Kinship Care Support Groups
Join a community
Raising a relative's child can be deeply rewarding, and it can also be isolating. Kinship support groups bring caregivers together to share what's working, solve problems, and lean on people who understand. Every group listed here is run by a local partner organization, and many are free and offer child care.
Each listing shows when and where the group meets, what it costs, and how to sign up. A "Last confirmed" date tells you when we last checked the details with the group's host. Meeting details change, so please contact the group before you go.
Don't see a group near you?
A Kinship Navigator can help you find support in your area, even when there isn't a group nearby. In New Hampshire, start with the Kinship & Relative Caregiver Guide. In Maine, contact Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine. You can also dial 211 any time to find local services.
Run a group, or see something out of date?
Please let us know so we can keep this page accurate. Email info@stepupparents.org or call 603-319-4739. Looking for other kinds of help? Visit our Helpful Resources page, or apply for aid.
Online groups
These groups meet on Zoom and are open to caregivers anywhere in New Hampshire.
Virtual Kinship Support Group
Parenting is tough, and parenting a second time can be even harder. This group brings grandparents and other relative caregivers together to celebrate successes, mourn losses, solve problems, and support one another. It is sponsored by the Family Resource Center of Central NH, Whole Village Family Resource Center, and Greater Tilton Area Family Resource Center.
Meets: Last Monday of each month, noon
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sign up: Register online
Contact: Amanda Lewis, 603-581-1573, amanda.lewis@lrcs.org; or Erin Pratt, 603-536-3720 x106, erin.pratt@lrcs.org
Last confirmed: October 25, 2026
Kinship Lunch Hour
Hosted by Waypoint's Upper Valley Family Resource Center. A safe and supportive space to gather, connect, share experiences, and problem-solve together. Come find commonality with others in similar situations and build a community.
Meets: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sign up: Join the Zoom
Contact: [Add a Waypoint contact name, email, and phone]
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
In-person groups in New Hampshire
Browse by region. Groups are listed from the center of the state outward.
Concord and Central NH
Waypoint Kinship Support Group
Open to all kinship caregivers raising a child or children 18 and under. A free place to meet other caregivers, learn new skills, and gather resources. Topics can include child development, discipline and guidance, self-care, rebuilding a family, living with teens, legal issues, and advocacy.
Meets: 2nd Monday of each month, 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Where: The Granite YMCA, 15 North State St., Concord, NH 03301
Cost: Free. Dinner (provided by Waypoint) and child care (provided by YMCA professionals) are both free.
Sign up: Registration is required so we can confirm your spot and child care needs. Contact Beth Maltzie, Kinship Navigator at Waypoint, at 603-851-0239 or maltzieb@waypointnh.org.
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Lakes Region
A support group for kinship caregivers.
Meets: 1st Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Where: In person at 719 N. Main St., Laconia, NH, or online on Zoom
Cost: Free
Sign up: Register here
Contact: [Add the host organization, a contact name, email, and phone]
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Monadnock Region
Kinship Caregivers Connection Monthly Group
Hosted by The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center. Share your experiences, enjoy a cup of coffee, and build community. Caring for a relative's child can be immensely fulfilling, yet it presents its own challenges. You don't have to face this journey alone.
Meets: Monthly, noon to 1:00 PM. View upcoming dates
Where: The Grapevine, 4 Aiken St., Antrim, NH
Cost: Free
Sign up: Registration is encouraged. Call 603-588-2620 or email info@grapevinenh.org.
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Southern NH
Parenting the Second Time Around (PASTA), Londonderry
PASTA groups support relatives who are raising children a second time around. Learn more about PASTA.
Meets: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Where: YMCA of Greater Londonderry, 206 Rockingham Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Cost: Free
Sign up: Call The Upper Room’s Kinship Coordinator at (603) 437-8477 x126
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Parenting the Second Time Around (PASTA), Manchester
PASTA groups support relatives who are raising children a second time around. Learn more about PASTA.
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
Where: YMCA of Downtown Manchester, 30 Mechanics St., Manchester, NH
Cost: Free. Child care is available at no cost.
Sign up: Call or email Sofia at 603-540-1093 or AsymianakiS@waypointnh.org
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Parenting the Second Time Around (PASTA), Concord
Meets: Every Other Monday 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: The Granite YMCA of Concord, 15 N State St, Concord, NH 03301
Cost: Free. Dinner and child care is available at no cost.
Sign up: Call or email Beth Maltzie at 603-851-0239 or MaltzieB@waypointnh.org
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Southern Maine
Our Maine listings are still growing. AFFM is the best place to start.
Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine (AFFM) kinship groups
AFFM keeps an up-to-date calendar of events for kinship families, including C.A.R.E.S. support groups across the state. View the AFFM calendar.
Last confirmed: October 26, 2026
Don't see a group near you?
A Kinship Navigator can help you find support in your area, even when there isn't a group nearby. In New Hampshire, start with the Kinship & Relative Caregiver Guide. In Maine, contact Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine. You can also dial 211 any time to find local services.
Run a group, or see something out of date?
Please let us know so we can keep this page accurate. Email info@stepupparents.org or call 603-319-4739. Looking for other kinds of help? Visit our Helpful Resources page, or apply for aid.