

Family Bi-Weekly Update

Family Bi-Weekly Newsletter
January 12, 2024
Open email in a browser so you don't miss ALL the GREAT opportunities available!
Spotlight on Carolyn Koppel and Aaron's Coffee Corner
APS board member, Carolyn Koppel, her husband Ari and son, Aaron were featured on WGN TV highlighting their non-profit Aaron's Coffee Corner!
Watch below!
Social, Recreational & Learning Opportunities
Mental Health First Aid is an in-person, full day training with two hours of prework sent to participants ahead of time.
TrueNorth will be covering the cost of participation for registrants. Registration will close February 2, 2024 with a max of 30 participants so sign up now!
The Insect Asylum
Vintage Taxidermy & Insect Museum Quiet Hours, No flashing lights, Gentle Atmosphere & All-Autistic staff to provide tours of the exhibits.
Our touch-friendly nature museum offers a wondrous sensory slime activity for children every weekend. Join us for fun and learning combined!
CATCH presents: Become the Parent You Want to Be
Northbrook D27 PTA Mental Health & Wellness Fair
Northbrook D27 PTA Mental Health & Wellness Fair
Saturday, January 20th, 10am - 1pm
Shabonee School
1000 Pfingsten Rd, Northbrook
Highlights:
- 20+ vendors
- Yoga demo @ 12:15pm
- Students in grades 5-8 will have an opportunity to sign up for a free, weekly self-defense class with Stand Strong.
- Healthy snacks
- Raffle prizes
This event coincides with a supervised Basketball Open Gym from 10am - 12pm for children in grades K-5.
School Refusal, Avoidance & Anxiety
Tuesday, January 23rd
6:30pm-7:30pm
via Zoom
School absenteeism is on the rise across the nation and Illinois. Regular attendance promotes a sense of belonging and improves relationships. Join School Refusal experts Jena Griffin & Nicole Weisman to learn what parents need to know and how to help.
Navigating the Transition Plan: Special Education Rights Webinar
January 13, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Embarking on the journey of transitioning your child to adulthood within the Illinois special education system? Navigate this process confidently with our webinar, concentrating on the academic aspect of the transition. Gain insights into defining comprehensive transition plans, unraveling the components involved, and understanding the significance of transition services. Delve into practical tips designed for parents, equipping you to prepare your child effectively for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. Join us for an informative session that empowers you with the knowledge needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition for your child in the Illinois special education landscape.
Messy Day at the J: Sensory Friendly Edition!
One of our favorite programs is back at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook! Get ready to get messy with shaving cream, paint, kinetic sand, Play-Doh, bubbles, face paint and so much more. This program is geared towards children 3-10 years old and is sensory-friendly. A quiet zone with fidgets and noise cancelling headphones will be available for anyone who needs to take a step away from the mess.
FREE; registration requested.
DATE
February 11, 2024
TIME
1:00pm - 3:00pm
LOCATION
Bernard Weinger JCC
300 Revere Drive, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062, United States
CONTACT
Rena Rosen
Virtual Adaptive Yoga
Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month continues with a virtual adaptive yoga class. Join instructor Melanie Waldman to find your center from the comfort of your own home! Free; registration required.
*Live captioning will be available for this program.
Melanie has been practicing yoga for the past 15+ years, but after her arm was amputated & she was diagnosed with musculoskeletal disease (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) and had to make a serious shift to her “standard” power yoga practice. Her goal is to make classes as equitable, easeful, and accessible.
DATE
February 11, 2024
TIME
10:00am - 11:00am
REGISTER
FREE
All Star Abilities is a peer-to-peer fitness program for teenagers, ages 12-18, with and without disabilities to strengthen their muscles and their friendships. Each All Star Abilities participant will be paired up with a peer partner to prioritize health and wellness, achieve their fitness goals together, and form new friendships! During the 75-minute workout session, everyone will move through a series of exercises such as yoga, strength training, and light cardio. We will start with a warmup and end with a cool down, together!
Winter 2024 Session
Time: Sundays 1-2:15pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook
Program Dates:
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 11
Registration Opens December 6
Kohl Children's Museum - Everyone at Play
Everyone At Play
Sunday, Jan 21, 2024, 02:00 PM
2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Illinois, USA
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association
Special Events!
NSSRA is gearing up for unforgettable Special Events! Check out our upcoming events below:
Next Webinar: January 18, 2024 at 6:30 pm - 8 pm via zoom
How To Be Successful In Obtaining Funding For A Person With A Disability (Developmentally Disabled; Mental Health Condition & Others)
Robert H. Farley, Jr. is available to speak to parents, organizations, and agencies on a wide variety of issues related to disability advocacy and disability services. All workshops are offered free of charge. Scheduled workshops are listed below. If you are interested in attending an event, or requesting speaking and workshop services for your group or agency, please call 630-369-0103, or contact us by email.
Ehlert Financial Group Proudly Presents Our "LEARNING TO SAVE" Series
Mark your calendars for a new series geared towards teens and young adults (ages 16-35). Please feel free forward this email to your children or grandchildren, ages 16-35, that may be interested in participating. This 3 part series will include the following classes:
- Class #2 Investment Choices - "What are the Differences?" to be held on 02/13/2024 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
- Class #3 Powers of Attorney - to be held on 05/14/2024 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
Full class description provided here.
Registration is required. Click here to register for the first class. Each webinar will be recorded and sent to the registrants.
Curt's Cafe...the place to be!
Looking for a warm and cozy place to hang out on a Monday morning, either by yourself or with friends? Come by to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and fresh scone while you support TrueNorth Transition students demonstrate their amazing job readiness skills at this job training site. We're open for business every Monday that school is in session, from 9-11 am. Curt's Cafe is located at 1766 2nd Street in Highland Park.
College of Lake County Personal Success Program
The Personal Success Program (PSP) at the College of Lake County provides young adults with
intellectual disabilities the opportunity to continue learning while experiencing college life! Classes
are designed to encourage development of industry-specific job skills, strengthen independence
and foster relationships in a supportive environment.
Each class is led by a content expert who has experience teaching individuals with disabilities.
A special education assistant will be present in most classes to provide additional support. The
curriculum is designed to be delivered at a level and pace that is appropriate to the needs of
each student.
Professional Development
Call: (847) 543-2990
Email: professionalworkshops@clcillinois.edu
Visit: Learn.clcillinois.edu
Admitted to the Hospital? Call on Aaron's Coffee Corner for a Free Cup of Coffee
APS board member, Carolyn Koppel is founder of this important non profit organization that provides 24/7 access to free, fresh, quality coffee to the family, friends and caregivers of critically ill children admitted to the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at Lurie Children’s Hospital. For more information Click Here!
RESOURCES
Mental Health Resources
Rush Inclusive Resource Directory
Although the Autism Resource Directory is targeted to families with a family member with Autism many of the resources listed are for individuals with varying disabilities.
For example, dentists or doctors available to families.
Start Your Recovery - Illinois Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers & Support Services
Keeping Families Covered
GET HELP WITH DIAPERS AND PERIOD SUPPLIES ON THE GO
Several times each month, our mobile pantry visits 6 locations to distribute free diapers (babies, toddlers and adults) and period supplies to families who are struggling to afford them. ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 24 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR FIRST VISIT TO A DISTRIBUTION DAY and must be completed using the form below.
Identification for the parent/guardian and child(ren) is required.
Diapers are provided for children up to age 3. Pull-ups are provided for children up to age 4.
Incontinence products are provided for seniors and disabled adults (65 years old and up). Individuals from 4 - 64 years old can receive products with a doctor's note/diagnosis.
KEEPING FAMILIES COVERED MOBILE DIAPER PANTRY 2024 DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
WAUKEGAN (10am - 12pm)
Lake County Health Department
2400 Belvidere Rd. Waukegan, IL 60085
January 17, February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 24, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18
HIGHWOOD (3:30pm - 5:00pm)
Fort Sheridan Metra Station
461 W. Old Elm, Highwood, IL 60040
January 19, ADDITIONAL DATES TO BE ADDED
Podcasts
Winnetka Voices
Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.
Ongoing Support Groups
SPOKEN: Supporting Parents of Kids with Extra Needs
Haven Youth and Family Services is offering a virtual group for parents of school-age kids beginning January 9th.
Questions?
Email: ali@havenforyouth.org
Click the Flier to find other parent support events in the North Shore!
Children In Therapy and You - Dad's Hang Out
This month's hang-out will be at 7:00pm at Spears in Wheeling.
Email: hello@cityofsupport.org with any questions or to sign up for email alerts. No RSVP required.
New! CATCH Conversations
Are your child's mental health struggles impacting you and your family? Are you wondering how to start finding help?
We recommend seeking support for yourself first with a CATCH Conversation.
Sign up and a CATCH volunteer will reach out to schedule a time to talk, meet for a cup of coffee, or go for a walk to give you a chance to share what's going on and learn how CATCH can support you.
Join us for information, resources, tips and strategies on a variety of topics to empower you in your parenting or caregiving journey with your child with autism. Come to connect and interact with others navigating a similar journey! Parents of newly diagnosed children are strongly encouraged to attend.
Sound Experience: a social experience for families of children with hearing loss
Lurie Children's Sound Experience is a social experience for families of children with hearing loss. We offer Sound Experience four Saturday afternoons throughout the school year at our Outpatient Center in Westchester.
The program aims to provide:
- A network of parents of children with hearing loss who are going through or have gone through similar situations and to share experiences and information
- Information for families about hearing loss and how it affects our children
- An opportunity for children with hearing loss to meet other children with hearing loss
What to Expect at Sound Experience
- Parents informally share information and stories before the formal breakout sessions
- Children and siblings of all ages are entertained with a dedicated staff of volunteers
- Parents meet in an adjoining room to discuss the meeting’s topic
How to Get Involved
To learn more about Sound Experience, ask your audiologist or contact Cara Donahue at 312.227.3061 or cdonahue@luriechildrens.org.
ParentConnect: a family support group offered in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse’s Virtual Parent Support Group
APH FamilyConnect and The Chicago Lighthouse are pleased to offer this virtual support group for parents and families of children who are blind or visually impaired. These monthly sessions are for families to connect with and learn from each other about the joys, challenges, and adventures of raising children with visual impairments and blindness. These sessions are open to families. You only need to register once for this ongoing series. The No ACVREP or professional development credits will not be available.
About the Association of Parents and Staff
The Association of Parents and Staff (APS) is an organization of parents who have children in any of TrueNorth's 18 member school districts, and the staff who serve them. Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of our children with disabilities through advocacy, partnership and support. Together with our staff partners, we hope to heighten awareness and understanding of learning differences, provide ongoing training and education, and offer support and connections to all.
Whether children are enrolled in a TrueNorth instructional classroom or receive services through their local school district, all parents of children with learning differences are welcome.
If you would like to connect with your district representative or have questions for our Parent Engagement Facilitator, Nicole Magesis, please email us at apsnewsletter@truenorth804.org
TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 neither endorses nor sponsors any external organization or activity represented in this material. The distribution or display of this material is provided as a community service.
Want to share this update with others? Feel free to forward this email or have them subscribe.