JOIN FAMILIES CONNECTED, FAMILIAS EN CONEXIÓN AT SPRINGFIELD HOLIDAY PARADE

Calling all families for a fun, old-fashioned holiday parade!

Join Families Connected and Familias en Conexión at the Springfield Holiday Parade this Saturday, December 3. The Arc Lane County will have a float, and we invite families to join the fun.

The Arc Lane County, in collaboration with other community agencies, will launch its Strength in Neurodiversity campaign at the parade. Come join us and wear green to show your support for Strength in Neurodiversity.

If your child experiences mobility challenges and needs to ride on The Arc's float, contact Nancy.

CHILDREN INVITED TO MEET JOLLY ST. NICK AT ANNUAL SENSORY SANTA EVENT

Families Connected and Familias en Conexión will host a bilingual Sensory Santa / Santa Sensorial event on Saturday, December 10 from noon to 4 p.m. to allow children who may need extra time to get comfortable meeting Mr. Claus.

There will be quiet hour for meetings with Santa from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. After the quiet hour, there will be fun crafts, food and entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will be available to meet individually with families on a first-come, first-served basis during this time.

If you have any questions or if your child needs to visit Santa during the designated quiet hour, please contact Nancy or Mariela to arrange a scheduled time.

DONATE TOYS FOR HOLIDAY CHEER FACTORY

The Arc Lane County is hosting a Toy & Turkey Drive to help local families experiencing financial hardship this holiday. 

If you can help, purchase a toy (under $30) and deliver to one of these locations. In, addition to toys, we are also accepting items for teenagers, such as sporting equipment, makeup, books and room décor. To keep gifts equitable, we ask for toys and gifts for teens to not exceed $30 in value. 

The Arc is also accepting turkey and ham donations to provide holiday food boxes to families. Food donations must be delivered to The Arc main office at 4181 E St. in Springfield.

Toy and turkey donations will be accepted through December 15. Thank you in advance for sharing holiday joy with other families this holiday season.  

WINTER HOLIDAY RESOURCE LIST NOW AVAILABLE

The Oregon Department of Human Services has compiled a list of Winter Holiday Resources to help individuals and families living in all areas of Lane County.

The resource list is available in both English and Spanish, and includes information about food boxes, holiday meal sites and gift giving programs.

APPLY NOW FOR FACT OREGON PARENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING

FACT Oregon is now accepting applications for its Activate Your Advocacy Parent Leadership Training.

The training supports parents to have a stronger voice in their child’s education, future planning and systems change work that will center equity for all children experiencing disability.  

Candidates must commit to all 12 sessions. The winter session will start February 6 and run through March 15. Apply online by Friday, January 6.

UCEDD NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Attention high school and undergraduate students! The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities is now accepting applications for its Summer Internship Program.

The program provides opportunities for high school or early college age students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferrable skills, and learn about various career paths in health care. This internship is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, specifically with a focus on disability.

Students who have a disability and students with siblings or family members with a disability or strongly encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Friday, December 16.

STATE TESTING OPT-OUT FORM AVAILABLE

Under Oregon law, a parent may opt out their student(s) from taking Oregon’s statewide assessments in math and language arts. Students take state assessments in grades 3-8 and in their junior year of high school.

Parents wishing to opt out their student(s) must sign the Annual OSAS Opt-Out Form and return the completed form to their child’s school. Opt-out forms are only valid for the current school year. 

NEW PARK TO OPEN IN SPRINGFIELD

THIS MONTH

The Willamalane Park and Recreation District is scheduled to open the new Arrow Park on Friday, December 9.

Arrow Park will feature a new playground, a bicycle playground and skills course, a picnic shelter, walking paths, basketball court and more.

Make plans to visit the new park during the winter break.