Parent Support Groups

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


Support Groups Organized by Topic:
Help for Abuse/Crises
Adoption
Breastfeeding Support
New Parents
Mom/Parent Groups
Dad Groups
Singles
Homeschooling
Playgroups
Parents Who Have Children with Special Needs
Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Families of Children with Down Syndrome
Public Education & Resource Programs

Help for Families in 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. www.childresources.org

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. www.cfi4kids.org

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

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. www.crisisnurseryonline.com

SNAP (Survivors of Clergy Abuse)
This support group for male and female survivors of clergy sexual abuse offers monthly support group meetings on the second Sat of each month, 1-3pm, in Sacramento, 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. snapnetwork.org.

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. www.placer.ca.gov

Breastfeeding Support:


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. www.placerbreastfeeding.org

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. www.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
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 our New Mom’s Group, on Wednesday once a month (check Web site for dates) at 10:30am-12pm. 971-4860. www.motherssupportnetwork.org

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. www.motherssupportnetwork.org

La Leche League of Auburn
All breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to the free monthly meeting or call for breastfeeding help. Meets on the 4th Thursday of each month, 10am, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Auburn. For details, call Becky: 530-878-1855. www.lllnorcal.org

La Leche League of Grass Valley/Nevada City
All breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to the free monthly meeting or call for breastfeeding help. Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month, 10am, 138 New Mohawk Road, Grass Valley. For more info, call Risa: 530-273-5558. www.lllnorcal.org

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. suttermedicalcenter.org

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. www.sacdhhs.com

Support for New Parents:

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. They serve the areas of South Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt and Lodi. For more info, visit awemoms.clubspaces.com.

"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, please call: 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. Roseville/Granite Bay/Rocklin. 791-1244.

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. www.kaiserpermanente.org

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, call Stacy: 355-0573, or visit www.edmoms.org.

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.

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. www.sacramentomothersofmultiples.org

Mom/Parent Support Groups:


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. For more information, call Deanna at 787-1198 or visit www.attachmentparenting.org.

BizyMoms.com

Support/networking group for work-at-home parents. For more information, visit: sactobizymoms.tripod.com/bizymomcomsacramentochapter/

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. Visit www.countrymomsandkids.org.

Food Allergy Support Of Sacramento (FASS)

Monthly meetings held the first Thursday of the month at 7pm. Visit www.sacfoodallergy.org for updated meeting information, or call 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, sachmn06@yahoo.com.

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. ican-online.org

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. www.childresources.org

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
Visit momsofantelope-elverta.clubspaces.com for events, resources and more.

MOMS Club of Citrus Heights
Playgroups, field trips, park days & more. Email: momsclub_membership@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/momsclubchr

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. Email egfmoms@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Fair Oaks

Email info@fairoaksmomsclub.org or visit: www.fairoaksmomsclub.org.

MOMS Club of Rocklin (North)
Meetings typically fall on the last Tuesday of the month, 10am, at the Rocklin Library. Visit www.northrocklinmomsclub.com for more information.

MOMS Club of Rocklin (South)
Visit www.geocities.com/moms_club_rocklin_south for information.

MOMS Club of Roseville (North)
Support group for moms and their children. Playgroups, park days, and more. If you live in Roseville, north of Pleasant Grove, email 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, email: momsclubsacramento@gmail.com or link to momsclubsacramento.googlepages.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, or go online to momsclub.htsnet.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 or link to www.geocities.com/sactomochamoms

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 at morningoutformothers@gmail.com. www.fopc.net

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 at (916) 408-2342 or browningdaniel@aol.com. www.adventurechristian.org/mops.

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. More info www.motherssupportnetwork.org.

Mountain Mom’s 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! For more information call 530-470-2212 or visit www.mountainmomsandlittlefolks.org.

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 for meeting location and other details: 320-7403.

PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
Meets the second Monday of each month, 7-9pm, at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Conference Room A. To learn more about the organization, go to www.pflagplacercounty.org, call 863-9622 or email information@pflagplacercounty.org.

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! For information contact Rebecca at 415-0303.

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. www.sacramentoparentsgroup.com

Sharing Parents
For those going through pregnancy or infant Lloss, this volunteer, 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. For more info, call 424-5150 or visit www.sharingparents.org.

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. www.sierramoms.org.

Dad Groups:

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. www.fathersandfamilies.com
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. For more information, contact 739-0894 or dasfall@jbanta.com. www.jbanta.com.

Singles:

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. For more information, call 916-484-4678, or visit www.pwponline.net.

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. Call 789-8709 for exact location, times and other details.

Homeschooling Help:

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 or go online to: groups.yahoo.com/group/Homeschooling_Cooperative_of_Sacramento.

Yolo County Homeschoolers

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

Playgroups:

International MOMS Clubs

Various Sacramento-area chapters hold playgroups. Please check the listings to find contact information, etc. under “Mom/Parent Support Groups.”

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 - please email sachadassah@yahoo.com. www.jewishsacramento.org

Me Gusta Baby Playgroups - in 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. www.megustababy.com

Mocha Moms, Inc.

This support group holds playgroups Tuesdays 10am-12noon at various locations. sactomochamoms@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/sactomochamoms/

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.

Support for Parents Who Have Children with Special Needs:

Warmline Family Resource Center

Where families can turn when they have a child with a special need or disability. Get information, listening, caring and support from parents who have “been there,” plus links to local services and support groups. In Sacramento: 922-9276 or 800-660-7995. In Roseville: 782-7147. www.warmlinefrc.org

SEAMS (Support, Education & Advocacy for Mothers (and Fathers) who have children with Special Needs)
Supports families within Western Placer Unified School District. Meets the 2nd Friday of each month (7-8pm, informational session; 8-9pm, facilitated group support session) at the Heritage Theatre (upstairs) in Lincoln. info@myseams.com. www.myseams.org.

Muscular Dystrophy Association
Free Parent Support, Kids Activity, Caregivers Support and General Diagnosis Support. Call 921-9518 or e-mail sacramento@mdausa.org. mda.org

National Stuttering Association - Sacramento Chapter
Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month. 7-9pm in Sacramento. Free. Please call Dr. Kari Kelso prior to attending: 682-8625 or kari_kelso@msn.com. For information, you can visit the website: www.westutter.org. Northern California Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/nsanorcal/

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

Davis Area Asperger Syndrome Support Group
For parents, caregivers, educators and other professionals who work with individuals diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
Asperger Syndrome (AS), High Functioning Autism (HFA), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder (SPD) and Hyperlexia. Meets 4th Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm, in Davis. www.davisasparent.netfirms.com.

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. www.feat.org.

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. www.baysideonline.com

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. www.norcalkidsclub.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. www.norcalkidsclub.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. www.sacramentoasis.com

For Families of Children with Down Syndrome:

National Down Syndrome Coalition - Greater Sacramento

Providing education, charitable resources and supportive socializing opportunities to families touched by Down syndrome (including playgroups, Teen/Young Adult events, educational seminars, New Parent support and anytime telephone support). Call 532-4773 or email info@NDSCoalition.org for more information. www.NDSCoalition.org.

Down Syndrome Information Alliance (DSIA)

Dedicated to improving knowledge for those affected by Down syndrome and providing support to local families. The DSIA also offers Quarterly Educational Meetings at the UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento; for more information, contact Elaine Linn: 799-6438, elaine@downsyndromeinfo.org. Hotline: 658-1686. www.downsyndromeinfo.org. Monthly Family Support Nights listed below, by area:

DSIA Monthly Family Night - Sacramento

2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm, at The TOY BOX in Sacramento. Children are welcome. Contact Heather Prieto: 284-5308 or heather@downsyndromeinfo.org.

DSIA Monthly Family Night - Placer Area

1st Monday of every month, 6:30pm, at the Placer County Infant Development Program Building in Loomis. Contact Nancy Muir: 955-9819 or email disneybabe@sbcglobal.net.

DSIA Monthly Family Night - El Dorado Hills Area
Held on the last Saturday of every month. Call ahead for location and time, and for more information, contact Amy Bermudes: 849-5221.

Public Education & Resource Programs:

State Department of Education: Special Education
Alice Parker, Director: 445-4729, cde.ca.gov/spbranch/sed/index.htm.

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, cde.ca.gov/spbranch/sed/index.htm.

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