Support Groups & Purpose
At this time, peer support groups will be held each month virtually using Google Meet for 120 minute long meetings. Ìyá Pittsburgh Project hosts peer support groups that are facilitated by a Master’s level perinatal social worker intern under supervision by a licensed clinical social worker. These support groups are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any physical or mental health concerns. Participants who need a level of physical or mental healthcare that is only provided by licensed healthcare providers will be referred out to those appropriate providers. Peer support groups are provided with the hopes that they will benefit participants in multiple positive ways. Participants can:
-
gain a better understanding of personal goals and values within the context of peer support
-
improve interpersonal relationships
-
experience a sense of solidarity with other participants
-
develop resolutions of the specific concerns that led to seeking out group support
LGBTQ+ Parenting
Peer Support Group
This group is intended for LGBTQ+ parents from conception through their baby’s second birthday. This group is open to LGBTQ+ people of any ethnicity, spiritual path, or relationship status/family structure. This group is virtual only. This group meets monthly on every 3rd Sunday afternoon from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM ET. If no participants show up by 4:15 PM, the group will be cancelled for the month. If only one participant shows up by 4:15 PM, they will have the option of a shortened one-on-one session with the facilitator. Fees: For peer support groups, there is a suggested sliding scale value of $10-$15 per month. Thankfully, due to generous donations from our community, these groups are currently being provided for free. To continue being able to provide these valuable resources at no cost to participants, your donations in any amount, at any time, with any frequency are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via the donate button on our website or given in cash to the facilitator. Please read & sign the documents linked below BEFORE attending the first week.
LGBTQ+ Abortion Peer Support Group
This group is intended for LGBTQ+ people who are planning to have or have had an abortion for any reason up to one (1) year post-abortion. This group is open to LGBTQ+ people of any ethnicity, spiritual path, or relationship status/family structure. This group is virtual only. This group meets monthly on every 1st Sunday afternoon from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM ET. If no participants show up by 4:15 PM, the group will be cancelled for the month. If only one participant shows up by 4:15 PM, they will have the option of a shortened one-on-one session with the facilitator. Fees: For peer support groups, there is a suggested sliding scale value of $10-$15 per month. Thankfully, due to generous donations from our community, these groups are currently being provided for free. To continue being able to provide these valuable resources at no cost to participants, your donations in any amount, at any time, with any frequency are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via the donate button on our website or given in cash to the facilitator. Please read & sign the documents linked below BEFORE attending the first week.
Homebirth
Peer Support Group
This group is intended for anyone planning or who has had a homebirth and those with questions. This group is not for processing trauma from a homebirth that did not go as planned or resulted in a poor outcome. This group is open to anyone of any gender, sexuality, ethnicity, spiritual path, or relationship status/family structure. This group will center the experiences of & prioritize the participation of LGBTQ+ & BIPOC people. This group is virtual only. This group meets monthly on every 4th Sunday afternoon from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM ET. If no participants show up by 4:15 PM, the group will be cancelled for the month. If only one participant shows up by 4:15 PM, they will have the option of a shortened one-on-one session with the facilitator. Fees: For peer support groups, there is a suggested sliding scale value of $10-$15 per month. Thankfully, due to generous donations from our community, these groups are currently being provided for free. To continue being able to provide these valuable resources at no cost to participants, your donations in any amount, at any time, with any frequency are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via the donate button on our website or given in cash to the facilitator. Please read & sign the documents linked below BEFORE attending the first week.
Birthworker
Peer Support Group
This group is intended for perinatal & reproductive workers (including aspiring/students & retired) of all kinds to meet, chat, and network. This group is open to anyone of any gender, sexuality, ethnicity, spiritual path, or relationship status/family structure. This group will center the experiences of & prioritize the participation of LGBTQ+ & BIPOC people. This group is virtual only. This group meets monthly on every 2nd Sunday afternoon from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM ET. If no participants show up by 4:15 PM, the group will be cancelled for the month. If only one participant shows up by 4:15 PM, they will have the option of a shortened one-on-one session with the facilitator. Fees: For peer support groups, there is a suggested sliding scale value of $10-$15 per month. Thankfully, due to generous donations from our community, these groups are currently being provided for free. To continue being able to provide these valuable resources at no cost to participants, your donations in any amount, at any time, with any frequency are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via the donate button on our website or given in cash to the facilitator. Please read & sign the documents linked below BEFORE attending the first week.