What We Offer

Common Ground Society (CGS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting adults with and families of children with disabilities, medical needs, or unique learning and developmental profiles.

Rooted in lived experience and guided by compassion, CGS works to build inclusive communities where every child, person, and family feels understood, accepted, and supported.

Founded by parents who recognized the need for meaningful connection and practical guidance, CGS provides programs that bring families together, offer essential resources, and educate the broader community.

Two young boys with dark hair playing outside in a park on a sunny day, one sitting in a stroller and the other hugging him; trees and parked cars in the background.
Young girl sitting on the ground in a park, smiling and making a fist. She has brown hair, a white bow, a green vest, beige shoes, and black pants, with autumn leaves on the ground.
A woman and young girl playing with a small water table outdoors on a sunny day.

WE’RE HERE TO MAKE THE

WORLD MORE INCLUSIVE

Because no one should ever have to remind the world that they or their child belongs.

Two people in a red vintage car, smiling and giving a thumbs up, with a checkered interior and a large engine at the front, parked outdoors

Our work centers on creating spaces where families can find belonging, share their experiences, and access tools that help them navigate school systems, healthcare journeys, and everyday life.

CGS offers a wide range of services, including family meetups, parent education workshops, inclusion training for educators and community partners, safety and independence programs for individuals with disabilities, and advocacy support. Each program is designed to reduce isolation, increase confidence, and foster stronger, more inclusive environments at home, at school, and in the community.

As we grow, CGS remains committed to its core values: empathy, empowerment, and community. Through partnerships, volunteer engagement, and the leadership of our Board of Directors, we continue to expand our impact and ensure that families across Sonoma County and beyond have access to the support they need.

CGS is determined to bridge the gap between the disability community and the non-disabled community through education and group support to create a community where everyone belongs.

As disability inclusion advocates, we at Common Ground Society believe that every person deserves to belong fully & without exception. We work alongside families, educators, and community partners to create spaces where differences are celebrated and inclusion is the expectation, not the exception.

  • Family Support

    We support families directly as they navigate a new diagnosis, welcome a new child into their family, advocate for their child’s medical and education needs, process grief and more.

    Learn More About Family Support

  • Educational Presentations

    We offer educational presentations to K-12 students, classified staff, community groups, parents, park and recreation professionals, camp counselors and anyone wanting to create a more inclusive world.

    Request a Presentation

  • Community Connection

    We facilitate opportunities for families and adults with disabilities to come together to support each other through online and in-person support and connection groups for all ages and all members of the family.

    Upcoming Connections

  • Resources & Referrals

    Our dedicated team is here to support wherever a family or community needs and can provide specialty resources and referrals to professionals.

    Learn More & Request Support
Family of four sitting together outdoors in a field with tall grass and trees in the background, smiling at the camera.

“I want my children to grow up in a world where no one is looked at negatively for being ‘different’ because we ALL are different and that is something to celebrate.”

— Amy Cathcart