ARC's Family Support services responds to the needs of families by making available a neutral, confidential setting where family members can find and share information regarding questions and circumstances they are currently experiencing. Including but not limited to information and referrals based on individual needs. Family and caregivers can also find mutual support based on common experiences through ARC sponsored groups for the families of children with Down Syndrome, Autism, Developmental Disabilities and a group specific to the needs of parents who have children over the age of 22 who still live at home and work in the local community.
In addition to coordinating, scheduling, and facilitating several monthly support meetings, Family Support also provides informational workshops, and holds individual meetings and SIBS workshops for the siblings of children with special needs. These groups are open to all caregivers, parents, family members, and friends of persons with disabilities. We also keep the families and individuals with disabilities informed about the latest legislation, conferences, workshops, and groups pertaining to their needs. In addition we also offer assistance to individual parents on an as need basis through individual meetings, telephone support, and advocacy, as well as referrals to other agencies and services when needed.
From the Desk of Family Supporters
Hello,
I just wanted to take a moment and update folks on a few things happening around ARC. With all of the renovations underway, I thought this would be a good opportunity to remind folks of a few tid-bits.
- Please make sure you call Emily (receptionist) to RSVP for Family Support groups or trainings. You may also want to check with her as to where the meeting will be held; we may need to change rooms pending work being down throughout the building.
- We need to have at least five participants to host a training or workshop. We also need an accurate count to prepare materials. Our presenters request this minimum to make it worth their while. Please keep in mind that we typically do not charge for workshops or trainings.
- Please note that Nicole Padula, Flexible Funding Coordinator, works from her home office and she can be reached at 978-516-0527. All flex funding paperwork can be sent to the ARC office at 564 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 for processing.
- We have changed the name of “SIB-SHOPS” to ‘KID’S CONNECTIONS.” We have also changed the age range to be open to kids from 8 to 16. We’d encourage all siblings of a child with disabilities to consider participating in this worthwhile – and fun – group. Give it a try! Please keep an eye open for the flyers.
- If you would like or are willing to receive your newsletter via email please let me know your information.
- If there is a workshop or training that you would like more information about, please feel free to contact me. You can call me at 978-343-6662 ext. 115, email me at or write to me at Kathy Black, PD for Family Supports, ARC Community Services, 564 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Thank you.
Kathy Black
Program Director, Family Supports
ARC Community Services
Announcements
Self-Advocacy Support Group
We are looking for folks who would like to become members of our Self-Advocacy group. We are looking for people with or without disabilities who are interested in learning how to advocate for themselves, and/or to advise and assist others to become a strong voice. If you are 16 or older, this may be the group for you. We meet the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cookie Jar Café on Main Street in Fitchburg, MA. If you are interested or just want more information, please contact Kathy Black, by telephone at 978-343-6662 ext.115, or email her at .
Community Activity Database
Check out our new Community Activity Database. Please help us build, develop, and improve this web page. Let us know of any “family friendly” activities you may be aware of — Boy or Girl Scout troops, Churches, school activities, town recreational or sporting activities, clubs, music, instrument, karate, art, cooking, dance, gymnastics, skating, photography classes…. anything you think another family may be interested in. Just send us as much info as you have — place, instructor, address, phone number, etc.; we’ll follow up and get it on the site for others to use. Also let us know if you have a positive or negative experience with any activity on the list. Forward all information to: Ruth Nicholson, ARC Community Services, 564 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 or .
Explore the possibility of receiving financial assistance while providing live-in care to your disabled adult family member!
Are you or someone you know struggling to care for a loved one at home? If so, we may be able to help. Matson Community Services is now accepting referrals for home care providers and program participants for the new enhanced adult foster care program.
This program pays family – or nonfamily members – to be care providers for an elder or disabled adult) family member (over age 16) in their home or in the provider’s home. Parents (but not legal guardians), children, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends, etc., already caring for or thinking about caring for a loved one at home are encouraged to apply. **Unfortunately, spouses and legal guardians of the elder or disabled adult are not eligible for this program.
The goal of this program is to postpone or avoid the need for nursing home placements and to ease the financial burden on caregiving families by paying those caregivers to provide care at home. To learn more about the program or to apply as a program participant call Dawn Babineau at ARC Community Services at 978-343-6662 ext.112.
Summer Camp Program
ARC Community Services is exploring the possibility of hosting a summer camp program again this year. At this point, plans are still tentative (pending grant funding approval), but we hope to host two, one week sessions of half-day camp during the last two weeks of June. A decision should be made by early spring. Please watch the newsletter for more details.
Camp would include a variety of activities with campers divided into groups based on age, interests and abilities. Staffing will be provided on a 3:1 basis. All activities would be on-site; there would be NO transportation provided.
Camp would be open to special needs children from ages 8-16 who are already determined to be DMR eligible. Siblings Might be eligible to participate on a case by case basis. Each session would be limited to a maximum of 20 campers.
If you would be interested in having your special needs child participate in this camp program, please contact Kathy Black by April 18, 2008 to indicate your interest (no obligation). You can call her at 978-343-6662, ext. 115 or email her at .
REMINDER: THERE ARE NO SUPPORT GROUPS IN JULY OR AUGUST
Family Support Calendar
September 2008
Due to building renovations please call ahead and ask Rhea (978-343-6662) where any meeting will be taking place. Thank-you!
Alzheimer’s Round Table Discussion — September 3
This group is for caregivers and family members to come out and meet other families who are having some of the same concerns and share stories. We will meet in the elder program, from 5:30-6:30. We will have a resource table available for those folks interested.
AUTISM 101 — September 3, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
This is collaboration between the ARC and the Autism Resource Center. We will meet in the Elder Program. Please use the rear entrance. Park in our lot. All of the trainings are open to all family members and caregivers, not just the Autism folks. We ask that you please register so we have enough material. Childcare is available, folks need to pre-register our little guests.Non-Disability Specific — September 4
This group meets at the Lawrence Library in Pepperell from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. For information contact Nancy Hanley, 978-582-6203.
Self Advocacy Support Group — September 10
This is a support group for folks 16 and older who are interested in understanding their rights and responsibilities and learning to use their own Voice. This group meets from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Park Snow Building, Please use rear entrance and use ramp door.
Caregivers with Folks over 22 — September 11
This is a support group for family members and caregivers of adult children. This group has lots of history and experience. If there are adult siblings we encourage them to attend and share stories, triumphs, and road blocks. This group is parent driven; at times we have quest speakers to come in and assist folks with concerns such as Respite, SSI, entitlements, etc. Location to be determined. We meet from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Light refreshments are served.
Down Syndrome Group — September 13
This is a support group for families who have a loved one with Down syndrome. This group is parent driven and what better way to start the weekend? After leaving this group you will feel empowered, connected, and who knows, you may even make some great friends for you and your child. We meet at the ARC office 564 Main Street Fitchburg (Please use entrance that says Hidden Treasures) Saturdays 10:00 to 11:30 am. Childcare is available. We serve coffee and donuts.
Kid's Connections (formerly SibShop)
"Let's Get Started"
September 13, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
A program for siblings of a child with a disability
Kid's Connections (formerly SibShop) is a place for you to meet friends who understand what it’s like to have a family member with a special need. SibShop is a great place to problem solve, role play, and have a good time! All are welcome!
For more information or to register, contact: Kathy Black 978-343-6662 ext 115 or e-mail at kblack@arccommunityservices.org, or fill out this form (PDF format; if you don't have the Adobe PDF reader, get it here)
The Parent’s Resource Center is open daily for your use and enrichment. Please come and use the facilities whenever the need strikes. We would be glad to help you in anyway to facilitate your search and research.
