Stepping Stones Fall Parenting Programs – for Forsyth County families who have children with special needs 5 years or younger.  Attend a one time seminar or sign up for our more intensive parenting Institute (all virtual).  Seminar dates September 3, 10, 17 at 7pm.   Topics will include, positive parenting, teaching new skills and managing challenging behavior.  Our Institute begins October 6th and runs for 9 weeks.  Both programs offer financial incentives for participants.  Registration details can be found on our website https://thecfec.org/stepping-stones/ – or contact Lakeisha at LakeishaFSN@theCFEC.org or 336-703-4289.

Sibshops are Back!  Sibshops are fun events for kids K-6th grade who have a brother or sister with a disability and builds a peer support network for our “Sibs.”  On September 18th we will host an outdoor Sibshop event at the Nelson Malloy Park Shelter (2619 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106) from 5:30-7:30.  Participants will need to answer screening questions upon arrival and have their temperatures checked, as well as wear a  mask for activities where distancing of 6 feet is not possible.  We will not be serving dinner but will offer a snack during our discussion time.  Pre-registration is required.  Please call the FSN office at 336-703-4289 or email Joy at  JoyFSN@theCFEC.org to reserve your spot.

Zoom In – A special virtual support group just for families who have participated in our Stepping Stones programs (seminars or institute).  This group offers support and encouragement for families around topics related to parenting children with special needs. Next meeting will be September 29th at 6PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3304339304?pwd=TE44NlVFU0RQUUI0bjFvY3BJaDd2Zz09. Feel free to Contact Lakeisha Williams for information 336-703-4289 or LakeishaFSN@theCFEC.org

Exceptional Families – Thursday September 24th 7:30-9:00 PM  updates on WSFCS special education services during the first 9 weeks of school with Mary Todd Allen.  Register for this virtual meeting here – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdumtqTwiGt3W1lFW-iarhUfA52LBIpse

Cerebral Palsy family gathering– an opportunity for families who have children with cerebral palsy to support and encourage each other. Virtual Zoom meeting on Wednesday September 16th at 7PM. Register in advance for this meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrcOivqjosH9ws-zcEChQKKDzd_o5OOmrJ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

MOM2MOM – a support group just for moms of children with special needs.  Wednesday September 23th 6-7:30 PM  pizza and bingo (with prizes) in the park.  Meeting will take place at Joanie Moser Park Shelter in Lewisville (601 Lewisville Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012). Participants will need to answer screening questions and have their temperature checked upon arrival as well as wear a mask for any activity where 6ft distancing is not possible.    Please RSVP to Amy at AmyFSN@theCFEC.org or call 336-971-1726

Our 2nd FSN Family Photo Day will take place on October 3rd from 12:30-3:30  in the garden at The Children’s Center (2315 Coliseum Dr WS 27106). First priority will be given to families who were not able to participate in 2019.  This is an opportunity to have a family photo done in a relaxed outdoor setting with no pressure.  Our photographers volunteer their time! There is no charge for this event and photos will be sent to families electronically.  Priority will be given to families who were not able to participate in 2019.  We had so many wonderful family photos last year – don’t miss this! Appointments are required and spaces are limited. Please call our Family Support Network office at 336-703-4289 if you are interested in making an appointment or email ChrisFSN@theCFEC.org.

FSN community corner is now a Facebook page where families who have children with special needs in Forsyth County and the surrounding area can help each other! If you have something that you would like to give to another family or if you are looking for an item, feel free to share it on this page. No items may be sold. Click here and ask to join FSN Community Corner.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Black Parents of Children with Disabilities Support Group. A new triad area group currently meeting virtually.   Contact Tabia McKinzie at tabiamckinzie@gmail.com for meeting details and information

Below are 2 Pre Recorded Webinars for Parents of Children with Special Needs – Sponsored by Family Support Network of North Carolina and the Jordan Institute for Families. Click here to watch: “Moving Forward During Uncertain Times”  and Click here to watch: ” Protecting Your Mental Health During a Pandemic: Tips for Parents of Medically Fragile Children” 

New Resource – ADA Live!  is a free monthly show broadcast nationally on the Internet. Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Leaders in the field will share their knowledge, experience and successful strategies that increase the participation of persons with disabilities in communities and businesses.

Looking for family input – Survey for families regarding internet access. There is currently federal money available for improving broadband internet access in North Carolina. However, a need must first be established for the area.Please take this survey if you personally have challenges related to internet access. Please share with families who you know are limited in their internet connectivity. (If they literally have no access, there is a phone number you can give them to call – see link.)  https://www.ncbroadband.gov/broadband-nc/north-carolina-broadband-survey

Supported Decision Making Survey – North Carolina’s Rethinking Guardianship Initiative is working with community partners to reach family members or others who support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and other issues, such as dementia and mental health disabilities. This survey is about your awareness and use of various forms of supported decision-making and is completely anonymous. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePO0RC-rEn1rXUdYEAzYtcKzGpJ5aCCjNNw7UZYA_hltirXQ/viewform