Support Groups are solely for those in the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA metro areas and surrounding communities. A short registration process is required to join Zoom meetings only. (No registration required for in person meetings.) Meetings are run solely by volunteers. Please respect our size limitations by attending only if you are in our local area.
About our support groups:
At a Brief Encounters support meeting, you will find a safe and accepting place to come and remember your baby or babies. Here you can freely talk about your baby, say his or her name, cry and even laugh without the fear that someone might think you are “over” your loss. You will meet other grieving parents who, while on their own unique journey, can nonetheless empathize with your pain. Even if you were not able to see or hold your baby, his or her life will be recognized and honored. You will also learn from other parents who are further along on their journey and you might find that you can in turn offer comfort to another grieving parent.
Each session begins with an opportunity for you to light a candle in honor of your baby and share your story with the group. Those who do not wish to talk are welcome to pass. After everyone has a chance to share, there is group conversation, sometimes based on a topic already mentioned or other times geared toward an upcoming holiday or other relevant topic.
The meetings usually begin at 7 PM and officially end at 9 PM, but often people will stay later. Feel free to leave when you need to.
There is no need to make a reservation to attend a meeting. You are welcome to bring a spouse, friend, family member or other support person. If you have a photo of your baby or other memento you’d like to share, please bring it.
There is no charge to attend meetings.
Out of respect for other grieving parents, we ask that children not attend any meetings except for the Subsequent Pregnancy meeting.
Support Group Meetings:
Please see Calendar for updated meeting information.