SCI In-Person and Virtual Support Groups

Community support, whether it be virtual or in-person, is vital to anyone who has an SCI injury or disorder, or to anyone involved with an SCI individual. Talking with others who are going through the same experience as you, finding resources and help with your questions, helps tremendously on your SCI journey. You’re not alone.

Scroll down to find Northern California Support Groups, Spanish-speaking Support Groups, a Parental Caregiver Support Groups, a Support Groups for SCI victims of gunshots, and an amazing list of support groups which SCI Boston and Southern California Triumph Foundation hold, which we had to mention (they’re all virtual).

* Click on the meet ups to view meeting times, links, and contact details.

NorCal SCI Hosted Support Groups

  • 📅 Weekly | 💻 Virtual

    Hosted by NorCal SCI, the group meets via Zoom and is intended to be a place to spend a fun hour with your SCI colleagues and help support each other within an uplifting environment. It's also a great way to see some familiar and new faces and find out how your colleagues are keeping themselves productive. Family members and caregivers are welcome to join as well.

    Meets: Every Friday
    Time: 6:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Join Meeting

  • 📅 Bi-monthly | 💻 Virtual

    For anyone taking care of an individual with an SCI

    Meets: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
    Time: 4:00–5:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Register Here

  • 📅 Monthly | 💻 Virtual

    For prospective or current Wheelie Moms

    Meets: 3rd Tuesday of the month
    Time: 12:00–1:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Register Here

Northern California Support Groups

  • 📅 Weekly | 💻 Virtual

    Based in Sacramento, a weekly online group for those who want to connect with others that have SCI/D or neurological challenges. "We encourage bravery and determination with community support to overcome. All are welcome, whether you are brand new to the SCI life or you are a veteran."

    Meets: Every Wednesday
    Time: 3:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Join Meeting

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥 In-Person

    Meets: 1st Tuesday of the month
    Time: 6:30–8:00pm PST
    Location: Building 6, Therapy Gym, 6 Medical Plaza, Roseville, CA 95661
    Contact: Lauren Leporni, Char Vine – lauren.leporini@sutterhealth.org, info@lionheart.community

  • 📅 Monthly | 💻 Virtual

    For all individuals with mobility challenges

    Meets: 1st Wednesday of the month
    Time: 4:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Contact Linda for meeting info
    Contact: Linda Sewell – lmsewell1@gmail.com | (805) 801-5095

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥 In-Person

    Meets: 1st Thursday of the month
    Time: 1:30–3:00pm PST
    Location: Independent Living Resources, 1850 Gateway Blvd #170, Concord, CA 94520
    Contact: Susan Rotchy – susanr@ilrscc.org| (925) 363-7293
    Website: ilrscc.org

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥/💻 Hybrid

    Meets: 2nd Tuesday of the month
    Time: 3:00pm PST
    Location: Dignity Health Wellness Center, 21340 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
    Contact: Roger McKowan – Roger.McKowan@commonspirit.org
    Register: On the website or call 831.457.7099

  • 📅 Monthly | 💻 Virtual

    Hosted by the Lionheart Community, a supportive and uplifting group for women with SCI/D and other disabilities from all over the globe.

    Meets: 2nd Thursday of the month
    Time: 3:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Join Meeting

  • 📅 Monthly | 💻 Virtual

    Meets: 3rd Monday of the month
    Time: 4:00–5:30pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Contact Anthony for Meeting Info
    Contact: Anthony Tusler – atusler@aboutdisability.com
    Facebook: Group Page

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥 In-person

    For all individuals with mobility challenges

    Meets: 3rd Wednesday of the month
    Time: 5:00–7:00pm PST
    Location: Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    Contact: Linda Sewell – lmsewell1@gmail.com | (805) 801-5095

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥 In-Person

    Meets: 3rd Wednesday of the month
    Time: 6:00–7:30pm PST
    Location: East Medical Plaza Building, 2335 E Kashian Lane, Suite 210, Fresno, CA 93701
    Contact: Kaz Sensenbaugh – ksensenbaugh@communitymedical.org | (559) 459-6293
    Facebook: CMCSCI

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥 In-Person

    Light dinner provided. Peer Mentors and Paralysis Resources provided by The LionHeart Community.

    Meets: 3rd Thursday of the month
    Time: 6:00–7:00pm PST
    Location: 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 10 Advantage Court, Natomas, Sacramento, CA 95834

  • 📅 Monthly | 🏥 In-Person

    Meets: 4th Saturday of the month
    Time: 3:00–4:30pm PST
    Location: UC Davis Rehabilitation Hospital, Cafeteria, 4875 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
    Snacks and drinks served.
    Hosted by: The Lionheart Community

Other Support Groups

  • 📅 Daily | 💻 Virtual

    A virtual meet-up which is very well attended, hosted by the Rochester Spinal Association.

    Meets: Every day
    Time: Anytime between 1:00–7:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Email RSA@RochesterSpinalAssociation.org for the Zoom link

  • 📅 Weekly | 💻 Virtual | 🗣️ Spanish-Speaking

    Para personas con una lesión de la médula espinal y sus familiares

    Meets: Every Monday
    Time: 1:00–2:00pm PST (4:00–5:00pm EST)
    Location: Zoom – Join Meeting
    Meeting ID: 859 9226 7883 | Passcode: 213375
    Phone (NY): 929-205-6099

  • 📅 Weekly | 💻 Virtual | 🗣️ Spanish-Speaking

    Meets: Every Thursday
    Time: 12:00–1:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – Contact Jaqueline to register
    Contact: Jaqueline L Ramirez Mancilla – jramirezmancilla@dhs.lacounty.gov
    Website: KnowBarriers Program Info

  • 📅 Monthly | 💻 Virtual | 🌈 LGBTQIA+

    Hosted by the United Spinal Association, all members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have disabilities — including allies — are welcome. Come as you are!

    Meets: 1st Tuesday of the month
    Time: 10:00am PST (1:00pm ET)
    Location: Zoom – Info here

  • 📅 Bi-monthly | 💻 Virtual | 🗣️ Spanish-Speaking

    Meets: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
    Time: 6:00pm PST
    Location: Zoom – More Info

  • 📅 Bi-monthly | 💻 Virtual | 👨‍👩‍👦 Parental Caregivers

    Meets: Every other Tuesday
    Time: 4:00–5:00pm PST (7:00–8:00pm ET)
    Location: Zoom – Register Here
    Hosted by: United Spinal Association

  • A variety of Life Series support groups to suit your schedule
    Go here to see them all.

  • SCI Boston has an amazing variety of virtual support groups for people involved with an SCI. Bear in mind they are 3 hours ahead.

    Here’s the list:
    SCI Support Group (family members welcome)
    SCI Support Group
    Newly Injured Support Group
    Women with SCI Support Group
    Grupo de Apoyo en Español
    Family Support Group
    Significant Others’ Support Group
    SCI Nutrition Group
    After Dark: for MEN with SCI
    After Dark: for Women who are Partners of a person w/ SCI
    After Dark: for WOMEN with SCI