Winter 2022 Michigan Family Connections Newsletter
A combined publication of the Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. We hope you enjoy it, and we encourage you to share with your networks.
You may also view or share the newsletter from the MI Family to Family website at the following link:
https://f2fmichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Michigan-Connections-Newsletter-Winter-2022.pdf
Conference:
Father Engagement in Families of Children with Special Needs:
An insider’s perspective for fathers, mothers, caregivers, and those who support families of children with special needs.
The conference will be held via Zoom on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 9am to Noon EST.
This conference is open to parents, caregivers, and professionals who live in Michigan.
There will be three sessions each featuring two Special Fathers Network (SFN) Mentor Fathers, a panel presentation followed by a breakout discussion:
1) Respite & Marriage
- Brian Page, Homewood, IL
- Rick Daynes, San Diego, CA
2) Grieving The Life Anticipated
- Josh Jacobs, Farmington Hills, Ml
- Jarrell Roach, Lincoln, NE
3) Siblings & Family Balance
- Lenn Boston, Kalamazoo, Ml
- Scott Newport, Royal Oak, Ml
The cost of the conference is $10.00 and with each registration you will receive a resource packet and a Great Dad Coin.
To Register Please Go To: https://www.eventbrite.com/MIDADSCONF120421
For any questions, please reach out to Lisa Huckleberry at 517-335-0407 or huckleberryl@michigan.gov.
Parent Mentor Training:
FREE Virtual Saturday Parent Mentor Training
Our training will take place on Saturday, February 12, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm EST on Microsoft Teams. In our interactive Parent Mentor Training, learn from a fellow parent about:
- Parent-to-Parent Support
- Communication Skills
- Listening Techniques
- Community Resources
Registration for this event can be completed at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saturday-parent-mentor-training-tickets-198433157917
Please contact Dawn Adkins by email (Adkinsd@michigan.gov) with any
questions.
Siblings Facilitator Training:
Virtual Introduction to Sibshops and Sibshop Facilitator Training
Tuesday, May 17, 2022, through Friday, May 20, 2022.
Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project will lead the training!
What are Sibshops?
Sibshops are celebrations of the many contributions made by siblings of kids with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the sibling of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in between. They reflect a belief that siblings have much to offer one another – if they are given a chance. Sibshops are a spirited mix of new games, new friends and discussion activities.
Who Should Attend?
Facilitator Training – Anyone interested in sibling issues, who would like to learn how to run a Sibshop of their own. Attendees interested in becoming a facilitator must attend all 4 days of the Sibshop training (Tuesday, May 17th through Friday, May 20th).
Introduction to Sibshops – Parents, caregivers, service providers, educators, community partners, Local Health Department staff, etc. Attendees who would like to know more about Sibshops and sibling issues, but not interested in how to run a Sibshop would attend this training, the first 3 days (Tuesday, May 17th through Thursday, May 19th).
Unique Concerns-Day 1: Participants will learn about many characteristics of brothers and sisters of people with special needs, including their unique concerns and opportunities.
This will help participants obtain a well-rounded understanding of what it's like being a sibling of someone with special needs across the lifespan.
Unique Opportunities-Day 2: This session presents the many opportunities siblings experience. There will be a discussion of what parents and professionals can do to minimize sibs' concerns and maximize opportunities.
Panel of Adult Siblings-Day 3: A powerful way to learn about sibling issues is to hear from the "real experts". A panel of adult brothers and sisters will share their experiences, insights, and suggestions for parents and providers.
All About Sibshops-Day 4: Sibshops are kid-friendly workshops as rewarding to run as they are to attend. Participants will learn the logistics of planning and implementing a local Sibshop, and Sibshop goals and related recreational, discussion, and educational activities. Trainees will observe online Demonstration Sibshop activities with young brothers and sisters, and receive the materials and know-how to start, plan, and facilitate Sibshops.
For additional details and registration, please click the link below or contact the Family Center at 800-359-3722.
The registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michigan-introduction-to-sibshops-and-sibshop-facilitator-training-tickets-237766404717
Camp Scholarship:
Camp Scholarship opportunity!
Camps scholarships are not just limited to face to face, virtual camps are considered as well.
Effective immediately, we would like to invite families to apply to receive a Camp Scholarship for up to $250.
- The Camp Scholarship is designed to assist families with sending their child with special health care needs to a camp of their choosing.
- Applications are being accepted now through the end of March 2022.
- Applicants do not have to be enrolled in Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) to be eligible for a camp scholarship.
- Families will be required to submit a completed Camp Scholarship Application along with an Attendance Registration Form, which will need to be filled out by the Camp Director.
- We are attaching the required forms as one PDF file. Please feel free to share this with families within your network or families may request the forms through the Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722. Funding is limited, so please encourage families to apply as soon as possible.
