Family Network funding reinstated thanks to your advocacy!

OREGON LEGISLATORS PASS SB 5529, WHICH REINSTATES FAMILY NETWORKS

The Oregon Legislature closed its long session last Saturday with positive outcomes for the disability community.

Thanks to strong advocacy from parents and community partners, the funding for the statewide Family Networks was reinstated with the approval of the DHS budget bill (SB 5529).

Oregon legislators also increased wages for the critical direct support professional workforce and set case management funding at $170 million. Read the latest GO! Bulletin for a recap on the 2021 legislative investments in developmental disability services.

Thank you for your continued advocacy! You helped make a difference, and we are very grateful for the support.

RAISE A GLASS TO JENNY

Heaven gained a beautiful soul and fellow parent last week. Jenny LeCompte, a single mother and fierce advocate for her son, passed away due to complications from COVID. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with memorial expenses and ongoing care for her son. To donate, visit the Memorial Fund for Jenny LeCompte. Jenny's mother, Kathy, will host a Raise a Glass event this evening via Zoom to honor Jenny on what would have been her 43rd birthday. For the Zoom meeting information, email Laura.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

Independence Day is this weekend! With the state of Oregon loosening COVID restrictions, there will be more Fourth of July celebrations this year. To see a complete list of activities in Lane County, check out the Fourth of July Activities at Eugene, Cascades and Coast.

PARENT TOOLKITS AVAILABLE

Families Connected distributed Parent Toolkits to families at its Drive-Through Ice Cream Social in June to celebrate the end of the school year. The toolkit is chock full of resources, tips and activities to help parents through the summer months.

There are a few more Parent Toolkits available. To request a copy, email Nancy. Families Connected will also host a Parent Toolkit Conversation on July 22 to discuss more in-depth the resources included in the kit.

LEARN ABOUT COGNITOPIA SELF-DETERMINATION TOOLS AT UPCOMING WEBINAR

Families Connected will host a webinar to introduce parents to Cognitopia, a web-based suite of self-management apps that encourages independence and promotes self-determination in students who experience disabilities.

Attend the Introduction to Cognitopia on July 27 to learn more about Goal Guide, MyLife and ScanDo! and how these tools can help students lead their IEP meetings, create and track goals, and support their transition to adulthood.

JOIN FAMILIES CONNECTED FOR SUMMER FUN

Families Connected will host a weekly event for parents and children to enjoy some summer fun. Come to Fun at Fairmount Park every Tuesday for water play, arts and crafts, and conversation.

After playing in the park, parents are invited to attend Hot Topic Wednesday to talk about concerns, share tips and celebrate parenting successes in a supportive environment. Hot Topic Wednesday will be held

every other week, starting July 14.

FAMILIES CONNECTED RECEIVES $50K GRANT

The Early Childhood Family Support Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation has awarded The Arc Lane County a $50K grant to use for its Families Connected/Familias en Conexión family network. The funds will be used for family outreach efforts, including parent workshops and family fun events.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

The Relief Nursery has updated its Community Resource Guide to help connect people with resources that are available within the community. The guide has resources to assist with mental health, disability, parenting, education, food, housing, employment and legal issues. The guide also includes information to help connect people living in more rural areas, such as Florence, Oakridge, Veneta and Pleasant Hill. The Community Resource Guide is also available in Spanish (Guia de Recursos Comunitarios).

NEED MORE SUMMER ACTIVITIES? SIGN UP FOR STiLE

KindTree Autism Rocks continues to accept registrations for the summer term of Skills Training for an Independent Living Experience (STiLE). Classes started June 7 and will run through July 23. There are three new classes: adult dating on the spectrum, youth dating on the spectrum and a gardening class. Other classes focus on art exploration, jewelry making, exercise, and music writing and performance. Prorated rates will be granted, and scholarships are available for gardening and art classes. Register online for the STiLE summer classes.

CHILDREN, YOUTH RECEIVE FREE BIKES

Families Connected was honored to be part of the Free Bike Giveaway Day on June 12, when it partnered with Free Bikes 4 Kidz to distribute bikes and helmets to children and youth in Eugene/Springfield. There were many happy and smiling new bike owners! Watch this fun video from the Bike Giveaway Day.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PLAY YOUR PART AUCTION

Mark your calendar for The Arc Lane County's Play Your Part Virtual Auction to benefit the building of the second phase of the Arc Park. The silent auction will start on August 8 and conclude on August 15. The thrilling live auction will be held virtually and will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 14. There are exciting packages in both the silent and live auction, so be sure to tune in and check them out!