Support Group Update
In our Fall, 2000 newsletter, we gave you some information about support groups: how to find one in your community, how to get an information packet on starting one, and how to apply for a small amount of money to help with expenses. Many parents responded to that article and we are excited about the new prospects in communities around the state. We'll give you just a glimpse into a couple of these groups:
Amy and Peter Beaton-Booth have recently started a Social Group for families of children with Asperger's Syndrome. The whole family is invited to attend and at the March gathering there were seven adults and eight children. They met for 2 hours at their local community center (the money they applied for goes for the rental of the center). Each family brought toys, games, and snacks to share and they spent time playing and connecting with each other. The goal of the group is to give parents an opportunity to share information and resources while the children practice social skills in a supportive atmosphere. On 4th Sundays, 3-5 pm, Jericho Community Center.
Claudia Sofield, the Family Outreach Coordinator with the Winston-Prouty Center in Brattleboro has organized a support group for parents who have children with any disability. The group meets on Wednesday evenings, fathers and/or mothers attend, food is always served, and childcare is available for those who need it. Claudia uses some of the funds from Parent to Parent to pay for childcare and food. Another group of moms has formed from this first group, and are meeting 10-12:00am. Claudia (365-7974) also facilitates a group at the Deerfield Valley Elementary School.
The Food Allergy Support Group (Team), F.A.S.T., was founded by Lisa Bittner five years ago and grew from two families supporting each other to almost 50 members presently. Lisa has successfully carried out their goals to educate themselves and others on this subject and to promote a safe environment for children with food allergies, at home, in schools and in the community. Their mission is to provide support for families and collaborate with others to ensure the safety of their children. Currently F.A.S.T helps families write their 504 educational plans and support each other through the transitions that families go through as their children become more independent and spend more time away from home. They continue to stay informed on the medical/health related issues, network with the specialists, and invite them to speak at meetings.
Lisa's
desire to bring more awareness and education to families and their communities,
has never waned. Lisa has been working on getting Lisa Cipriano Collins,
M.A., M.F.T., and author of the book Caring for Your Child With Severe
Allergies, to either come here to present or sponsor the group to attend
the MA Conference, but money has always been a deterrent. Lisa is excited
that now with the "financial support of this Parent to Parent fund, we
can pursue our plans."
For
more information about this Support Group you may call Lisa Bittner at
878-3136 or Parent to Parent at 1-800-800-4005.
Keep in touch with us as you start groups in your communities and we will list them on our website. Let us know if we can do an initial mailing for you, if you would like to apply for some funds, or if there is any other way in which we can be helpful. ©
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