April 2020 eNews
UPCOMING PARENT EVENTS
Despite the statewide shelter-in-place order, parents can still access some informative Webinars .
SOCIAL STORY FOR CHILDREN
Here is a Social Story to help children understand how to be flexible in the midst of all the changes in their daily routines.
WHEN STRESS ABOUNDS, GRACE IS THE ANSWER
Stress, anxiety and cabin fever. Now more than ever, it is important to grant yourself and your children some grace. Read Homeschooling is NOT the Same as Crisis Schooling: Advice During Coronavirus COVID -19 Shut Downs for some helpful tips from a fellow parent.
COVID-19 RESOURCES

Here's a list of helpful federal, state and local resources:


Families who have experienced a change in income due to the pandemic, may also qualify for the Oregon Health Plan.
EASTER CRAFTS AVAILABLE

Cabela's has donated lots of cute Easter crafts to Families Connected. If you want some Easter activities to keep little ones occupied, email Laura.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused lots of upheaval around the globe, yet in the midst of all the uncertainty, it is wonderful to see communities come together to provide support.

We understand the challenges and isolation many families are experiencing with the shelter-in-place order. Please know you are not alone!

To help combat the isolation and bring some fun and levity into our homes, Families Connected is hosting two weekly events using the Zoom videoconferencing platform.

Sundays at 8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m.

Email Nancy, and she will get you the information to join these events virtually.

Come enjoy the fun, connect with other parents and start your week with some positive affirmation!

Together is how we'll get through this!

P.S. There will be an introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving Webinar on April 8 with a class series starting after. Email Nancy for more information.
TAX DEADLINES EXTENDED
The deadline for filing state and federal taxes has been extended to July 15 and tax payments have been deferred until this date, without interest or penalties. Read COVID-19 Tax Relief Options to learn more. Before filing, don't forget to see if you family qualifies for the  Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit .
INTERNET RESOURCES
Several companies are providing internet resources to help families during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Comcast Internet Essentials, Spectrum Internet Assist and the Oregon Public Utility Commission's Oregon Lifeline.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY FOR SPARK FAMILIES
Several families may already be involved with SPARK, a national research effort sponsored by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. For families already engaged with SPARK, there is a research study to measure the impact of COVID-19 on the autism community. Take the survey to be part of this study.
CRISIS, RESOURCE SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
Reach Out Oregon provides crisis support, resource sharing and listening support for parents raising children who experience emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. Support is provided from other parents and caregivers with experience navigating similar parenting challenges.
The Arc Families Connected
provides peer support to parents on their journey of raising a child with a disability.