ASO Region 5
Coronavirus Update: Due to on-going restrictions, most in-person groups have been suspended or have moved to virtual meetings. Some groups are continuing to meet on-line and we’ve noted that where applicable. Since changes happen, please contact each group directly for up-to-date information.
Serving Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties
Chapter Representatives:
Tahleah Clark (503) 400-8177 (Marion County)
Cassidy Weisz (971) 237-7013 (Yamhill County)
Maria Alcaraz (971) 241-9264 (Yamhill County – Habla Espanol)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your ASO Region 5 Reps, please GIVE US A CALL or use the form at the bottom of this page to send us an email.
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ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – Virtual Meetings:
These groups are currently meeting on-line:
Virtual Support Group Meeting for Parents: Meets 4th Saturday each month, from 10-11:30am. Free! Our on-line group for parents of children (birth-adult) on the autism spectrum living in Oregon meets on the 4th Saturday of each month from 10am – 11:30am. Facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center. Cozy up with a morning beverage and your computer for the FREE on-line group for parents of autistic children living in Oregon. The group will look at a different topic each month including self-care, safety considerations, understanding your child’s processing, social engagement and challenging your child productively. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
Autism Family Support Group (based in Durham/Tigard): Free! All families are welcome. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month during the school year from 6:00-7:00 pm. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
Game Club (based in Forest Grove). Free! Meets virtually during the school year from Sept – May each year, on the 1st Friday of the month, from 5:00-7:00pm. Socially distanced outdoor activities also. For more information, click here for the Facebook page or click here to send an email to ForestGroveGameClub@gmail.com.
Grupo de Apoyo en Español- Reunión Virtual Mensual, 1er Martes de cada mes. 6:00-7:00 pm. Evento Gratuito. Propósitos del grupo: Información sobre Autismo y recursos disponibles; crear una red de apoyo para familias latinas; y oportunidad de interactuar con otros padres. Para registrarse o para tener más información envié un correo electrónico a MariaA@AutismSocietyOregon.org. Enlace para unirse via zoom https://tinyurl.com/GrupoenEspanol
“Happy Hour” for Adults on the autism spectrum (based in Medford). Free! This time is to chat, support each other and forge new friendships. Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, from 7:30 – 8:30pm. For more details and a Zoom link to participate, click to send an email to the ASO office or call 503-636-1676.
Parent + Teen Online Social Group (online only) Free! This group is for autistic teens (ages 13-19) who need a supporter (parent or caregiver) to participate. The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. The goal is to meet new people and make friends in a welcoming, supportive environment. To register and receive a Zoom link, please CLICK HERE
Social Skills Discussion Group (based in Eugene). Free! For autistic adults of any age. Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00pm. Co-sponsored with KindTree/Autism Rocks. For more information, please text or call Mary-Minn at 541-799-4438, or email her at LINK.
Special Needs Families Connect (based in Pendleton) – Free! This group meets by Zoom on the 4th Monday of each month from 5:30-7:00 pm. For more information on virtual meetings, click to send an email to Winnie.
Teen and Young Women on the Autism Spectrum Friendship Group (based in Portland). Free! Meets on the 1st & 3th Sundays of each month, from 3:00-4:30pm. For female-identifying people on the autism spectrum, ages 18 and up, looking for an accepting environment in which to hangout with similar. Come chat, relax, or just chill. Participate in great discussions and/or activities (or not) of your choosing! For more information, please click here to send an email to Kim or call 503-312-3103.
Young Adult Social Group (based in Portland). Free! This is a peer-led group for young adults, ages 18-30, who have graduated from high school. We are sorry, but this group is not open to people younger than 18. There are 2 group consultants who are there to provide a level of social safety by mediating conflict and supporting participants to make connections. NOT a skill building class. Meets 2nd Saturday and 3rd Monday of each month. For details, click to send an email to ASO, or call 503-636-1676.
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Other Support Groups & Activities:
MARION COUNTY:
Autism Support and Role-Playing Group (ASRPG) – (Salem): meets Every Thursday from 6pm- 9pm at Broadway Coffeehouse – 1300 Broadway St NE, Suite 100. The ASRPG is a group that is designed to welcome individuals with autism, giving them a safe, welcoming place to come relax, hang, and make friends. Facilitator: Eric Duvall-Winscher at (541)520-2249 or eduvallw@my.chemeketa.edu. Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutismSupportRPG/
Community Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs – (Salem): meets the first Thursday of every month 12:30pm-2pm at The Gathering Place – 1880 45th Ave. NE, Salem. You are not alone. Connect with other parents, share support, and get helpful information and resources. Contact Esmeralda Rios (503) 989-1015. Snacks, interpreting services and child care available
Moms of Hope – (Salem): meets every Thursday from 9:15am-11am at Salem Alliance Church – 555 Gaines St NE, Salem, OR 97301. Note – Meetings are held during the school year only, and are for mothers of any special needs child. For more information, contact Melody Swift at 503-856-1044 or swift1235@comcast.net
Navigating Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities Support & Resource Group: Has your child been referred for or received an autism diagnosis? Are you concerned that your child has a developmental delay and want to know what to do next? When: 3rd Friday of every month from 6 pm to 8 pm. Where: Community Health Education Center (CHEC) Building D, First Floor, Classroom 2, 939 Oak Street, SE, Salem OR 97302. Register by emailing Kristen Baugher at kristen.baugher@salemhealth.org or text/call 503-798-7729.
Online Groups:
Families Flourishing Together – A place for family and friends who “Get It”. This is a judgment free place because let’s face it we live our lives being judged every day. Let’s share our laughter, our cries, our rants, and our raves. It does wonders to know that we are not alone and someone “Gets It”. This group is open to anyone who is wants to join. Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFTConnect/
Salem Special Needs ASD/SPD Support Group – Parents and families with special needs often feel disconnected and alone. Come and connect, vent, make friends and meet other parents with the same challenges you are experiencing. Members are encouraged to meet in person as desired, but this is an online meeting space for now. Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Salemasdspdsupport/
Santiam Parent Network – Stayton/Sublimity: Santiam Parent Network is group of parents in the greater Stayton-Sublimity and Santiam Canyon area that work together to actively engage the challenges that arise in raising children living with disabilities. Join us in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/santiamparentnetwork/
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POLK COUNTY
Activity Night – (Dallas): on 2nd Tuesday of every month 6pm-7:30pm The Arc of Polk County hosts a free activity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their providers and family to come gather and have fun playing board games, crafts, movies, whatever you’d like. Bring a snack to share, and we’ll provide the beverages. The Polk County Academy Building – VFW Room (to the left of the gym), 182 SW Academy St., Dallas, OR 97338. Call Ruth (541) 223-3261 or email: info@arcofpolkcounty.org
Creating Opportunities: Regional Family Network for Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. Supporting children & adults with disabilities, their families and communities in Creating Opportunities Together. Training on various topics including: advocacy, education, disability services, person-centered planning, technology, and wellness. Call or Text: 503-559-0424. Join our network and register for events at www.creatingops.org. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2CreateOpportunities
Dance and Karaoke Night – (Dallas): on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of every month from 6:30pm- 8:30pm The Arc of Polk County presents an evening of music and dancing for teens and adults with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Polk County Academy Building Gym, 182 SW Academy Street, Dallas, OR (Karaoke is in room 108). Admission: $3.00 (Staff, parents and providers free). Snacks and drinks: $1.
Free Playgroups – (Dallas): on the 2nd Monday of every month 2pm-3pm. The Polk County Academy Building, 182 SW Academy St., Suite 216, Dallas, OR.
Free Playgroups – (Falls City): on the 2nd and 4th Friday during the produce distribution. Mountain Gospel Fellowship, 275 N Main Street.
Free Playgroups – (Independence): on the 3rd Friday of every month 10am-11:30am. St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1275 E Street in the mobile in the parking lot.
Free Playgroup – (Grand Ronde): on the 1st Thursday of every month 10am-11:30am. Community Service Center, 9615 Grand Ronde Rd. For more information, call Sara (503) 623-9664 x 2140.
Open Swim Time – (Dallas): Every Wednesday from 4:15pm-5:15pm for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities of any age or group affiliation. (A lifeguard will be on duty, but individuals are required to have supervision if necessary). Dallas Aquatic Center 1005 S.E. LaCreole Drive, Dallas, OR 97338. For questions or concerns, please call the Ruth at (541) 223-3261. Cost: $3.50 for the individual and NO CHARGE for their care provider.
Respite Care – (Dallas): on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month 1pm-3pm – Free for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The Polk County Academy Building, 182 SW Academy St., Suite 216, Dallas. Call to reserve a spot (503) 877-8473 or (503) 623-9664 ext. 2140.
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YAMHILL COUNTY
We are currently looking for a support group for Yamhill County. If you are interested please contact ASO at 503-636-1676.
ONLINE GROUPS
New from OFSN! Lattes with Laurie, meets every 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesday from 8:00 am – 9:30 am and every 4th Wednesday from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Parenting a child with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges can, at times, be difficult. It can also be tricky if you are a parent who is not sure if your child has one or more of these challenges. Add a pandemic to all of that, and parents can feel overwhelmed and isolated, but you are not alone. At the Oregon Family Support Network, we are parents of children that live with many challenges, and we are here to support you from the comfort of your own home. Please join OFSN’s online support group and let us walk alongside you. Please register with Laurie at 503-302-9290 or click to email.
Yamhill County Group for Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children – This group is for Parents/Caregivers of special needs children. Anyone can see the group and who’s in it. Only members see posts. Join us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/297632026939989/
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SPANISH-SPEAKING PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS
Familias Unidas (Independence, McMinnville, Woodburn) – in partnership with Fostering Hope Initiative. For families with children with special needs. Have moved and are working on starting up again. Information will be released soon.
SALEM:
Grupo Comunidad para Padres de Niños con Necesidades Especiales – Usted no esta solo. Conectese con otros padres de niños con necesidades especiales, apoyo de uno al otro, y obtener información y recursos. La Placita, 1880 45th Avenue NE, Salem. Primer jueves de cada mes 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm. Pongase en contacto con Esmeralda Riso 503-989-1015. Habrá cuidado de niños, se proporcionarán refigerios y servicios de interpretación.
Familias Empoderamiento – Grupo de Apoyo para Padres de familias con necesidades especiales Reunión mensual en Salem. Se reune todos los segundos jueves de cada mes. Hora: 6:30pm-8:30pm. Lugar: Centro de Adoracion Apostolico,1175 Lewis Street SE, Salem, OR 97302, (503) 365-9689. Conozca a nuestras organizaciones y ostras familas que están viviendo con autismo donde compartiremos ideas experiencias que podrán ayudarle con el bienestar de niños con autismo, nuestras reuniones son para familas solamente. Costo: GRATIS! ~ Se proporcionará atención y aperitivos. Cuidado de niños GRATIS ~ se solicita registrarse, por lo que necesitamos saber que tenemos suficientes proveedores de cuidado infantil. Para insscribirse y más información por favor ponase en cantacto a estos telefono Con Erendira en Español (971) 701-8663, Con Feliciano en English (503) 409-9560 o por correo electronico