A key component of
PACER's mission is to offer support to members of the
adoption community. To that end, we sponsor groups
meeting monthly around the Bay Area and in Northern
California.
PACER Support Groups
PACER support
groups offer a safe, confidential environment where
individuals within the adoption triad –
adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents – can come
together to share with and learn from each other.
Unlike therapy groups or one-on-one therapy, where
there is an "expert," our peer support groups give
the possibility of finding one's own answers within
the supportive environment of the group.
People who participate are empowered to create their
own healing.
-
Triad Groups are open to
all adult members of the triad, plus spouses or
significant partners.
-
Single-Focus Groups are for
the adult individuals specified only (i.e. birthmothers
or adoptees 18+ years old).
Our ground
rules were created to make our meetings safe and
supportive for everyone who participates. They are:
- Support
group meetings begin on time.
- Each
meeting begins with a welcome and a brief
around-the-room introduction.
- Every
person is guaranteed equal time to speak.
- We ask
that there be no questions or cross-talk while
someone is speaking.
- We do not
offer advice or feedback unless it is
specifically requested.
- Confidentiality is assured. Each meeting's
content is held in the strictest confidence.
- Meetings
end at their prearranged time.
- The
facilitator should be notified beforehand if you
plan to bring a guest.
If you're
not sure whether an adoption support group is
what you're looking for, we invite you to read
our Support
Group FAQs.
If you
decide you'd like to attend a support group, please contact the facilitator
beforehand (see the list below) so you can:
- Introduce yourself
- Get
exact directions to the meeting
- Ask
any questions you'd like answered before you
attend
- Be
welcomed to the group.
Cameron Park Triad
Second Tuesdays (6:30-8:00 p.m.)
Rachel, 530/558-5336
Beth, 530/677-5658
Cameron Park
Contra Costa County
Triad
Fourth Wednesdays (7:30-9:30 p.m.)
Judy, 925/952-4853
Shelly, 415/215-7469
Orinda
Marin County Triad
First Mondays (7:00-9:00
p.m.)
Julie, 415/902-0769
San Rafael
Sacramento Triad
Last Tuesdays (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
Linda, 916/359-6777
Edie, 916/653-8347
Diane, 916/442-1812
Sacramento
San Mateo Triad
Third Thursdays (7-9 p.m.)
Sally, 650/344-7789
San Mateo
Sebastopol Triad
First Wednesdays (7-9 p.m.)
Jerilynn, 707/823-7840
Sebastopol
East Bay
Birthmothers
Third Tuesdays (7:30-9:30 p.m.)
Kathy, 925/528-9191
Orinda
Oakland Adoptee
Fourth Mondays (7:45-9:45 p.m.)
Malcolm, 510/336-9284
Mark, 510/207-0142
Oakland
Sacramento Adoptee
Second Tuesdays (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
Kat, 916/204-5489
Carmichael
