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Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Sept 11, 2008 12:45:55 GMT -5
Ok as if i don't already have enuf on my plate, i've taken on something new ;D I'm going to start a support group for all the families in the local area. I have no idea what i'm doing but there is a definate need and someone has to go first so I picked me ;D I found a nice church right up the road who I met w/ this am. They are so cool ;D They showed me the room that they will donate to my cause. Full of toys and lots of fun stuff. The office lady said she would like me to go to a support group that is already established to see how it should go. She mentioned to me that their was another momma in town who has thought about this but didn't know where to start. I know the momma. She lives 4 doors down and has the cutest little boy who is 3. We met at the picnic we had last year. I have emails out to a group in Salem who is holding the Buddy Walk and who is also having Rachel from Signing Time come and do a concert. I talk w/ them alot and hope they can help me out. I guess my question is can someone give me some pointers? Please ;D What do you guys do at your meetings? Any little thing will help out so much. THX ***********UPDATE******* I'm so excited now. Just got off the phone with the lady at the library. First meeting will be Nov 15, 08. She is very happy i'm doing this. I have some classes to take in Oct for something else and so that gives me plenty of time to get my thoughts together, make fliers, get some rsvp's of who will come, talk to the ESD girls to get them to pass out fliers too and tell their clients, etc. I already have 6 ppl  My tummy is nerve central. I can do this!!! The ppl I have already are more comfy going to the library. A meet and greet for parents and kids. YEAAAA me Thank you everyone here for being supportive and Thank you Brooker for giving momma the courage to do this!!!!! |
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Post by wrblack on Sept 11, 2008 12:51:19 GMT -5
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Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Sept 11, 2008 13:22:34 GMT -5
WOW Bob. Thats alot of info. Thx {{{{Bob}}}}}
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Post by momofrussell on Sept 11, 2008 13:23:35 GMT -5
PIMP LMFAO BOB!!!!!!!! Hey Googsmom.... I am the one that heads up our county's group as part of our DSA (we have a few groups in St Louis) and if you ever want to chat, PM me your number and I can call you. A. |
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Post by Jessie on Sept 11, 2008 15:39:55 GMT -5
Yup, I'm here for ya too. I'm Prez of our mid-Michigan group. Not sure why or how that happened . . . guess no one else wanted the job!! LOL
Our support meetings are held monthly, one month is just social where we bring the kids - they scream and run around while parents attempt to make conversation with each other. Every other month we have a guest speaker and we try to keep that to parents/caregivers only. We have an infant/toddler playdate one Saturday a month, a coffee/parent night at a local bookstore once a month, the annual Buddy Walk, annual family picnic and an annual winter carnival. You will need a good core of volunteers to get things going. If you are going to obtain non-profit status with the IRS you will need legal assistance with that. And, if you ever want to raise some serious money for your group and get businesses to sponsor things, you will need that for their tax purposes.
Sheryl, 'elizabethsmom', has just recently started a group here in Michigan as well.
MB knows everything about running a support group too.
There's lots of people here to help, so ask away!!
Jessie
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Post by Jodi on Sept 11, 2008 17:50:39 GMT -5
UNOMAS is my group ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Emilysmom on Sept 11, 2008 21:42:26 GMT -5
"there is a definate need and someone has to go first so I picked me"
I love that! Way to go Jennifer! You're off to a great start so far!
We don't have a group in my town, but I try to attend some of the functions (mostly the workshops, etc) in the Nashville area.......a little over an hour from us.
One thing I remember from the NDSC conference is that I totally enjoyed the times when we got together in sharing groups based on age groups and just shared what was going well for us, and what we needed help with. I would think something like that might be helpful, in addition to the other stuff you might do at the group.
Let us know how it goes!
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Post by Chris too on Sept 12, 2008 7:29:08 GMT -5
Jenn, you are my hero. I wish I lived nearby so I could join you!
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Post by CC on Sept 12, 2008 7:34:06 GMT -5
"I'm going to start a support group for all the families in the local area"
HATS off to you girl ;D
CC~ |
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Post by Jackie on Sept 12, 2008 8:25:23 GMT -5
I would call (or email) the NDSC www.ndsccenter.org/I tried to do this years ago here...and they sent me so much info for a new parents group! Unfortunately the person who said they would help disappeared into the woodwork ...and with 4 young kids, I just didn't have the time. But I do urge every young family I know to get involved in a group if there is one. We helped start the Mile High DS group in Denver when Em was a baby...and I think that is truly what helped get us off to such a good start. We ALL know there is nothing like talking to another parent in a similar situation. Just look at us HERE!!!!! LOL. So go for it...your life will be all the richer for it. Jackie |
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Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Sept 12, 2008 10:03:30 GMT -5
Thanks everyone I've been emailing the local groups for a couple weeks and seeing if they had something. I just want a place where alll the parents who deal w/ the local ESD can go and hang out and talk. LIke Jessie said "so the kids can run around and scream and parents can talk".  I'm not looking for a big thing like the local groups. Ya know, with the cool web sights and all. We have to see how many parents will actually show up. Just a simple support group b/c we are country folks here and i think that is why more of them don't travel to the big city to find groups. Some of the parents in town email me everyday to ask question. I always telll them about UNO As of yet I think they might be lurking Some new parents are still, i don't even know the word, i guess nervous, to meet new people. Ya'll know how it is. I just want to make a place to meet and chat. Where the kids can play and have fun and mom's can have a little break. I've got alot to find out. I'm going to go talk w/ the lady down the street this weekend and see what she has in mind. I'll keep ya'll posted Thx for all the help. ~A~ thanks for the offer. I might take ya up on that. And does PIMP mean peeing in the pants? I hope so Jackie, yes I love the MHDSA. When I had Brook my sister went right home and picked them to email. I often wonder if it had something to do with the Harley raffel they were having Anywho, when I got home from the hosp they had sent a box, I mean a big box, full of everything. It was such a treat. That was so nice of them, i sent a card w/ a pic of Brook |
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Post by momofrussell on Sept 12, 2008 11:34:34 GMT -5
YES LOL PIMP is peeing in my pants!
A.
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Post by Kristin on Sept 15, 2008 0:22:18 GMT -5
There is usually a speaker from one of the agencies that provides services like Special Olympics, a respite agency or two, the regional center, a local OT, someone who signs, My Gym,...to expose parents to the different services and ideas. A summer get together is planned, at a place where the kids can safely play in the water whether it is a pool or spray park...costs kept to a minimum. We have a Christmas party. There is always time to share with other parents...a crucial component!! But be prepared...not everyone coming to the group is ready to accept the diagnosis. It can emotionally draining, and unfortunately the group is often held captive. The facilitator provides respite, through an agency, for the kids and siblings during the meeting so the parents can actually talk. Many people bring food to share, but it is sort of an unplanned potluck. I find myself going, now that my daughter is older, to answer questions for parents of younger children. I do this mainly because when my daughter was younger, I had lots of questions for parents of older kids and they often weren't around to ask. Anyway, that's been my experience.
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Post by jelanismom on Sept 24, 2008 15:13:11 GMT -5
Bump
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Post by damarasmom on Sept 24, 2008 15:40:20 GMT -5
So how's the group set up going? Are you getting ready? Wish I could join your group!
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My tummy is nerve central. I can do this!!! The ppl I have already are more comfy going to the library. A meet and greet for parents and kids. YEAAAA me 
&
Susan, Proud mom of Michael (32), Justin (25) Emily (22ds), and Jordan (20).
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