chief of State Children’s Medical Services Branch: 654-0832.

Programs for Children and Youth Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Fred Lewis: 653-8320; 653-7651 (TTY), email: deaf.access@dss.ca.gov.

Please submit updates, changes or additions to melanie@sacramentoparent.com.