CGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2020 by "Just Two Moms" trying to make a difference in their community.

We are not diagnosis specific, anyone who has a loved one with any sort of unique need is welcome. There are people in our group with medical complexities, behaviors, speech delays, autism to rare and one of a kind diagnoses- over 115 different diagnoses in the group.

To share the stories of our lives to educate and empower our community to be more compassionate, accepting, and inclusive of people with disabilities. CGS ensures that all families feel a sense of belonging through meaningful connections and local support.

At Common Ground Society, we believe that connection is the key to belonging. We walk alongside families to ensure that no one has to navigate the joys and challenges of disability alone.  

1. Meetups & Connection Points: We offer a variety of monthly "connection points" designed to meet you wherever you are. Our meetups are intentionally low-pressure—there is never an expectation to interact in a specific way. Whether you stay for five minutes or the whole hour, we are just happy you’re here.

   • For Caregivers: Join our Moms Meetups, Dads Meetups, or Caregiver Coffee to talk shop, share resources, and find friends who truly "get it."

   • For Kids & Teens: Groups like Connect and Play (ages 9–12) and Buddy Bingo (ages 9–14) provide a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent youth to build social confidence at their own pace.

   • For Younger Kids: We offer the 5 and Under group. Hosted in a safe and engaging “kinder gym” set up, this group provides a space for children 5 years old and under to explore and move while caregivers take time to connect. 

   • For the Whole Family: Our Family Meetups and seasonal events, like the Spring Into Belonging Carnival and Sensory Friendly Hour at the Fair, are designed so every family member can participate and thrive.

   • Click here to see a list of all of our Meetup Groups and Upcoming Events

2. Digital Community & Peer Support: Community  doesn't just happen during business hours. Our private Facebook Group is a 24/7 space for local families to ask questions, celebrate wins, and find immediate community support.

• Join Our Private Facebook Community

3. Education & Empowerment: Knowledge is a powerful tool for advocacy. We provide families with the information they need to feel confident in supporting their loved ones.

• Educational Workshops: We host sessions on vital topics, such as navigating SELPA and the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

• Access to Professionals: Through our partnerships, we connect families with local experts and inclusive organizations.

• [Link: Explore our Resource Library]

4. Direct Support in Critical Moments: Life can be overwhelming during a new diagnosis, a hospital stay, or a time of loss. We provide comfort through our specialized support kits to let you know you aren’t alone:

• Welcome Bags: A "hello" from CGS featuring helpful community resources and branded swag.

• Hospital Support Bags: Essentials and comfort items to ease the stress of a hospital stay.

• New Baby Bags: A warm welcome for families navigating a new diagnosis or celebrating a new arrival.

• Grief Baskets: Gentle support for those facing the loss of a loved one, including comfort items like a soft blanket and a candle. 

• Click here to learn more or request a Common Ground Care Kit

• For Caregivers: Join our Moms Meetups, Dads Meetups, or Caregiver Coffee to talk shop, share resources, and find friends who truly "get it."

• For Kids & Teens: Groups like Connect and Play (ages 9–12) and Buddy Bingo (ages 9–14) provide a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent youth to build social confidence at their own pace.

• For Younger Kids: We offer the 5 and Under group. Hosted in a safe and engaging “kinder gym” set up, this group provides a space for children 5 years old and under to explore and move while caregivers take time to connect. 

• For the Whole Family: Our Family Meetups and seasonal events, like the Spring Into Belonging Carnival and Sensory Friendly Hour at the Fair, are designed so every family member can participate and thrive.

Click here to see all of our upcoming Meetups

We have a local Sonoma County Facebook group, monthly newsletter, and Instagram account.

To see a full list of our standard presentations, please click here.

• Elementary Age: We currently offer five unique assemblies that are focused on starting the conversation about disability, acknowledging our fears surrounding people who are different and providing students with practical tools to grow their inclusive “muscles”. We discuss visible and invisible disabilities and share pictures, funny stories, and information about our kids as a way to invite students into our lives. We read books full of characters who are kids just like them, but who also have a diagnosis or challenge that makes them a little “different”. We emphasize that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that the key to inclusion is pushing past the initial fear we all experience when we encounter someone perceived as “different” by finding what we have in common . We encourage students to be brave and simply start by saying “hi.” We empower them to “Be the One™,” even if no one else is. All presentations come with 20 posters for the school, bracelets and/or pencils reminding kids to BE THE ONE™

• Middle/High School: Two different presentations, one that shares the stories of our lives to create a connection to the students and those with disabilities. The second talks about different communication styles. Both teach the students how to interact with people they perceive as different from them. We recognize there is much fear surrounding the topic of disability- for children and adults! Afraid we will say the wrong thing or offend someone, most of us just avoid the subject- or person- altogether. We want to change that. After each assembly, we visit individual classrooms to allow students a safe space to ask questions. This is hands down our favorite portion of the assembly. We are constantly blown away by the insight and vulnerability of the students’ questions, and their eagerness to share personal stories and connect with us and our children!

• Educator Presentations: We present about our own mindset shift from educators who believed kids with learning differences belonged in another class to educators who advocate for inclusion for all and tips on how educators can do it themselves.

• Community Presentations: These presentations are fully custom made for each different audience. Polling our group, we get a wide range of experiences to draw from to help educate our community.

All of our presentations are customizable and interactive and we offer a safe place for questions and learning.

Getting started is easy! We have a brief onboarding and training process to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared. Please note that a background check is required for any roles involving children.

We offer a variety of ways to get involved based on your interests and availability:

• Community Event Support: Help host our Information Tables or staff our Calming Tent, providing a sensory-friendly space at community events. (Note: Tent setup involves lifting up to 30 lbs).

• Meetup and Special Event Support: Assist with check-in, set-up, clean-up, and supporting families during our monthly gatherings. Roles vary depending on the specific meetup or event.

• Office & Seasonal Help: Help organize our Sensory Room or assist with projects like our Giving Tuesday mailings in October.

• Professional & Leadership Roles: Join a Committee (Finance, Fundraising, etc.), apply for a College Internship, or inquire about Executive Board positions.

• Group Opportunities: We can create custom volunteer experiences for work teams, clubs, or Greek organizations.

Ready to jump in?

• All of our upcoming opportunities can be found on our volunteer page.

• For Event or Office roles, contact Heidi at supportcoordinator@commongroundsociety.org.

For Internships, Committees, or Group inquiries, email hello@commongroundsociety.org.