Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey
The Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Region is on the lookout for new support groups, and we're eager to connect with you! If you're interested in launching a support group with LFA, reach out to Wendy Rodgers at rogers@lupus.org for details on the necessary steps and training.
What is a Support Group?
A support group is a self-help group, composed of people with lupus along with their family members and friends who gather periodically to share common concerns. People are willing to talk freely and to trust openly in the good will of the other group members.
A support group is a place to be yourself, a source of information, and a circle of friends. The most difficult "step" is walking in the door. The program is about making yourself and others feel welcomed and accepted.
Here is the place to talk, laugh, and cry about life with lupus with people who will listen, laugh and cry, too. (This can save much "wear and tear" on family and other relationships!) It is a safe place for people to learn, share, and help. Individual differences, privacy, and confidentiality are respected.
For more information please email us at infopdv@lupus.org or call us at 215-517-5070.
About this Group:
This phone-based support group offers a caring and confidential space for people affected by lupus within Pennsylvania and beyond to connect, share, and find encouragement—no internet required. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have lived with lupus for years, or are caring for someone you love, you’ll find meaningful conversations.
- Facilitators: Lynnai Jay and Julie Anne Evans
- Format: Conference Call
- Calling from Land Line: (844) 844-0414 - Access code: 331310
- Calling from Cell Phone: (605) 472-5491 - Access code: 331310
- When: 2nd Thursday, Monthly as Listed Below | 7-8 p.m. ET
- 2026 Meeting dates: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10
Get in Touch:
About this Group:
“How you be?”—a beloved question from our previous support group leader—reminds us to check in with ourselves and one another.
This support group serves individuals and families across Pennsylvania, offering a safe space to connect, share experiences, and feel understood. Together, we build community with compassion, honesty, and hope.
- Facilitators: Lynnai Jay and Jeanne Washington-Jackson
- Format: Virtual via Zoom
- When: 2nd Saturday, Monthly as Listed Below | 12- 2 p.m. ET
- 2026 Meeting dates: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12
Get in Touch:
About this Group:
This support group reflects those values by offering a welcoming space for lupus warriors, caregivers, and friends to connect, access helpful resources, and build strength for their journey.
Join this group to share your experiences, ask questions, celebrate victories—big and small—and find reassurance in knowing you’re not alone. Together, we lift one another up and find hope.
- Facilitators: Carlene Kirpatrick, Tonya Hinton-Greene and Nikki Santiago
- Format: Virtual via Zoom
- When: 3rd Tuesday, Monthly as Listed Below | 6- 7:30 p.m. ET
- 2026 Meeting Dates: January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, September 15, October 20
Get in Touch:
- Email: LFAtempleturnup@gmail.com
- Join the Facebook Group
About this Group:
Join lupus warriors and their loved ones in a supportive environment to share openly about the challenges and victories of living with lupus, find understanding without judgment, and celebrate one another’s strength.
- Facilitators: Jaime Miller and Katlyn Lenz-Zanis
- Format: Virtual via Zoom and In-person (without Zoom) located at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - East Liberty - 130 S Whitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- When: 4th Monday, Monthly as Listed Below | 6 – 7:45 pm ET
- 2026 Meeting Dates: January 26, February 23, March 23 (in-person), April 27, May 26 (date change), June 22, August 24 (in-person), September 28, October 26 (in-person), November 23
Get in Touch:
- Email: LFAPittsburgh24@gmail.com
About this Group:
Serving lupus warriors across Pennsylvania, this lunchtime support group offers a welcoming space to pause, connect, and recharge in the middle of your day. Whether you’re joining from work, home, or on the go, this group makes it easy to find support without disrupting your routine.
Join other lupus warriors to find encouragement, practical tips, and emotional support—whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with lupus for years. Each session provides space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn simple strategies for navigating life with lupus.
- Facilitators: Kathryn Hartman and Tasha Russell
- Format: Virtual via Zoom
- When: 1st Wednesday, Monthly as Listed Below | 12- 1 p.m. ET
- 2026 Meeting dates: February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2
Get in Touch:
About this Group:
Join other lupus warriors to find encouragement, practical tips, and emotional support—whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with lupus for years. Each session provides space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn simple strategies for navigating life with lupus.
- Facilitators: Sandra Jenkins and Margo Pinckney
- Format: Virtual via Zoom
- When: 4th Monday, Monthly as Listed Below | 7- 9 p.m. ET
- 2026 Meeting dates: February 23, April 27, May 25, July 27, September 28, November 23
Get in Touch:
- Email: Heartsofhope0911@gmail.com
About this Group:
This statewide group provides a safe space for people living with lupus—and their loved ones—to join others from across the state to talk about the challenges and triumphs of life with lupus.
- Facilitators: Lynda Carney
- Format: Virtual via Zoom
- When: 1st Wednesday, Monthly as Listed Below | 6- 7:30 p.m. ET
- 2026 Meeting dates: February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4
Get in Touch:
- Email: LFAdelaware11@gmail.com
We're currently without any active support groups in Southern New Jersey. If you're passionate about starting or leading a support group in this area, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Wendy Rogers at rogers@lupus.org to get involved.