Virtual Support Groups
Join the SCIboston community for one of our many virtual support groups designed to meet the needs of individuals with an SCI (spinal cord injury) and for family members impacted by SCI. Our groups are safe and supportive spaces for our members to connect with others, ask questions, share experiences, and empower one another to reach their goals. All gender identities are welcome. Each group is led by an experienced SCIboston Peer Mentor whose role is to structure the meeting by facilitating introductions, meaningful topics, and open discussions. No need to RSVP-meeting links are the same each week.
SCIboston support groups (with the exception of the Nutrition Group) are open to individuals and family members living in New England. If you are looking for support groups outside of the New England area, please visit www.unitedspinal.org to see their support groups offerings.
Our groups are open to all gender identities and sexual or romantic orientations. If you have any questions regarding Support Groups, want to know which group might be a good fit for you, or would like more information, please contact SCIboston’s Community Involvement Coordinator, Heidi Estrada at heidi@sciboston.org
To receive weekly email reminders and Zoom links for our support groups, be sure to sign up for our mailing list here!
Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here.
Monday
SCI Support Group for Younger Adults
This weekly group supports young adults with SCI by providing a fun and dynamic space where no topic is off the table. This group is for younger adults (Millennial and Gen Z) with spinal cord injuries looking to connect with others and discuss everything related to life with SCI.
Meets every Monday from 5:00pm–6:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston Peer Mentors Dianne Vitkus and Stefan Ghelli
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83760415351?pwd=NnF0cEg1Mk15c2wzcGRRb0JsdE9XZz09
Meeting ID: 837 6041 5351 | Passcode: 309353 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Please contact dianne@sciboston.org or stefan@sciboston.org with any questions!
Grupo de Apoyo en Español
Este grupo de apoyo semanal está abierto a todas las personas con lesiones medulares y a sus familiares dentro de la comunidad de SCIboston. No importa si la lesión es reciente o si ha vivido con ella durante muchos años: lo invitamos a participar, compartir experiencias, hacer preguntas y brindarse apoyo mutuo. Las conversaciones abarcan todos los aspectos de la vida con una lesión medular (desde lo social y emocional hasta lo físico), con el objetivo de fortalecer los lazos comunitarios, fomentar la conexión y motivarse mutuamente a vivir plenamente. Contamos con asistentes que hablan español, además de portugués y criollo portugués (Cape Verdean).
Todos los lunes a las 5:00pm–6:00pm EST El grupo está dirigido por Juan Carlos Ramírez-Tapia, Mentor de Pares de SCIboston.
Zoom enlace: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85120305159?pwd=qneB94q11slebftYUddwZt0rWWK9zq.1
ID de la reunión: 851 2030 5159 | Contraseña: 287818 | Número de teléfono: 929-205-6099 US
Monday Women’s Support Group
This weekly group supports women with SCI by providing a space to discuss relatable topics unique to women living with SCI. This group builds community and connection among women as they encourage one another and navigate life with SCI.
Meets every Monday from 6:30pm–7:30pm EST and is led by SCIboston Peer Mentor, Eileen McNamara
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85287714006?pwd=aUNnenhtVElaVmRzdlVJaWFWVDc3dz09
Meeting ID: 852 8771 4006 | Passcode: 790905 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Tuesday
SCI Nutrition Group
Open to individuals living both within, and outside, of New England.
This weekly group is open to individuals with spinal cord injuries and their family members. Guided by Spaulding Rehabilitation dietitians, this vibrant and engaging group provides a unique opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and learn about nutrition’s role in overall health and well-being after SCI. Topics include helping members understand how nutrition can positively impact secondary concerns such as bladder, bowel, skin health, and weight management to support living well with a spinal cord injury.
Meets every Tuesday from 12:00pm–1:00pm EST and is led by Spaulding Dieticians, Megan Morris and Olivia Morgan
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82336912454?pwd=eWx1a0ZBT083Q1dSUUtWYWlqbTZUZz09
Meeting ID: 823 3691 2454 | Passcode: 671837 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Significant Others’ Support Group
This weekly group supports spouses and partners of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The group offers a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of being in a relationship with a partner with SCI. The group addresses the need for balancing caregiving and relationships in addition to fostering community as one navigates this journey.
Meets every Tuesday from 5:00pm–6:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston Community Involvement Coordinator, Heidi Estrada
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86285443842?pwd=SmVUdXgrbCtiRm5xSU1KdzRLajdXQT09
Meeting ID: 862 8544 3842 | Passcode: 473243 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Wednesday
Newly Injured Support Group
This group is recommended for those in the first 3 years of injury.
This weekly support group is designed for individuals who are newly adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury. Join others in the SCIboston community who are navigating the early stages of this transition to share experiences, ask questions, and build confidence together. Conversations focus on the emotional, physical, and day-to-day challenges of a new injury. SCIboston Peer Mentors attend this group to foster connection, offer guidance, and instill hope.
Meets every Wednesday from 4:00pm–5:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston Community Involvement Coordinator, Heidi Estrada and SCIboston Peer Mentor Coordinator, Diane DeRoche
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85058002526?pwd=TUZzQUY5SVhDUG5hbnBKWGs4S0YrZz09
Meeting ID: 850 5800 2526 | Passcode: 290281 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Thursday
SCI Support Group
This weekly SCI Support Group is open to all individuals with SCI in the SCIboston community. Whether you are newly injured or have been living with SCI for many years, join this welcoming group of individuals to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another. Discussions cover all aspects of life with SCI-social, emotional, and physical-while fostering connection, community, and encouragement to live life to the fullest.
Meets every Thursday from 4:00pm–5:30pm EST and is led by SCIboston Peer Mentor, Josh Keller
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86026942288?pwd=dE5qZTV5dUZ3YUZrbm1BdzE4b3E5UT09
Meeting ID: 860 2694 2288 | Password: 531046 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Family Support Group
This weekly group supports family members of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The group provides a supportive environment to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who are navigating the impact of SCI on families. Conversations explore the balance of caregiving and adjustment while building community and offering understanding and encouragement along the way.
Meets every Thursday from 5:00pm–6:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston Peer Mentor Coordinator, Diane DeRoche
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89368622920?pwd=RHJrTm9qaVpoek52TFF4dkI3L3dCdz09
Meeting ID: 893 6862 2920 | Passcode: 319158 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Monthly Support Groups
These support groups below meet once a month.
Wednesday
Wives and Girlfriends/Partners of SCI Support Group
This monthly group supports women who are wives, girlfriends, and partners of a person with SCI. The group discusses the unique challenges and joys related to living life with a partner with SCI, including self care, relationships, intimacy, family planning, and more.
Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston’s Community Involvement Coordinator, Heidi Estrada
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88996317238?pwd=dktWbDVQaVJ4L3YxM1EwZnY5Q3pPQT09
Meeting ID: 889 9631 7238 | Passcode: 906115 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Thursday
Thursday Women’s Support Group
This monthly group supports women with SCI by providing a space to discuss relatable topics unique to women living with SCI, including women’s health, relationships, intimacy, family planning, and more.
Meets the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm EST and is led by SCIboston Peer Mentors, Michaela Devins and Alejandra Taco.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81584062526?pwd=Nfa7loIJ8QaeFPv5bylaiNjgqSlSMf.1
Meeting ID: 815 8406 2526 | Passcode: 413095 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US
Men’s Support Group
This monthly group supports men with SCI by providing a space to discuss relatable topics unique to men living with SCI, including men's health, relationships, intimacy, and more.
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00pm–8:00pm EST led by SCIboston Peer Mentor Ryan DeRoche
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82370780730?pwd=TlFUaE81UlFoT0UzK0RwUTEvUXk3QT09
Meeting ID: 823 7078 0730 | Passcode: gbc1 | Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US