Vision for Equality: Philadelphia Parent Support Groups Network

Hosted by Vision for Equality.

The Philadelphia Parent Support Groups (PPSG) are grassroot groups organized by families, for families of individuals who have Intellectual disAbilities and Autism receiving Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS) who share and network with one another to be informed about local and statewide resources.

The PPSG was established in July 2004 when Vision for Equality begin to provide support to the former Base Service Units’ Family Driven Advisory Services (FDSS) committees.

The Philadelphia Parent Support Groups provides a unique opportunity for Families, Parents, Caregivers, and Friends of children with disabilities and or special needs. PPSG strives to empower caregivers by gaining knowledge as families move from different system services from childhood through adulthood. PPSG connects and supports caregivers in a variety of ways:

• Group Meetings
• Community Outreach
• System Navigation Support
• Trainings and Education Opportunities
• Resources

These efforts are designed to promote self-advocacy among caregivers and families to become knowledgeable, prepared and empowered.

List of Groups:

• Abriendo Caminos a los Latinos con Familias Exceptionales “Opening Paths for Latinos with Exceptional Families” (Kensington)
  • Second Wednesday of each month* — 10 am- 1 pm
    COMHAR, Inc. 3825 Whitaker Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124
    Representative: Marisol Ramos 267-773-5296
• Northeast Support Group Navigated by Families (Northeast Philadelphia)
  • Third Wednesday of each month* –10 am-1 pm
    Partnership for Community Supports, 9360 Ashton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111
    Representative: Joan Nelson 267-642-1321
    Co-Representative: Ramona Griffiths 267-535-0102
• NW Family Support Group (Germantown. Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill)
  • Second Tuesday of each month* — 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
    Northwest Center name changed to Merakey Center,
    27 E. Mt. Airy Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
    Representative: Verna Edwards 215-248-4415
• Roxborough Parent Support Group (Roxborough/Andorra/Manayunk/Wissahickon
  • Fourth Wednesday of each month* — 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
    Roxborough Memorial Hospital, 5800 Ridge Avenue
    Conference Room A, Philadelphia, PA 19128
    Representative: Carol Costello 215-487-1240
• The Heart of the Family Parent Support Group (Center City/South Philadelphia)
  • First Wednesday of each month except for January 2020* – 12 PM-2 PM
    Quality Progressions Support Coordination Organization, 1339 Chestnut Street, 7th Floor, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107
    Representative: Marjorie Anderson 267-307-6915
• There’s A Place for Us Parent Support Group (North Philadelphia)
  • Fourth Friday of each month* — 10 am -12 pm
    Warren E. Smith Health Center, 1315 Windrim Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19140
    Representative: Cleo Dupree 215-329-5219
• West Philadelphia Parent Support Group (Southwest/Wynnefield/Overbrook/Mantua)
  • Second Monday of each month* — 6 pm -7:30 pm
    The Free Library of Philadelphia, 56th and Haverford Avenue,
    Philadelphia, PA 19139
    Representative: Doreatha Davis 215-303-3501

The mission of Vision for Equality is to assist and empower people with disabilities and their families to seek quality and satisfaction in their lives as well as equal access to support and services.