August 2019
E-Newsletter
Events and Resources from Family Voices of MN
Resources, information and other parents who understand what you are going through
Join Tomorrow's Online Support Group
Thursday
August 8th / 7:30 – 9:00 PM

This virtual support groups is being hosted by Parent Support Navigator, Jess Randall. Jess is a mom to two kids with complex needs and is in Northwest Minnesota.

Support groups are open to parents of children and youth with special health care needs. Connect in a private, safe space to share understanding, support and resources.

One in Five Minnesota families with children have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. We do not have to feel alone.


Contact Jess to Register:  jess@familyvoicesmn.org
or 866-334-8444, Extension 5
Summer Cruising:
Adaptive Bikes, Trikes and the Therapeutic Recreation Evaluation
" My son, Isaac, age 7 has cerebral palsy and physical impairments. He uses adaptive equipment such as a wheelchair or gait trainer for mobility. While these pieces of equipment are helpful and serve specific mobility needs, it just isn’t the same as being able to pedal a bike in the summer breeze."

Read about how Isaac's mom, Jess, helped him to access an adaptive tricycle to make sure he can experience the joy of riding a bike in the summertime.
Gillette Child and Family Services Department, in collaboration with United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, can assist kids with adaptive needs related to bikes.

"Riding an adapted bike, trike or hand cycle is great exercise and a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. With that in mind, Gillette’s certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS) offer therapeutic recreation resource sessions to help families select adapted recreation equipment."
Journaling for Self-Care Series
Online Group Session II:
Journaling for Self-Care
Wednesday, August 14th

8:00 - 9:00 PM

This facilitated private group session is for parents of children with special health care needs and disabilities. In this safe space, sharing will be encouraged but not required. 

Led by Brenda Hudson, a certified journal facilitator and writing teacher. Brenda has been teaching expressive writing for six years and uses journaling as a way of holding sacred space for her own experience as a special needs mom. 

If you have questions about this session or future journaling sessions you can reach out to Jamie O'Conner via email: jamie@familyvoicesmn.org or by phone/text: 612-293-7306
Vote On Minnesota's Priorities for Children, Women and Families: Community Forums

We need your voice! As part of the statewide Title V Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment, the Minnesota Department of Health is hosting a series of community forums in August 2019 where community members, public health professionals, parents, grandparents, neighbors (everyone!) is invited to vote on the top priorities of Minnesota’s women, children and families. Children are welcome at these events, and all youth are invited and encouraged to vote!
Join Us for a Pint On Wednesday, September 11
and Support the Connected
Parent to Parent Peer Support Program!
We Are Here
Other parents who "get it" are just a chat away.

Visit from your computer or mobile device and you can chat live online with another parent who has a child with special health care needs or a disability. Just look for the "We Are Here" chat bubble.

For more information, resources and encouragement
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