Event Calendar
This calendar is set up by city to make it easier to search what is happening near YOU!
Awesome Autism Parent Support Group – The Awesome Autism Parent Support Group is a community dedicated to providing a nurturing and empowering environment for parents and caregivers of children with autism. The primary goal is to offer emotional support, share resources, exchange experiences, and promote a sense of unity among parents, individuals, and families raising and child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The group meets online on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12-1 pm PT.
Highlights:
- Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The support group is a safe space where all parents, regardless of their background or experiences, are welcomed and embraced.
- Information Sharing: Valuable information about autism, including the latest research, therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, and community resources, is shared within the group.
- Guest Speakers and Workshops: The support group might invite guest speakers, such as autism experts, therapists, educators, and medical professionals, to provide insights and guidance on various topics related to autism and parenting.
- Emotional Support: The support group offers a platform for parents to express their feelings, frustrations, and joys without judgment.
The South Sound Autism Partnership is a gathering of individuals, families, providers, and organizations who are part of the Autism community within the South Puget Sound area of Washington State. Our primary purpose is to increase awareness, acceptance, and advocacy of Autism in order to provide support for our community and impact change.
This meeting supports:
Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The support group is a safe space where all, regardless of background or experiences, are welcomed and embraced.
Information Sharing: Valuable information about autism, including the latest research, therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, and community resources, is shared within the group.
Guest Speakers and Workshops: The group might invite guest speakers, such as autism experts, therapists, educators, and medical professionals, to provide insights and guidance on various topics related to autism and parenting.
PAVES Pierce “Parent 2 Parent Support Groups” offers a nurturing space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find guidance. Parents come together to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange practical strategies in raising children with disabilities. Through mutual understanding and empathy, this group provides emotional support, valuable resources, and a sense of community, helping families navigate the unique journey of caring for their exceptional children with care and strength.
Please note that all parent support groups supply the following:
- An intentional space for parents to find others who share their life experiences.
- Facilitated meetings/gatherings focused on several topics that reflect the parent’s/caregiver’s perspective and needs on raising children/youth/adults with disabilities.
- Information and resources on PAVE programs, services, and upcoming events.
- Live parent-to-parent emotional support
*Additionally, support groups specific to a cultural and linguistic community (Native, Spanish-speaking, and Black & African American families) will be supported by a PAVE facilitator that is a cultural/linguistic match for the families served.
Register Here
Black/African American Family Support Group – The Black/African American Family Support Group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability. This group gathers online on the 2nd Saturday monthly and the 4th Saturday of the month in-person from 9 – 10 am PT.
Highlights:
- Cultural Sensitivity: The support group is familiar with the cultural nuances, historical context, and systemic challenges that Black and African American families may encounter. It ensures that the support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and respectful of participants’ experiences.
- Community Building: The group offers a platform for parents to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Guest Speakers: The support group may invite guest speakers who are experienced professionals, community leaders, or parents themselves to share their insights, expertise, and personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice.
- Celebration of Diversity: The support group celebrates the diversity within the Black and African American community and highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, promoting a positive narrative that challenges stereotypes.
- Resource Sharing: The support group provides information about available resources, services, and programs that cater to the needs of Black and African American families, including therapists, educational materials, and assistive technologies.
Padre a Padre Grupo de Apoyo para Familias Hispanohablantes / Spanish Speaking Family Support Group – Padre a Padre es un grupo de apoyo para familias hispanohablantes que tienen niños, jóvenes y adultos con discapacidades. Este grupo reconoce los desafíos que estos padres enfrentan son unicos y tiene como objetivo crear un espacio seguro e inclusivo donde puedan conectarse, compartir experiencias y obtener recursos informativos.Este grupo de apoyo se reúne mensualmente el tercer martes de 6:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m. (hora del Pacífico).
Este grupo apoya con lo siguiente:
- Accesibilidad: el grupo de apoyo es para hispanohablantes, lo que garantiza que las barreras del idioma no impide que los padres busquen y reciban ayuda.
- Intercambio de información: el grupo ofrece información precisa y actualizada sobre diversas discapacidades.
- Conexiones entre compañeros: este grupo facilita las conexiones y las amistades entre los padres. Esto les permite aprender de las experiencias de los demás y asi construir una comunidad de apoyo.
- Sensibilidad cultural: este grupo de apoyo trata de estar a la par con sus valores culturales. Tomamos en cuenta nuestra cultura y tratamos de incorporarla para celebrar y preservarla.
Padre a Padre is a support group for parents/caregivers whose native language is Spanish that are raising children, youth, and adults with disabilities. This group recognizes these parents’ unique challenges and aims to create a safe and inclusive space where they can connect, share experiences, and access resources. This support group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 6:30 –7:30 pm PT.
Join other young adults 18 – 26 years of age with disabilities and connect online or in-person in Tacoma. Share, discuss, listen, brainstorm, and shape your future! Check it out, join monthly, or when you can.
When Do We Meet?
Day: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 4-5pm PT
Location: Hybrid
Virtual: Zoom
In-Person:
PAVE Office
6316 S. 12th St.
Tacoma WA 98466
What to Expect…
Fun: Meetings will use technology, visuals, and games to keep things fun and engaging with simple language and various ways to communicate. You do not need to be tech savvy. We got you.
Guest Speakers: Self-advocates with real-life experience will share their stories and wisdom.
Topics: Bullying, friendships, safety, community advocacy, college, working, volunteering, housing, and more.
Engagement: It’s up to you! Each meeting will be facilitated to assure all have a chance to join in, ask questions, share their experience, or listen, stay quiet.
Join teens who are 13 – 17 years of age with disabilities to connect online to share, chat, listen, brainstorm, and shape your future!
Check it out, join monthly, or when you can.
When Do We Meet?
Day: 4th Wednesday of each month
Time: 4-5pm PT
Location: Zoom
What to expect….
Fun: Meetings will use technology, visuals, and games to keep things fun and engaging with simple language and various ways to communicate. You do not need to be tech savvy. We got you.
Guest Speakers: Self-advocates with real-life experience will share their stories and wisdom.
Topics: Bullying, friendships, safety, community advocacy, college, working, volunteering, housing, and more.
Engagement: It’s up to you! Each meeting will be facilitated to assure all have a chance to join in, ask questions, share their experience, or listen, stay quiet.
Black/African American Family Support Group – The Black/African American Family Support Group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability. This group gathers online on the 2nd Saturday monthly and the 4th Saturday of the month in-person from 9 – 10 am PT.
Highlights:
- Cultural Sensitivity: The support group is familiar with the cultural nuances, historical context, and systemic challenges that Black and African American families may encounter. It ensures that the support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and respectful of participants’ experiences.
- Community Building: The group offers a platform for parents to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Guest Speakers: The support group may invite guest speakers who are experienced professionals, community leaders, or parents themselves to share their insights, expertise, and personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice.
- Celebration of Diversity: The support group celebrates the diversity within the Black and African American community and highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, promoting a positive narrative that challenges stereotypes.
- Resource Sharing: The support group provides information about available resources, services, and programs that cater to the needs of Black and African American families, including therapists, educational materials, and assistive technologies.
P2P Lunch-n-Learn – The P2P Lunch-n-Learn is a dedicated time for parents, caregivers, and providers to access presentations and training from PAVE programs and local Pierce County service providers. Presentation/training topics will vary based on the expressed needs of families in the local community. This group takes place during lunchtime, allowing parents to learn while enjoying a meal in a relaxed and informal setting. These lunch-n-learns occur virtually and July 25th lunch & learn will teach you all about Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The workshop will be on disability benefits and the disability application process. The following questions will also be addressed:
• How to use your “my Social Security” online account and other online services.
• What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits and how do you qualify?
• What do you need to report when you receive SSI?
• What other Social Security programs are available, and who qualifies?
Highlights:
- Topic Based Gathering: Each session might have a specific theme or topic of discussion. Themes could range from handling tantrums and promoting positive behavior to managing screen time, fostering resilience, and supporting learning at home.
- Trainings: The trainings are designed to be interactive and engaging. Participants have opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, and share their own experiences.
- Inclusive Environment: The training sessions are inclusive and welcoming, catering to parents with diverse backgrounds and experiences
Coffee & Tea with P2P – This support group is for parents and caregivers seeking support to navigate the various emotions and life adjustments of raising a child, youth, and adult with a disability. This parent group helps connect families to Pierce County community resources, fosters relationships with other parents, and builds a support network for parents feeling isolated. This group meets the 1st Friday of each month.
Highlights:
- Open Discussions: During the meetings, parents engage in open and honest discussions about various aspects of parenting children with disabilities. Topics might include navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational resources, managing daily routines, promoting social interactions, and self-care for parents.
- Shared Experiences: Parents/caregivers share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies they have found effective in raising children with disabilities.
- Cultural and Language Sensitivity: Efforts are made to ensure that the group is culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of all participants.