Resources
Special Needs Directory Click Here
Adoption Support Groups. First Thursday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m. Pre-adoptive and adoptive parents and adopted children welcome at monthly meeting. Adoption Resource Center offers free counseling, information, referrals and a resource library. Salvation Army, 749 S. Warren St., Syracuse. 479-3616.
Baby Talk. Wednesday, 10a.m. Support group for moms of newborns up to 6 months. Bring your baby with you and leave with a new parenting tip each week. $5 includes snack and activity. Children's Consortium, 2122 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse. 471-8331. childrensconsortium.org.
Best Beginnings. Fourth Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon. Nursing mothers and their babies come together to share support, information and guidance. First Presbyterian Church, 97 Genesee St., Skaneateles. 637-9900.
Bicycle Helmet Program. Low-cost helmets available in toddler to adult sizes for Onondaga County residents. 435-3280.
Car Seat Program. Low-cost infant and toddler seats available for low-income Onondaga County residents. 424-1800. ccoc.us/services/parents/parent-aide
Central New York Autism Society of America. First Thursday of the month, October through May (except January), 7 p.m. Jowonio, 3049 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 447-4466.
Central New York Friends of Love the Children. Adoptive-family support group offers educational and cultural programs, social activities and newsletter; open to all families who have adopted internationally or domestically, although many members have adopted from Korea. 697-7017.
Central New York Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Connections. Third Thursday. Central New York CPD Parent Connections, a local chapter of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, meets to provide support to families dealing with these issues. Locations vary. Free. 415-7074 or cnyspdparents@gmail.com.
Charity for Children. Forming support group for families and caregivers of children with hearing loss as a result of medical conditions such as microtia atresia. 701-1162.
Child Care Solutions. Information and referrals to child care for infants, preschool and school-age children, as well as parenting seminars and other info. 446-1220.
CNY Great Moms of Physically Challenged Special Needs Kids. Online support group for mothers of young children with physical challenges and developmental delays. Get together on message board or in person for support and friendships. Member-organized play dates with special needs kids and siblings. Free. 663-5020. Register: www.spclneedsparents.meetup.com/80.
CNY Tourette Syndrome Support Group. Third Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. 635-6967 or twocor520@aol.com.
Diabetes Support. Monthly meetings. Join other children and families living with Type 1 diabetes; sponsored by Joslin Center and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Institute for Human Performance, Upstate Medical University (Harrison Street and Irving Avenue), Syracuse. Information: 464-5726. Register: 464-6886.
DivorceCare. Mondays, 7 p.m. Seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Northside Baptist Church, 7965 Oswego Road, Liverpool. $10/materials donation. 652-3160 or www.northsideonline.org.
DivorceCare. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Whether you're separated or divorced, you can heal the hurts that accompanied that experience. Call in advance if you will need childcare. Believers' Chapel, 7912 Thompson Road, Cicero. Free. 458-0512 or 751-1284.
Down Syndrome Association of Central New York. Meetings, library access, special events and other support for adults living or working with a child with Down Syndrome. 682-4289.
Drop In. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Music, singing, art projects and more for parents and children up to age 5. Drop-In offers the best of both worlds: a chance for parents to meet to gain mutual support and an opportunity to spark children's creativity. $5 includes snack and craft activity. Children's Consortium, 2122 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse. 471-8331. childrensconsortium.org.
Eat at Mom's...Where Babies Know Breast. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers support group. Second Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - noon, at PEACE Inc. Westside Family Resource Center, 200 Wyoming St., Syracuse. Fourth Thursday 10:30 a.m. - noon, Women's Info Center, 602 Allen St., Syracuse. A service of REACH CNY Inc. 424-0009, Ext. 109. www.reachcny.org.
Epilepsy Foundation. Last Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. Support group for individuals with epilepsy and their families. 1045 James St., Suite 270, Syracuse. 477-9777, Ext. 102.
Exceptional Family Resources. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families can use habilitation services, recreation programs, advocacy service and more. 1065 James St., Syracuse. Free. 478-1462, Ext. 337 or www.contact.efr.org.
Food Allergies: Coping, Educating, Supporting (FACES). For families of children living with food allergies. 492-3941.
Families with Children from China. Resources and support for prospective and current adopters of children from China. For more information, call 472-2111, Ext. 3006.
First Steps Program. Classes offered throughout the year on pregnancy, childbirth and family education. Kienzle Family Maternity Center, Crouse Hospital, Syracuse. 470-5716.
Food for the Parents' Soul. Fridays, 9:15-11 a.m. Support and education group hosted by PEACE Inc.'s County West Family Resource Center; child care provided for preschool-aged children. 93 Syracuse St./Route 48, Suite 700, Baldwinsville. Free. Register: 638-1051.
GriefShare Support Group. Mondays, 7 p.m. Seminar and support group for people grieving the death of someone close to them. Northside Baptist Church, 7965 Oswego Road, Liverpool. Free. 652-3160 or www.northsideonline.org.
Grieving Parents Support Group. Second Thursday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Group for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby. Marley Education Center Room 410, 765 Irving Ave., Syracuse. Register: 470-7372.
Holistic Moms Network of Syracuse. Second Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Local chapter of national organization. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool Free. 706-0318.
Hope for Bereaved Parents. Third Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bereavement Center, 4500 Onondaga Blvd., across from Westhill High School, Syracuse. 475-4673. Also, Hope for Youth meets the third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Hope for Younger Widows, Widowers, Engaged and Significant Others. Third Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Also Hope for Youth, third Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hope for Bereaved Inc., 4500 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse. Free. 475-4673.
HOPE Network. Faith-based support group for families of children with special needs; services include meetings, family events, speakers, and HOPE Angels, a therapeutic movement and music group. Northside Baptist Church, 7965 Oswego Road, Liverpool. 652-3160.
ICAN of Syracuse. Third Tuesday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Local chapter of International Cesarean Awareness Network, which aims to prevent unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery and promoting VBAC. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall, DeWitt. 663-6725.
Lead Poisoning Control Program. Screening, referrals and education. 435-3271.
Lead Program. City of Syracuse offers information for those with children younger than 6; also of interest to first-time homeowners, handymen and anyone working or living with a house built prior to 1978. Financial assistance for reducing lead hazards as well as risk assessments, inspections and training. 448-8710.
Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York. Advocacy, programs and educational resources for children and adults with learning disabilities. 722 W. Manlius St., East Syracuse. 432-0665.
La Leche League. Breastfeeding support for moms and couples; monthly meetings. 652-8059.
Liverpool Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Share information and support with other mothers of children age 0-5. First and third Wednesday, 9-11:30 a.m., Sept.-May. Northside Baptist Church, 7965 Oswego Road, Liverpool. Free childcare. 409-4318.
Liverpool Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Second and fourth Wednesday, 9:15-11:30 a.m. Child care provided. Redeemer Covenant Church, 7565 Morgan Road, Liverpool. $3/mother, free/children. 457-8887.
Lucy's House. Mondays-Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Feeling pushed to the limit by your children? This safe space is available for any Onondaga County family experiencing stress or feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life; child care and transportation available. Huntington Family Centers, 405 Gifford St., Syracuse. Free. 476-3157.
Meals on Wheels. Volunteer opportunities for youth and families include packaging, assembling and delivering meals to homebound individuals. 300 Burt St., Syracuse. 478-5948.
Meditation for Mamas. Group for women to connect with other mothers in a healing and meaningful way. Group opens with time for honest sharing, conversation and support, then shifts to quiet, stillness and meditation. 471-5068.
Mental Health Association of Onondaga County. Learn about mental health resources, counseling and programs for separating and divorced parents, and for anger management. Call 445-5606 or visit www.mha-oc.org.
Mommy and Me of CNY. Volunteer, nonprofit organization for parents and preschoolers as well as those up to age 10; enjoy educational stimulation, community awareness and social interaction. $28 annual dues; many free or low-cost activities. 558-3480. http://www.mommynmecny.com
Moms at Heart. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 9:15-11 a.m. (Sept.-May). For mothers of children from infant through school age; babysitting available for infants through kindergarten age. Redeemer Covenant Church, 7565 Morgan Road, Liverpool. Free. 457-8887.
MOMS Club of Cicero. Club supports stay-at-home moms in the Cicero, Clay, Liverpool and Baldwinsville area. Lots of play dates and activities every month. Send e-mail to momsclubofcicero@verizon.net for more information.
MOMS Clubs. Activities for stay-at-home parents and their children; local chapters include Syracuse-East, Cazenovia and Cicero. 449-4312.
Mom’s Morning Out. Thursdays 9:30-11 a.m.; through April. Discuss topics such as juggling work and family, and kid-safe natural cleaners. Community Wesleyan Church, 112 Downer St., Baldwinsville. Free/admission; $2/child for care. 635-3501.
MOMS of West Side. Monthly support group meetings, activities, outings for at-home mothers in Syracuse, Camillus, Solvay, the Valley and Marcellus. Send e-mail to syracusewestmomsclub@
yahoo.com.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Chittenango. Second and fourth Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m.; September through May. Mothers of children, newborns to age 5, to discuss interesting topics and share support while childcare is provided. Crossroads Community Church, Flyer Road, Chittenango. 687-5139.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Syracuse. Second and fourth Wednesday of the month (September through May). Share information and support. Syracuse Alliance Church, 3112 Midland Ave., Syracuse. Free/first meeting, $4/subsequent meetings. 492-1741.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Cicero. First and third Thursday of the month, 9-11:30 a.m. (September through May). For moms of children newborn to age 5 to share support and camaraderie while children have fun in Moppets child care. Believers Chapel, 7912 Thompson Road, Cicero. 699-4140.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Finger Lakes. First and third Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m.; September through May. Share information and support with other mothers of children ages newborn to 5 years. Grace Chapel, 1674 Route 20, Skaneateles. $3/mother; free/childcare. 685-3071 or flmops@gmail.com.
Multiple Moms Mingle. First Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. For mothers of young twins, triplets and more. Ruby Tuesday, 3220 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Reserve: 308-0277.
Murder Victim Families. Fourth Thursday of month, 6-7:30 p.m. For anyone suffering in the aftermath of a murder. St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 310 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 366-6034.
New Life Adoption Agency. Third Wednesday of every month. Informational meeting on international adoption from China and domestic adoption. 422-7300.
North Syracuse Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Share information and support with other mothers of children age 0-5. First and third Tuesday, Sept.-May. North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St., North Syracuse. Childcare provided. 458-0271.
Operation Special Delivery. Women who are pregnant and whose partners are on military deployment can receive free birth-doula services from Doulas of Central New York. Visit www.doulasofcny.com or call 455-6MOM.
Parent to Parent of New York State. Parent can be matched with trained support parent of a child with a similar disability, chronic illness or heath care concern. Information and referrals available. Exceptional Family Resources, 1065 James St., Syracuse. 478-1462, Ext. 322, (800) 305-8815 or www.parenttoparentnys.org.
Parents Without Partners. First Sunday of every month, 1 p.m. An international group devoted to the needs and interests of single parents and their children. 455-7037.
Parent Resource Room. Parenting resources, books, magazines, and reference material to browse through. Certified Parent Educators are available daily to answer parenting questions. Free. Children's Consortium, 2122 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse. 471-8331. childrensconsortium.org.
Postpartum Depression Support Group. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Share your story, and find support and healing. Women’s Info Center, 601 Allen St., Syracuse. Free. Call 546-5075 or email ppdtherapy@yahoo.com if you plan to attend.
Relatives as Parents. Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. Support group for aunts, uncles and grandparents who assume parenting role for young family members. Dunbar Center, 1453 S. State St., Syracuse. 476-4269.
Siblings Are Special. Last Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall, DeWitt. Free. Register: 455-6MOM.
Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators. Group explores topics related to children's literature. Children's Stage, Barnes and Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.
Syracuse Moms Meetup Group. Meet up with moms with babies and young children. Events held weekdays, weekends and online. Visit. http://moms.meetup.com/2102.
Third Option. Every other Sunday, 7-9 p.m. For couples who want to work on their marriages. Bishop Harrison Center, 1342 Lancaster Ave. 472-6728.
Time Out for Moms. First and third Friday. Join other moms for some conversation, food and fun. Childcare provided. St. Mary's Rectory, 411 N. Main St., Minoa. $3. 656-8712.
Teen MOPS. Every Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m., Believers' Chapel, 7912 Thompson Road, Cicero. Free. 699-5232.
Women, Infants and Children. Nutrition program for pregnant or breast-feeding women or those with children younger than 5. Some working families may still qualify for this income-based program. Clinics offered in LaFayette, northern suburbs, Camillus, East Syracuse and city of Syracuse. 435-3304.
Women's Support Group. Every Monday, 1 p.m. Peer support group in a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere. Unique Peerspectives, 230 Harrison St., Syracuse. 475-1994.
Resource and Calendar listings are free! Send information about your family-friendly event to: Family Times calendar, 1415 W. Genesee St., Syracuse; fax to 422-1721; or e-mail to editorial@familytimes.biz. Include date and time of event, location, price and phone number for publication.