Your support guide: 8 local groups ready to help Pittsburgh-area families whenever you need it

Photo above courtesy of Chamber of Mothers. 

Parenting can be a tricky business. From the overwhelming moments of new parenthood to navigating IEPs and special-needs diagnoses, there are many moments along a family’s journey where they may need the support of a group or organization. Thankfully, many groups in and around Pittsburgh do just that. We’ve rounded up details about a few of these helpful groups below.

If you’re part of an amazing local support group that we haven’t included here, please fill out the contact form at the end of the story and let us know.

Chamber of Mothers

This group, new to the Pittsburgh area, is focused on maternal health, access to quality and affordable childcare, and paid family leave for everyone. The group is for anyone who identifies as a mother, at any stage of their parenting journey. The focus is on community support and advocacy. The local chapter kicked off in December of 2024 virtually, with their first in-person meetup happening on the North Side on Jan. 26. Find information about future meetups by emailing pittsburghchapter@chamberofmothers.com. And learn more about the national organization right here.

The PEAL Center

The PEAL Center is dedicated to supporting families facing challenges related to disability, accessibility and special education. With webinars, in-person support and topic-specific trainings to help parents advocate for their children, there’s a lot of support happening at The PEAL Center. Find their calendar here.

Empowering Moms

This weekly group, which meets at the West View Hub, is for moms with babies who are in the first year of life. Moms are invited to come as you are with your little one. This time and space is for moms to connect with others, explore the ups and downs of parenting, and to help talk through the challenges and celebrate the successes. The organizers ask for an RSVP, so that they can set up the space for everyone. Find more details here.

Storkbites

Run by former labor and delivery nurses, Storkbites is designed for moms and babies in the first year of parenthood. The group meets on Tuesday mornings in Mount Lebanon and runs in six-week sessions and has been meeting for over a decade. Topics like self-care, child development, mental health, and work-life balance are regularly covered. Many groups continue to meet for years unofficially after their initial session and become friends throughout the parenting journey. Email storkbitespa@gmail.com to find out when the next session starts. (And learn more right here.)

PFLAG Pittsburgh

With a variety of online and in-person group meetups for parents, young adults, and teens, PFLAG offers support for LGBTQIA+ families and individuals. The group also manages a closed Facebook group that parents can access by calling the group’s Warmline (412-833-4556) and requesting to be added. Find more details about this support network here.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

This organization regularly holds various groups and informational sessions for parents of autistic children as well as autistic adults. There are also frequent events for families to enjoy together. Find more details on their events page.

The Village

This group is run by Kids Plus Pediatrics, but is open to anyone. This coffee-hour chat is for new moms who want to be able to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in a non-judgmental and welcoming space. The group meets in person on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Well in Squirrel Hill/Greenfield (parking available). For those who can’t attend in person, there is also Village After Hours, which meets from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. over Zoom. Find more info here.

Pillar Pittsburgh

This group, which meets in the East End, is designed for moms with babies under 6 months old. The group is designed to be an open and welcoming space for those needing some support to adjust to new parenthood. Find more details about upcoming meetups here.

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Want to tell us about a local support group? We would love to learn more: