There Is Hope. You Are Not Alone.

If your loved one is affected by the disease of addiction, we’re here to support you.

This is a space for family members and friends navigating a loved one’s substance use disorder. You will find peer-led support networks, education, resources, and most importantly—hope.

Addiction doesn’t have a specific look, demographic, socioeconomic status, or profession. This is a family disease that holds no bounds—we all know someone struggling with substance use disorder.

Featured Partner: Learn to Cope

Learn to Cope is a peer-led support network offering education, resources, and hope specifically for family members and friends.

Their Mission:
Founded by Joanne Peterson in 2004, Learn to Cope has grown into a nationally recognized model for peer support and prevention programming. With over 13,000 members, they are a community built on compassion, shared experience, and the belief that no one should face this journey alone.

Attend a Meeting

Join a peer-led support meeting to connect with others who understand. Their meetings provide education, resources, and hope in a safe, confidential environment.

Check their website, Facebook, and Instagram for in-person and remote meeting schedules.

Visit the Forum

Their confidential online support forum connects over 11,000 family members and friends. Registration is required, and discussions are moderated to ensure a safe, supportive space.

Two main discussion boards:

General Discussion – For general information, topics, discussions, and support.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – For grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

If you’re not sure where to begin, please reach out to Learn to Cope to learn more about their program and how to attend a meeting.

Additional Family Support Groups

These organizations offer complementary support for families affected by addiction and related challenges:

Organization	Description
Al-Anon Family Groups	Support for families and friends of problem drinkers. Find a meeting near you
SSTAR – Arise Interventions	ARISE (Addiction Recovery in Supportive Environment) is an approach to engaging reluctant drug- and alcohol-dependent individuals into treatment using an "invitational" model of intervention. [View brochure (PDF)] • Learn More
Support After a Death by Overdose (SADOD)	Provides resources, information, and assistance to people throughout Massachusetts affected by the death of someone they care about from a substance-use-related cause. Focuses on increasing peer grief support for bereaved people, providers, and those in recovery. Learn more about Support After a Death by Overdose

Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

If you are a grandparent or relative caregiver, these resources are here to help you connect, access services, and build community.

Online & Statewide Resources

Parents Helping Parents – Raising Grandchildren: Support and Resources for Grandparent Caregivers
Help Guide.org – No matter how much you love your grandkids, raising them comes with many challenges as well as rewards. These guidelines can help you succeed at parenting the second time around.
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Policy advocacy and statewide connections. Contact: colleen.pritoni@state.ma.us | 617-748-2454

Local Support in New Bedford, MA

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6–8 pm
Location: YWCA, 20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford
Contact: dguadalupe@ywcasema.org | 508-999-3255
ywcasema.org

United Way of Greater New Bedford – Family Resource Center (FRC)

Grandparents Support Group: 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 5:30–7:30 pm (dinner and limited childcare provided)
Other programs: Parenting Journey, Active Parenting, Nurturing Fathers, Safe Start
Hours: Mon–Fri, plus evening/weekend availability
Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
unitedwayofgnb.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Inc. (GRG) – New Bedford

A grassroots organization offering advocacy, support, and community events. Services include help with custody issues, cookouts, holiday parties, scholarships, and school supplies. Focused on keeping families together and navigating legal/financial barriers.

Tips for Getting Help in New Bedford:

Attend the YWCA or FRC support groups to meet others in similar situations.
Contact GRG directly for advocacy and event opportunities.
Use the state commission’s resources to learn about statewide policies and programs.
Ask about eligibility for child support, housing, and healthcare programs.

You are not alone. These organizations can provide emotional support, practical resources, and advocacy to help you and your loved ones thrive.