Connecting Parents with Other Parents
Rock IT! in Flagstaff
In Flagstaff, CFSS has had a big focus on a Health and Wellness with the start of our Rock-It program. As part of a Parent/ Family Wellness series we have hosted or partnered with other agencies to invite CFSS Parents/Families to multiple events that incorporate Psycho-Education (around health, physical activity, and nutrition), Community Connections, Peer Supports and Family FUN!
Some of these events have included:
- Family Cooking class lead by the Arizona Nutrition Network and hosted at the City of Flagstaff Aquaplex
- Brain Health Presentation with our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Kristin Carleton
- Tai Chi class at the NACA Wellness Center
- “How to talk to your kids about sex” presentation by a sexual health educator from NorthCountry Health Care
We are excited to continue these events, and in the upcoming weeks/months we will be offering:
- A cycling Exercise Class for parents taught at the NACA Wellness Center
- “How to talk to your kids about tobacco” presentation by the Coconino County Health Department
- A presentation on Digestive Health led by Kristin Carleton
- A presentation from NorthCountry Health Care on the importance of immunizations
- Understanding Behaviors training taught by Matt Pierce
- Monthly family events partnering with NorthCountry Health Care’s Hermosa Vida Project and the Killip Parent Academy
Prescott Valley: Parent TLC (Talking, Laughing, and Connecting)
Parent TLC (Talking, Laughing, and Connecting) is Prescott Valley’s opportunity for parents to connect each month. In partnership with MIKID, CFSS has created Parent TLC as an informal group for families enrolled at both agencies where anything can happen. Too many parents and caregivers already live by an agenda, so this group is different in that we have thrown an agenda aside and use the time to Talk, Laugh & Connect (TLC).
Many parents have brought a variety of unique resources to share with the group. For example, one parent shared her extreme couponing techniques. Parents have also used this forum to share several resources regarding summer programs that supported a number of parents with connecting their children to activities in their community. This group started out with only two parents and has quickly grown to a group of eight! We look forward to seeing Parent TLC continue to grow and be a fun place for parents to come and connect!
For additional information, please contact Lara Zelman, Family Outreach Specialist, Prescott Valley at (928) 775-2500.
SPIRIT! Maricopa County Parent and Caregiver Support Group
Strengthening Parent & Caregiver Information, Resources, Involvement & Transitions: Come join this grass-roots group as we support one another, share resources that will benefit our families and have fun establishing connections and friendships with others who may have similar experiences.
Tucson Connection Café
Tucson’s parent and caregiver support group, Connection Café, meets once a month with promises of laughter, food, fun, parent-to-parent support and connections!
This parent and caregiver support group has been meeting since March, 2011 and is organized for and facilitated by parents and caregivers of CFSS-enrolled children. This group shares resources, has met with system professionals, and is planning community events for early 2012. We hope you will come check out our Café! For more information, contact Denise Baker at (480) 237-6822.
Mohave County Family Support and Education Group
Recently, families have been coming together to form a support and educational group for families enrolled in CFSS in Mohave County. This group is a grassroots group that is excited about future development. So far, the group has come together for parents to meet other parents, support one another and for discussions and trainings on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Plans and generally navigating school systems. More to come from Mohave County soon!
Fuerza y Esperanza
The Hispanic/Latino Support Group, Fuerza y Esperanza (Strength and Hope) has established a new meeting place in Phoenix. This new location is both a resource and a closer and more convenient location for family members. Facilitator and Parent, Lydia Seise is working in partnership with staff members from Raising Special Kids and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in organizing this event for our Spanish-speaking parents. Each month the group is presented a specific topic. Previous topics have included Bullying, Navigating School Systems, Effective Advocacy and more. The meetings are held once a month from 10:00am – 12:00pm in Phoenix. The feedback from the parents that have attended has been very positive and they have shared that the training is just what they asked for to help them find community resources and advocate for their children. For more information about the location and upcoming dates, call Lydia Seise at (602) 427-8213.