Columbus OH
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Support Groups for Parents

Action for Children

Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; foster parent training, and professional support for childcare providers. Parent & Youth ambassadors offer free 1:1 care navigation services to help families with service referrals, benefit navigation, and more. They offer year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages throughout Central Ohio, information about choosing quality childcare, and resources for co-parenting. Help Me Grow and SPARK Kindergarten Readiness programs offer free home-visiting services are available for parents who are pregnant or have a child up to 4 years old. FatherUp offers free support for dads navigating the child support system, co-parenting, employment, or other challenges.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222
Checklist for Choosing Childcare: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2018/09/5C-checklist.pdf
Childcare Finder: actionforchildren.org/parents-guardians/choosing-child-care
Parent Learning Website: afclearning.org
Main Website: actionforchildren.org

Adoption Network Cleveland

Provides information, advocacy, education, and support for members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive/kinship/foster parents), youth in foster care, siblings, and related professionals. Services include in-person and virtual support groups, DNA discovery and birth parent search support, life coaching, specialized support for kinship families, and financial assistance through the Family Resilience Fund. They offer Adoption 101 and Adoption 201 trainings for prospective adoptive parents. They also provide professional education and internships, virtual speakers and trainings, and adoption assessor training. Anyone can call the Helpline for questions or support related to foster care and adoption.
12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Helpline: (216) 325-1000
adoptionnetwork.org

Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)

Oversees more than 30 community behavioral health agencies in Franklin County. Residents can use the website or contact the organization for help finding affordable alcohol, substance use, and mental health services. The website has a directory of programs for support groups, opioid treatment programs, and suicide prevention resources. Many agencies offer a sliding fee scale for services so that any Franklin County resident can get needed services and be charged based on income and circumstance. The Franklin County Crisis Center offers 24/7 walk-in services for adults experiencing mental health or addiction-related crisis.
ADAMH Office: 447 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-1057
Crisis Center: 465 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
adamhfranklin.org

Caregiver Action Network

Offers education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge. Their website has helpful resources for those who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or old age. Contact their Caregiver Help Desk for help finding information on navigating complex caregiving challenges.
Caregiver Help Desk: (855) 227-3640
caregiveraction.org

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated annually and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List

Dads2B

Offers weekly prenatal education classes for expectant fathers and mothers. Classes focus on positive parenting, safe sleep, how to support during pregnancy and when baby comes home. Dads receive a mentor for a year after the birth of their child and linkage to resources such as healthcare and social work.
1741 Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 817-1950
urbanfdc.org

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO)

Provides resources, information, and services for families with Down Syndrome in Central Ohio. They offer support groups for parents, parent mentor programs, and couples counseling services. Financial assistance programs include reimbursement for recreational activities, Post-Secondary scholarships for relatives entering a field that benefits people with Down syndrome, Adopt-A-Family holiday assistance, and hospital care packages. They host events for all ages, such as play groups, arts and recreation, and virtual cooking classes.
510 East North Broadway Suite 401, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 263-6020
dsaco.net

Encompass Adoptees

Provides a variety of services for youth, individuals, and families affected by adoption, foster care, and kinship care (AFK). They host free monthly support groups for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers (AFK Parents), separate support groups for adult adoptees and foster care alum (AFK Adults), and educational opportunities for child welfare professionals. They provide art therapy and mental health coaching for AFK youth. Creative Processing Art Workshops are monthly opportunities for AFK youth and adults. Services for families include coaching and consultation, and their website has informational resources. Scholarships are available for some services.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 600-6183
encompassadoptees.org

Mount Carmel von Zychlin Healthy Living Center

Community health and wellness center providing free holistic health and wellness programs in an inclusive space. Programs include cooking and nutrition, diabetes prevention, exercise classes, wellness and stress management, financial education, healthy babies, and mom support groups. The Cooking Demo & Discussion Course includes a live cooking demo, sample of the recipe, meal kit, and entry for a free kitchen appliance for attendees who make the recipe at home. Go online to find healthy recipes, program descriptions, and to register for a program.
(614) 234-4660
777 West State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
mountcarmelhealth.com/about-us/community-benefit/outreach-programs/healthy-living-center

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Franklin County

Provides support, advocacy and education to improve quality of life for people with mental illness. Use their website to find support groups, educational opportunities, and resource lists on many mental health topics. The NAMI Franklin County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program is a police-based pre-arrest jail diversion program. Franklin County residents may call 9-1-1 and request a CIT officer who has received specialized training in mental health and substance abuse issues.
1225 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 501-6264
Information and Referral HelpLine: (800) 950-6264
NAMI Ohio: namiohio.org
namifranklincounty.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

The nation’s largest child protection organization with many programs and resources for exploited and vulnerable children and families:

  • Missing Children: Resources on what to do if your child goes missing, a searchable database of AMBER Alerts and missing child posters to help locate your child. NCMEC can assist with reunification. Families may qualify for transportation at low or no cost to them once children are recovered. Call the 24/7 Tipline for help.
    (800) 843-5678
    What to Do If Your Child Is Missing: missingkids.org/gethelpnow/isyourchildmissing
    Search for Missing Children: missingkids.org/gethelpnow/search
  • CyberTipline: Centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can call or go online 24/7 to report a missing child, child enticement, pornography, sexual abuse, trafficking, or misleading internet content.
    (800) 843-5678
    report.cybertip.org
  • Take It Down: This service can help remove online nude/explicit photos from the internet that were taken before the age of 18.
    takeitdown.ncmec.org
  • Team HOPE: Matches individuals and families who have experienced sexual exploitation with trained, lived-experience peer volunteers to provide compassionate support.
    (866) 305-4673
    missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support/teamhope
  • NetSmartz: A website for middle and high schoolers with fun resources, videos, and games on healthy relationships and internet safety.
    missingkids.org/NetSmartz/home
  • Education: Important information on topics like recovering from abuse, support for siblings and family members, Autism and wandering, family abduction, sextortion, and more. NCMEC provides professional safety trainings, such as Code ADAM. They also offer legal technical assistance and help connecting to specialized mental health providers.

missingkids.org/home

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families. 
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:

  • Project SEARCH: 9-month workplace internship for Central Ohio students in their last year of high school who have Autism and/or Intellectual Disability with Complex Social and Communication Needs.
  • Triple P Stepping Stones: Individual or group classes for parents with children under 12 years old struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges of ASD.
  • Sibshops: Siblings of children with autism and other developmental delays (ages 6 to 12) participate in fun activities to explore feelings and better understand their sibling.
  • Adolescent Transition Programs: Includes Camp RISE summer program, CARE coping and relaxation group, iWork summer job skills program, and Social Skills Group.
  • Complex Behavior Program: Teaches effective strategies for parents to help reduce dangerous or problematic behavior patterns, and build coping skills.

187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
For an Autism Diagnostic Screening: (614) 355-8080
For all other Autism resources: (614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Connecting Families

A hospital-wide family-to-family (peer-to-peer) mentor program. Connecting Families reaches patients of all diagnoses to link them with a family who has been through similar treatments or life situations. Visit the website to apply as a mentor or mentee.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-6747
nationwidechildrens.org/connecting-families

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Support Groups

Support groups at NCH can connect you with other families and resources in your time of need. Call for more information about program specifics. Not all programs are listed online, call Case Management Team if you are interested in finding a group that suits your family’s needs.

  • Adolescent & Adult Congenital Heart Disease Online Community
    (614) 722-5622
  • Bariatric Surgery Patient Support Group
    (614) 722-5949
  • Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group
    (614) 962-6366
  • Celiac’s Gluten Free Gang
    (614) 722-3093
  • Endocrinology Patient and Parent Focus Group
    (614) 722-6325

700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Case Management Team: (614) 722-6300
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/support-groups

Ohio Family 2 Family (F2F) / Parent 2 Parent (P2P)

A statewide parent support program for parents, siblings, self-advocates, foster parents, grandparents, etc. who have a family member of any age with a disability or special healthcare need. They are staffed by family members of a person with a disability of special healthcare need. Support is provided via email, phone, video call, and/or in-person. Family members may reach out to learn more about assessments and treatments, to talk through barriers and navigating service systems, transition advice, and general support. Ohio F2F also offers training opportunities for families and professionals. Visit the website or call to request support.
(513) 803-5557
ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p

Ohio Grandparent / Kinship Coalition

An organization of kinship caregivers, kinship caregiver advocates, and agencies throughout Ohio. They provide a networking system for caregivers and agencies. Kinship caregivers can call the Warmline for help linking with services in their community. They also offer educational events and a virtual support group for kinship caregivers.
21 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Virtual Support Group: (614) 382-6272
Warmline: (614) 670-7366
ohiograndparentkinship.org

POEM (Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement for Moms)

Offers peer support, resources, referrals, and advocacy for moms and birthing persons in Ohio. They offer support groups with certified peer staff virtually, or in-person in Columbus and Dayton. The POEM Rise program provides services exclusively by and for Black mothers. POEM staff can provide referrals to mental health providers and community resources. The website has information on pregnancy, postpartum depression (PPD), and Perinatal Mental Health Complications (PMHC).
(614) 315-8989
mhafc.org/get-help/maternal-mental-health

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Supports parents experiencing postpartum depression, loss of a child, or other perinatal mood challenges. They offer free, virtual parent support groups for moms, dads, family members, queer and trans parents, military parents, adoptive and birth mothers, postpartum psychosis, and those experiencing lost pregnancy of death of a child. Call the PSI Helpline for information, support, and resources. They do not offer crisis services, medical advice, or treatment. Visit the website for information on perinatal mental health and warning signs of postpartum depression.
PSI Helpline: Call or Text (800) 944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
postpartum.net

Relink.org – Resource Directory

This website is a free resource directory for the state of Ohio. The resource library focuses on reentry programs, behavioral health, addiction recovery, anti-human trafficking, and more. Search for resources using your zip code or Ohio county.
1755 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
(216) 762-0591
needs.relink.org

St. Vincent Family Services (SVFS)

Behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: Outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic/Latino children. Children with an autism diagnosis are eligible for outpatient mental health and play therapies.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old, and their families.
Cost: Accepts Medicaid, Private/Commercial insurance, and OhioRISE.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Walk-in services (no appointment needed) are available.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org

Stonewall Columbus (SWC)

Provides a community center, peer support, advocacy, and events for the Central Ohio LGBTQ+ community. Programs include the annual Columbus Pride celebration, counseling, sobriety and support groups, dance classes, community mental health trainings, and HIV testing. The Family Pride Network connects families and prospective parents in the LGBTQ+ community through social events, educational programs, and resources. Use the Lavender Listings on the website to find LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Ohio.
1160 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 299-7764
stonewallcolumbus.org

The Caregiver Space

A community of caregivers supporting other caregivers. They provide Facebook support groups for any and all people supporting the mental and/or physical health of another person. They offer topic-specific groups such as LGBTQIA+ caregivers, parents of children with disabilities or chronic illness, young caregivers, estrangement, navigating care, and more.
thecaregiverspace.org

The Mother Ship

Serves: Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers of special-needs children.
Nonprofit operating in Central Ohio including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Union Counties, supporting the needs of caregivers. They host fun events and gatherings for caregivers and provide financial assistance through grants that can be used towards their own school, medical needs, self-care, housecleaning, and more. Contact them online.
themothershipinc.com

Tourette Association of America

Nonprofit working to raise awareness, advance research, and provide support to patients and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. The website has health information for kids, families, and professionals; toolkits on topics like bullying and transition to adult care; and information on research and clinical trials. They also offer online events and information on support groups.
(888) 486-8738
tourette.org

Transracial Journeys

Provides practical tools and post-adoption support for parents of a different race than the children entrusted to them. They offer a monthly online support group for transracial adoptive parents, a monthly newsletter with resources and activities, and book recommendations for the family. They host an annual summer camp for families formed through transracial adoption to access post-adoption education and experience community. Contact the organization through the website.
transracialjourneys.org

Vineyard Community Center

Faith-based organization providing a variety of services for families. Youth services include an early childhood center for ages 6 week-PreK, after-school and summer programs for K-12 and youth sports/fitness programs. Adult education programs include GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESOL/ESL), recovery groups, parenting programs, financial counseling, career development services, art classes, and Red Cross CPR classes. They also offer a free health clinic, free legal clinic, immigration counseling services, and financial counseling. The food pantry serves zip codes 43229, 43224, 43231 and requires registration for a shopping appointment.
Food Pantry: 4664 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43231
Community Center: 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org

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