Support Groups & Purpose
At this time, peer support groups will be held virtually using Google Meet for 60 minute long meetings. Ìyá Pittsburgh Project hosts three 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:
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gain a better understanding of personal goals and values within the context of peer support
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improve interpersonal relationships
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experience a sense of solidarity with other participants
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develop resolutions of the specific concerns that led to seeking out group support
LGBTQ+ Parenting
Support Group
This group is intended for LGBTQ+ parents from conception through their baby’s first birthday. This group is open to LGBTQ+ people of any ethnicity, spiritual path, or relationship status/family structure. This group meets in cohorts of no more than 12 participants over the course of eight (8) weeks at a time. Participants may join an additional cohort after their first one, if there is room. This group is virtual only & meets on Monday afternoons from 4:30 PM until 5:30 PM, during the following dates: Cohort 1: Monday, January 13, 2025–March 3rd, 2025 Cohort 2: Monday, March 10th, 2025–April 28th, 2025 Cohort 3: Monday, May 5th-May 26th, 2025–June 9th-30th, 2025 Cohort 4: Monday, July 7th, 2025–August 25th, 2025 Fees: Cohorts meet over a period of eight (8) weeks, each cohort period has a suggested sliding scale cost of $40-$80 total. If $40 is a barrier for participation, there are three (3) slots available for $25 total for each cohort. A PayPal invoice will be sent to participants in the amount they agree to pay during registration. All fees are due before the first week. Please read, sign, & email the two PDFs before attending the first week.
LGBTQ+ Abortion
Support Group
This group is intended for LGBTQ+ people who are planning to have 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 meets in cohorts of no more than 12 participants over the course of eight (8) weeks at a time. Participants may join an additional cohort after their first one, if there is room. This group is virtual only & meets on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM, during the following dates: Cohort 1: Wednesday, January 15th, 2025–March 5th, 2025 Cohort 2: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025–April 30th, 2025 Cohort 3: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025–June 25th 2025 Cohort 4: Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025–August 20th, 2025 Fees: Cohorts meet over a period of eight (8) weeks, each cohort period has a suggested sliding scale cost of $40-$80 total. If $40 is a barrier for participation, there are three (3) slots available for $25 total for each cohort. A PayPal invoice will be sent to participants in the amount they agree to pay during registration. All fees are due before the first week. Please read, sign, & email the two PDFs before attending the first week.
Homebirth
Support Group
This group is intended for anyone planning a homebirth until one (1) year postpartum. 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 LGBTQ+ & BIPOC people. This group will prioritise the participation of LGBTQ+ & BIPOC people. This group is open for participants to join or leave at any time. This group is virtual only & meets on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 PM until 4:30 PM, during the following dates: January 15th, 2025–March 5th, March 19th–August 20th, 2025 Fees: There is no required or expected donation amount for this group, but participants are encouraged to make donations in whatever amount and with whatever frequency they wish to do so. Donations can be made via the donate button on our website or given in cash to the facilitator. Please read, sign, & email the two PDFs before attending the first week.