What is a Connect Group
What are Live Yes! Connect Groups
Live Yes! Connect Groups provide supportive social connections and are inclusive to parents/guardians of children or adults living with all types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. These virtual or in person groups bring people together for fun social and informative educational events and activities focused on mutual support and positive coping strategies for living well. They offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group members become self-advocates, develop self-management skills and learn not only how to survive life with arthritis but to also thrive.
Due to COVID-19 the Arthritis Foundation requests all attendees of in person Connect Groups to wear a mask. Unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to get a negative COVID test within 48 hours, before attending the event.
Connect Groups by Topic
Live Yes! Connect Groups are for people interested in a specific topic or type of group. Meetings are held virtually, so participants may join from anywhere in the country.
African-Americans Connect Group
This group is for African American arthritis patients and their caregivers. It’s an opportunity to meet others who understand the unique obstacles arthritis can bring, like accessing equitable care.
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Family Planning and Parenting Connect Group
This group is for prospective and expecting parents who have a form of arthritis, whether you’re considering getting pregnant, already pregnant or just looking for support in your parenthood journey.
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Hispanic Connect Group
This online group serves the members of our arthritis community who are Hispanic from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and connection to join us and meet others who understand.
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LGBTQIA+ Connect Group
This group is for LGBTQIA members of the arthritis community and their loved ones. Our rainbow table offers support, education, expert speakers, camaraderie and more assistance.
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Military & Veterans Connect Group
This group is for both retired military veterans and current active-duty personnel who battle a form of arthritis, which affects one in three service members. Caregivers are also welcome.
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Newly Diagnosed Connect Group
This group is for patients who have been newly or recently diagnosed with one or more forms of arthritis and are still adjusting. Caregivers are welcome, too.
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Parents of Children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with Ehlers Danlos syndromes, led by a parent of two daughters with EDS hypermobility type. Connect with other EDS parents here.
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Parents of Elementary School Students with JA Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with juvenile arthritis who are in elementary school or younger. Learn skills to improve daily living and ways to advocate for your child.
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Parents of High School Students with JA Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with juvenile arthritis who are in high school. Learn skills to improve daily living and ways to advocate for your high schooler.
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Parents of Middle School Students with JA Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with juvenile arthritis who are in middle school. Learn skills to improve daily living and ways to advocate for your tween or teen.
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Young Adults Connect Group
This group is for young adults, 18 to 25, who grew up with juvenile arthritis, and you’re now dealing with college or starting your own career while transitioning to adulthood.
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Want to facilitate a Connect Group?
Partners
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Special thanks to AbbVie for helping people with arthritis connect with others for mutual support. These virtual and in-person Connect Groups offer opportunities for social and educational events and activities, as well as positive coping strategies for living well.
