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PARENT and FAMILY RESOURCES
2-1-1 Information Referral Search
Similar to 411 and 911, this is one-stop shopping for health and welfare needs. Operators take full case histories and provide a plethora of resources. They also have information about court-ordered parenting classes.
Dial 211
www.211.org
Amanda B. Morris Psy.D., MFT
Individual, family, couples and adolescent psychotherapy.
2991 Kalmia St.
SD, 92104
619-282-7333
amandamorrismft@yahoo.com
ARC of San Diego
Largest provider of services to children and adults with disabilities in San Diego County, including parent/infant programs, independent living and vocational skills training, camps and recreational activities. Also a leader in government advocacy for persons with disabilities.
3030 Market St.
SD, 92102
619-685-1175
www.arc-sd.com
Armed Services YMCA
Support program for military families of children with Autism or PDD. Sibling support groups offered.
3293 Santo Rd., SD, 92124
858-751-5755
www.sandiegoasymca.org
Autism Through the Lifespan Support Group
Autism Society and San Diego Unified support group (September-May) that discusses a new age each month.
Ballard Parent Center in Old Town, Room 1
2375 Congress St.
SD, 92111
858-490-8532
858-490-8510
Autism College: Chantal Sicile Kira
(see listing under Autism)
Brave Kids
UCP’s online connection for kids 6-17 with special needs and chronic/life-threatening illnesses and their families. Provides resources about their diagnoses and a safe, online chat forum with other kids and parents of kids with special needs.
800-872-5827
www.bravekids.org
Children in Need, Inc.
Nonprofit organization administered by staff of San Diego County, Health and Human Services Agency. Their mission is to provide the necessary financial support for enrichment activities to assist children’s participation in sports, arts and cultural interaction.
858-616-5900
www.childreninneedsd.org
Child Trauma Academy
Dr. Bruce Perry’s site translates emerging findings about the human brain and child development into practical implications for the ways we nurture, protect, educate and heal children.
866-943-9779
www.childtrauma.org
COMPASS Family Center
Supports the well-being of families caring for children with special needs. Services include family counseling, special education advocacy and representation, family guidance and support services, and information and referrals to community resources.
4394 30th St., SD, 92104
619-543-9850
www.ymca.org
Daddy and Me
Bi-monthly social and recreational group for dads and their families for “us-time” and mom’s rest time. Activities supported by NFAR Men’s Group.
Juan Leon, 858-679-8800
Down Syndrome Association of San Diego (DSA)
Family Support Network across the lifespan: information, resources and referral services, education and social events, advocacy and public policy initiatives. Specialized services: peer/parent support, pre/postnatal consults, family support groups (English/Spanish), social groups, and lending library.
9245 Sky Park Ct. #130
SD, 92123
619-594-7389
www.dsasdonline.org
DS Action and Down Syndrome Center
Check the DS Action calendar for monthly activities for families with all disabilities including Dad’s Night, Mom’s Night, and fun family events. Follow on Facebook for a list of the most current activities.
619-694-4615
www.downsyndromeaction.org
Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC)
Community-based collaborative agency, staffed by parents and professionals designed to serve families of individuals with special needs by providing a broad continuum of information, education and support. Resource library, parent groups, referrals and information about court-ordered parenting classes. Services and supports are offered in English and Spanish.
9245 Sky Park Ct. #130
SD, 92123
800-281-8252
www.efrconline.org
Filipino American Association for the Developmentally Disabled
Monthly support group for Filipino-American families.
Teresa Lucas: 619-502-0929
Freeheart Ranch, Sarah Wyckoff, MA
Parent of person with special needs offers holistic, transformative coaching, expressive art, journaling, drama and dance/movement therapy for parents. Offers private sessions, facilitates support groups and leads Free Heart Ranch Mother’s Retreats.
619-246-4595
www.freeheartranch.com
The Friendship Circle
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing friendship and support to individuals with special needs and their families. Offers volunteer-based assistance and provides a range of clubs, workshops, parent trainings, social activities and at-home programs.
16934 Chabad Way
Poway, CA 92064
858-487-4879
www.friendshipcirclesd.com
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Offers support services to grandparents and relatives who are raising grandchildren.
www.raisingyourgrandchildren.com
The Hanna Fenichel Center
Center for child development parent classes.
336-340 North Acacia Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-755-0860
www.hannafenichel.com
Healthy Development Services (HDS) – Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego
Care coordination to link families to an array of services, including parent education, for children ages 0-5 and their families.
3020 Children’s Way #MC5129
SD, 92123
858-576-1700 x7346
www.rchsd.org
JDRF Family Network
Parent Nights and toddler, child, and teen-specific activity events for those with T-1 Diabetes.
5665 Oberlin Dr. #106
SD, 92121
858-597-0240
www.sd.jdrf.org
Jeremiah’s Ranch JR Support Group
Support group for families with children with special needs.Dedicated to providing current information, resources and emotional support. Meetings typically have a guest speaker who presents information, tips, news and techniques to address the needs of kids.
855 S. Main Ave. #K-345
Fallbrook, CA 92028
760-585-5290
www.jeremiahsranch.org
Kinship Support Services YMCA
YMCA of San Diego County Youth & Family Services provides help to grandparents and relatives caring for children whose parents are unable or unavailable to them.
619-543-9850
www.yfs.ymca.org/programs/kinship-support-services.html
Linda Collins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
Specializes in mindfulness-based psychotherapy and offers mindful parenting groups for parents of children with special needs or typical developmental challenges.
4445 Eastgate Mall #200
SD, 92121
858-536-8985
www.mindfultherapydoc.com
Mental Health Systems, Inc.
Family service programs identify and address mental health needs and alcohol and drug issues, as well as assist clients with creating healthy interpersonal relationships. They offer programs that provide innovative, strengths-based, individualized and culturally sensitive services. All programs are designed to assist families attain healthier lifestyles and an enhanced quality of life.
9465 Farnham St., SD, 92123
858-573-2600
www.mhsinc.org
Michele McGrath Wolfson, MFT
Marriage and Family Counseling for families with special needs.
6353 El Camino Real #K
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-431-1819
Mingle
A recurring, social resource event for parents and providers to meet, make connections and foster supportive relationships.
www.minglesd.com
The Parent Connection
Support and playgroups for San Diego families.
858-626-6944
www.sandiegoparent.com
Parents Advocating Together
Parent group that offers support to parents of children with special needs (preschool to high school) in San Diego County. PAT provides information, trainings, educational and emotional support to parents as they navigate their child’s rights under IDEA 2004.
619-607-0950
www.patsd.org
POSSE (Parents of Students in Special Education)
Help navigate IEP process for learning disabilities.
619-335-0536
www.possesandiego.org
PASS (Parent Advocates Seeking Solutions)
Parent support group for parents of children with special needs.
Meetings held at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
16275 Pomerado Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
www.powaypass.com
Roots and Wings Consulting
Marriage and family therapists, educators, social workers and psychologists with expertise in parenting, Autism, grief, communication, depression, anxiety, play therapy and more.
9541 Grossmont Summit Dr.
La Mesa, 91941
619-737-7721
www.RootsAndWingsConsulting.com
San Diego Center for ADHD Coaching
Roya Kravetz, professional coach and certified parent educator.
12625 High Bluff Dr. #105
SD, 92130
858-334-8584
www.adhdsuccesscoaching.com
San Diego Family Magazine
San Diego County’s best parenting resource! Free monthly magazine offers parenting articles and resources for health, education, camp, holidays and local family fun for all ages and abilities. Award-winning monthly calendar full of family activities and events. Visit the website and stay connected through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
1475 Sixth Ave. 5th Fl., SD, 92101
619-685-6970
www.SanDiegoFamily.com
San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)
Serves as a focal point in the community to which infant/toddlers through adults with a developmental disability and their families can obtain services and be linked to other community resources within San Diego and Imperial counties.
4355 Ruffin Rd., SD, 92123
858-576-2996
www.sdrc.org
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
Helps parents and advocates in the special needs community overcome challenges of a family’s journey by bringing together people, information and resources. The foundation (in partnership with San Diego Family Magazine) publishes and distributes Flourishing Families annually, plus a bi-monthly eNewsletter designed for families with special needs. Visit website to subscribe.
1475 Sixth Ave. #511, SD, 92101
619-685-6970
www.SNRFSD.org
TERI Campus of Life
A group of trained parents and professionals guide adults through the process of finding services for students and adults with developmental disabilities. Classes are available to become a qualified life coach for those with special needs for parents and professionals in the field of developmental disabilities. Classes and information on trusts and conservatorships presented in a practical and thoughtful way.
251 Airport Rd.
Oceanside, CA 92058
760-721-1706
www.teriinc.org
UCSD Center for Mindfulness
Eight-week course to teach mindful coping skills.
5060 Shoreham Pl. #330
SD, 92122
858-334-4636
http://mindfulness.ucsd.edu
Undiagnosed Family Support Group
Quarterly meetings with interesting speakers and Facebook-based support group for parents of children with special needs who do not know the etiology of their child’s condition or illness. Crafts and fun activities for children are available while the parents meet.
760-481-5509
sdufsg@gmail.com
Walden Family Services-A Foster Family
(See listing under Foster Care)
WIC-SDSU Research Foundation
Low-moderate income nutrition referral assistance program for pregnant and postpartum women and children 0-5.
Locations in San Diego County
888-999-6897
www.sdsuwic.com
Xcite Steps Familly Therapy
Provides family coping skills and relationship conflict resolution through an individualized approach to parents, couples, siblings, and families who may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to ASD or other developmental disability diagnoses.
858-428-0222
www.xcitesteps.com
YMCA Kinship Support Services
Supports kinship caregivers throughout San Diego County in achieving safety, permanency, and well-being for their families through education, advocacy and community collaboration. Respite care available.
877-YMCA-4-KIN
www.ymca.org/yfs/programs/kinship-support-services.html
Yo! Youth Organizing! Disabled and Proud
Online resource designed to help teens promote independence and self-advocacy through resources, leadership development opportunities, and community connections.
866-296-9753
800-900-0706 TDD
www.yodisabledproud.org
