Whether you are seeking support as a parent or looking for support for your child, there may be an appropriate resource near you. Please contact SD Parent Connection at 1-800-640-4553 or sdpc@sdparent.org to learn of other available resources and/or to share information on additional support groups in your area.
Because support group information is subject to change, please contact groups of interest for current information.
Topic Areas
Brain Injury
Cross Disability/Disorder
Developmental Disorders
Mental/Emotional/Behavioral Health
Special Health Needs
Youth/Young Adult Peer Groups
Brain Injury Support Group of the Black Hills
They meet from 6:15-8pm on the second Tuesday of every month at Community Transitions in the Conference Room, Rapid City. The group is open to individuals with brain injury, their families/caregivers, and professionals. For more information, please contact Ron Sasso at rsasso@bhws.comor (605) 718-8446.
Parent Support Group for Students with Learning/School Difficulties:
SD Parent Connection/USD Center for Disabilities. Support groups meetings area held the 2nd Thursday of the month, September through May, from 5:30-7pm MT. This free support group is available in Rapid City. For more information, please contact SD Parent Connection at 605-361-3171, 1-800-640-4553 or sdpc@sdparent.org or USD Center for Disabilities at 605-357-1472 or email mmaltave@usd.edu.
Autism Society of the Black Hills, Rapid City:
Meetings are quarterly at Rapid City Regional Hospital from 10am-Noon on a Saturday. Child care is not provided. For more information, call Sheri at 605-415-3739 or visit http://www.autismsd.org.
Ups of Downs Family Support Group, Rapid City:
For more information, contact Mona at 605-348-1358 or visit http://upsofdowns.nexo.com.
Mental/Emotional/Behavioral Health
NAMI Northern Hills Support Group:
They are made up of family members of children or adolescents with neurobiological brain disorders as well as family members of adults with these disorders. Meetings held from 7- 8:30 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Sturgis Community
Hospital educational room. Educational programs are followed by family support. Families may contact Cindy Klein at 605-720-6564.
NAMI Rapid City Support Group:
They meet at 7pm on the second Thursday of each month in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church, 710 Kansas City Street. For more information, contact Tommie at 605-348-7244 or tommiel@rapidnet.com or other members at 605-348-6361, 605-343-6484, or 605-342-6045. Please contact organizer to determine if this support group is appropriate for families of children with mental health needs.
Parents of Children with Anxiety Disorders and OCD:
Does your child have persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday thing? Or maybe your child repeatedly checks or arranges things, having to wash his/her hands repeatedly, or maintain a particular order? If this sounds familiar, your child may have a treatable problem called an anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). When first dealing with anxiety and /or OCD in your child, it may be hard to find the information needed to get on the right path to managing anxiety and/or OCD. This support group can help. The Support group for Parents of Children with Anxiety Disorders and/or OCD will meet every third Thursday of each month from 6-8 PM at the Morningside Cafe, 710 N. Lacrosse #2, Rapid City, SD. This is a private meeting and takes place after business hours. For more information you may contact Shelly at (605) 342-7267.
Support Group for Parents of Bipolar Children:
Families dealing with a child diagnosed with bipolar can quickly become exhausted, traumatized and isolated, and this support group intends to provide support, friendship, information and referrals to the parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. The main focus will be for parents to tell their own stories, trade information, give and gain support. In the future we hope to feature health professionals to provide current information about the disorder. For further information about the group and the meeting please call (605) 431-5199 or send an e-mail to: bipolarmom315@hotmail.com
Celiac Support Group, Rapid City:
Meets from 5-7pm on the second Saturday of the month, Sept. through June, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rushmore Room. For individuals/families with gluten, casein or egg free diets. To learn more, please contact Joan at 605-484-0393 or jmclements01@gmail.com or Sue, 605-341-0336 or sue57709@yahoo.com. On-line support available via moderated message board at blackhillsceliacs@yahoogroups.com. To join; visit www.yahoo.com, click “Create a Yahoo ID,” click on “Groups” and search “blackhillsceliacs,” selecting the group that has 30+ members.
Thumpers, Rapid City:
Support group for parents of children with heart anomalies. Call Dixie
at 642-1669 for more information.
CSD Socials, Rapid City:
Communication Services for the Deaf hosts socials each Friday afternoon from 3:30-5pm. 150 Knollwood Drive, 1-888-304-2311.
Pre-Teen and Teen Girls Diabetic Support Group, Rapid City:
Fun and informal monthly meetings for girls with diabetes. Contact Kristen Barraclough at elliesmom@rushmore.com or 721-4424.
Sibshops, Sioux Falls and Rapid City:
Designed for siblings (ages 6-13) of children with
special needs. Contact SD Parent Connection at 1-800-640-4553 or sdpc@sdparent.org for more information.
Teen Nites at Daisy House, Rapid City:
Teen Nites held monthly. Call Shirley at 605-348-6459
for more information.
