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Support Groups for Detroit and Surrounding Areas
Please note this directory is compiled and posted as a service to the community. UniquelyYou! does not endorse any specific activity or organization listed. The groups included serve people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Some serve only children and/or adults on the autism spectrum. You are advised to review the opportunities carefully to determine their suitability for your family’s needs.
ACCESS Education Advocates & Consultants, LLC
2531 Jackson Ave., #219, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103
(269) 929-3091
https//www.accesseducationmi.com
Professional advocacy provided by a former administrative law judge in education. We offer services throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, addressing a wide range of issues related to special education, Section 504 and disability rights.
Amazing Women’s Group- Virtual Disability Network
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94278749965
Ladies, join your peers to discuss issues that affect you all.
A Mother’s Rest
https://www.amothersrest.org/findaretreat
A Mother’s Rest specializes in coordinating therapeutic respite retreats for parents of children with extra needs. The organization supports biological and adoptive moms, dads, and other family caregivers of children and adults with extra needs.
Artists Creating Together
1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 885-5866
http://www.artistscreatingtogether.org/
Artists Creating Together empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate through the arts. By bringing together artists, visual and performing arts, and students with disabilities, the organization aims to impact the West Michigan community.
ASPPIRE Social Coaching: Check website for class times
3815 W St Joe, Suite C-300, Lansing, MI, 48917
(989) 272-2977
Aileen Hecht ahecht@asppire.org
https://www.facebook.com/ASPPIREOFMIDMICHIGAN/
https://www.instagram.com/asppire_midmi/
https://www.pinterest.com/ASPPIRE/
ASPPIRE provides support services and programs to adults with disabilities. Many participants are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The organization also works with individuals who have mental illness, learning disabilities or developmental disabilities. Through social coaching programs, person-centered planning and connections to community resources, ASPPIRE aims to help participants lead functional and productive lives.The program was founded by special educators and is currently overseen by Director Maria Peak.
Aunt Sandy’s Sewing
Auntsandyssewing.com/ on line orders
(586) 337-5112
I have a handmade sewing line with more than 60 products for special needs, including weighted and sensory items. I have been in business for 25 years in Michigan.
Autism Society of Greater Detroit
http://www.autism societygreaterdetroit.org/parent-peer-support-group
Groups meet online on the second and fourth Fridays of each month in the evenings.
Children’s Healing Center
1580 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 426-8366
http://www.childrenshealingcenter.org/
The center is open to anyone from birth to age 26 who is immune-compromised or vulnerable to illness, and their families. Its goal is to create a safe space where kids and their siblings can express themselves, interact socially and feel a sense of belonging. The center serves a diverse population of children with medically complex conditions.
Certain Hope Community
5897 9 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341
(248) 880-0373
http://www.certainhopecommunity.org
Bringing hope and community to families raising children with disabilities. Free events offer the whole family opportunities to connect with others facing similar experiences.
Children's Special Health Care Family Phone Line
1-800-359-3722, cshcsfc@michigan.gov
Call or email to connect with other families with the same diagnosis as your child, or to find additional support groups.
Compassionate Heart Ministries & Club 404
404 Centerstone Ct, Zeeland, MI 49464
(616) 834-0501
We offer a fun, Christian, welcoming, safe and social environment for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, ages 14 to 45, to hang out and make friends.
Detroit Autism Support - Au-Some City 313
https://www.facebook.com/ausomecity313/
(313) 288-6007
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals with autism and special needs in Detroit, led by ABA-certified and trained professionals.
Detroit Mom Special Needs Community Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/148396279349574/
Hi! Welcome to the Detroit Mom Special Needs Community Group. This group is led by volunteer Mombassadors and is a space for sharing resources, support and suggestions for mothers of children with special needs.
Disability Network Wayne County
https://disabilitynetworkwcd.org/programs/
This is a group for parents who have disabilities. Meetings are held online on Tuesday afternoons.
Empowerment Circle
23411 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 100, Saint Clair Shores, MI, 48080
(586) 299-1123
Complete the online form to learn more about the group and to register: https://forms.gle/o7q6cEhddbcSEKPn8
For mothers: Mondays at 9:30am-11am
For all caregivers: Thursdays from 6pm-7:30pm
Group Therapy for Parents & Caregivers of Neurodivergent Individuals.
The purpose of the group is to create a supportive and safe environment where parents and caregivers can come together to share their experiences, challenges and triumphs.
Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
https://epilepsymichigan.org/call-connect-network/
Multiple support groups are available, including one specifically for parents of children with epilepsy. The groups meet online once per week.
Family Hope Foundation
7086 8th Avenue Jenison, Michigan 49428
(616) 729-8833
Family Hope Foundation helps create futures full of possibility. The organization provides West Michigan families with access to therapies, resources and events so children with disabilities can experience growth, independence and bright futures.
Fellinlove Farm
6364 144th Avenue, Holland, MI, Michigan
(616) 283-7555
http://www.fellinlovefarm.com/
Provides outdoor activities, socialization and educational opportunities through hands-on animal interactions. All visits must be scheduled.
Growing Roots
8300 Krupp Avenue NE Comstock Park, MI, 49321
(616) 366-5431
The mission is to provide a therapeutic, nature-based learning and working facility that allows all individuals to live a meaningful, satisfying life and reach their highest potential. Growing Roots uses gardening and the care of rescued animals to empower individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Hearts For the Arts
1141 Quarry Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan
(616) 450-1922
https://www.hearts4thearts.com/
Our mission is to enrich the lives of all people through inclusive public art classes and group events. We also specialize in disability services, including art therapy, entrepreneurial training and more. Our fully accessible studio serves individuals with a variety of needs, including cognitive and developmental disabilities, mental health disorders and brain trauma injuries.
Hope Network
3075 Orchard Vista Drive Southeast, PO Box 890,Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
(616) 301-8000
Advocating for inclusion means taking action—dismantling bias, amplifying voices and creating a world where everyone belongs. Together, we can build communities that embrace every person as equally human.
Hugs Ranch
284 Byron Road, Byron Center, Michigan 49315
616-312-5254
H.U.G.S. Ranchhttps://www.hugsranch.org/ (Byron Center)
To encourage mental, emotional, physical and social healing for hurting children and donated, unwanted or rescued equines by sharing hope, understanding, guidance and support in a no-cost, safe Christian environment.
Job Accommodations Network(ASK JAN)
(800) 526-7234
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN works toward practical solutions that benefit both employers and employees, helping people with disabilities enhance their employability and showing employers how to capitalize on the value and talent people with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Judson Center
4410 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, United States, Michigan
(248) 549-4339
The Judson Center is a nonprofit human service agency providing compassionate, comprehensive services to children and families throughout southeast Michigan. Since opening in 1924, the center has grown to serve more than 4,000 children, adults and families each year, helping children who have been abused or neglected and others facing developmental disabilities, severe emotional impairments and autism spectrum disorder.
Just 4 Me Non-Profit Organization: Check website for meeting times
3796 Demean St, Melvindale, Michigan, 48122
(313) 720-9700
Just 4 Me is a nonprofit organization and community for young adults with exceptional abilities. The group supports special needs adults who enjoy having fun, developing social and independent skills, building confidence, and forming lasting friendships.
Kids on the Go
kristyschena@kidsonthegocamp.com
https://www.kidsonthegocamp.com/
Kids on the Go is a pediatric nonprofit that relies on sponsors to provide therapy to children with special needs during the summer break. The summer camp pairs campers with professional therapists who use the latest, most reliable therapeutic tools. Therapy is offered at no cost to often overburdened families and comes at a crucial time, after school-provided services have ended.
Little Mary’s Hospitality House
Wellston, Michigan
(231) 848-4699
Nestled in the rural town of Wellston, Michigan, Little Mary’s offers free vacations for families facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Families who have lost a child to illness, as well as terminally ill adults, are also welcome.
Living and Learning Enrichment Center
https://livingandlearningcenter.org/support-groups/
Groups meet in person on the first Wednesday evening of each month for parents of children with autism and related challenges.
Michigan Alliance for Autism
26913 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 520 , Southfield, MI, United States, Michigan
(877) 463-2266
https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) leads efforts to make Michigan a better place for people with autism and their families. Its impact on families, communities, lawmakers and service providers is made possible by the generous support of corporate, foundation and individual donors.
Michigan Alliance for Families
1325 S Washington Ave Lansing, Michigan 48910
(800) 552-4821
https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/
Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource connecting families of children with disabilities to services that help improve their children’s education. The organization helps facilitate parent involvement to improve educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities.
Michigan Works
14945 Mona St., Warren, Mi, 48089
(313) 685-8736
Meets Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. in person.Also covers employment and education topics.
Mom's Group: Check website for date and times
6600 Rochester Road, Troy, Mi, 48085
ScottPreisler@Woodsidebible.org/
gregmcdougall@woodsidebible.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/487110498972613
(248) 879-8533
A place for moms to find encouragement and to encourage others.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
https://www.mda.org/care/community-groups
Groups meet online on the third Wednesday of each month in the evening.
Parent and Caregiver Support Group
1705 S. Saginaw Rd., Midland, MI 48640
989-835-4041
In-person sessions include conversation for parents and activities with extra support for your loved one, so you can attend together. Sessions are held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.
https://www.dnmm.org/event/parent-caregiver-support-group
Parent Support Group For Parents of Children with Autism
5361 Gateway Centre Blvd Suite B, Flint, Mi
May 15th, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
RSVP by 5/5 to amanda@welaughandlearn.com
Topic: Managing behaviors — identifying the reasons behind behaviors to implement effective strategies.
Ready For Life Group CLS
3250 28th St SE Ste 102, Grand Rapids, Michigan
(616) 248-3775
A nonprofit that fosters opportunities for belonging in communities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sibshops
Monaghan Banquet Center, 19801 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI
734-748-6432
https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sibshops/2025-05-10/
Contact: Dawn Smith, dawnsmith@restorativetherapysolutions.com
Sibshops were established in the 1980s to address the lack of support for siblings of individuals with special needs. These siblings play a vital role in their families and often have the longest-lasting relationship with their brother or sister with special needs. Sibshops are play-based and provide a therapeutic environment, though they are not formal therapy sessions. Groups include games, peer connection, snacks, laughter, and discussions about the joys and challenges of having a sibling with special needs. Guest speakers, such as older siblings or professionals, are sometimes invited to answer questions and provide education.
Siblings Group (7-14) (18 and over) Check website for date and times
6600 Rochester Road, Troy, Mi, 48085
ScottPreisler@Woodsidebible.org/
gregmcdougall@woodsidebible.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/487110498972613
(248) 879-8533
For siblings 18 and older, the group meets for social activities and encouragement.
Sidekicks West Michigan
Grand Haven, Michigan
616-209-4445
https://www.sidekickswestmichigan.org/
Sidekicks of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals with and without disabilities the education and tools to gain independence and build friendships through guided adventures in inclusive settings across West Michigan.
Stroke Support Group Disability Network Eastern Michigan
16655 15 Mile Rd Ste B Clinton Twp, MI 48035
Call Julie at 586-263-2498
To register: tinyurl.com/StrokeGroupInfo
Stroke Support Group provides a safe space for stroke survivors, caregivers, family and friends to connect with others who share similar experiences. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from noon to 2 p.m.
Sunfield Center
https://sunfieldcenter.com/our-care/#impact
For caregivers of children ages 6 and younger diagnosed with autism or experiencing social communication concerns. Call or email for details.
The Arc of Kent County
2922 Fuller Ave NE #201, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 459-3339
The Arc Kent County works to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued and that they and their families fully participate in and contribute to their communities. Its vision is that all people realize and fulfill their dreams of employment, education, meaningful relationships and independent living within their communities.
The Lucas Project
P.O. Box 217, West Olive, MI 49460
Supporting caregivers by providing recognition, respite and resources. We believe supporting caregivers is the best way to support individuals with special needs. https://thelucasproject.org/
Work and Play Center
https://www.workandplaycenter.org/special-needs-program-calendar
In-person support groups for women and parents caring for children and adults with disabilities. Located in Ypsilanti.
