Family Resource Associates, Inc.
Family Support & Resources
Individual & Group Support Services
"Toby's Friends" SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SIBLINGS
At FRA the entire family matters! Siblings often have questions and concerns that they can readily explore with others who are experiencing a similar situation. At home they may feel left out or they don't want to put more on their family. Coming to a group, they realize they are not alone dealing with difficult issues at times. Resources are also available to help familes with all of their children.
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Sibling Support Group - Ages 4-9Plan to attend one of our monthly support groups for young brothers and sisters of children with special needs. These fun activity sessions combine art, stories, and role playing. There's also a discussion to answer questions, talk about differences, and solve problems. Children are welcome to attend monthly or occasionally as their schedule allows. Meetings are usually held from 4-5 at FRA, the last Thursday of the month.
9/29/11
10/27/11- Halloween Theme
12/1/11 (note change in schedule due to Thanksgiving) TIME CHANGE: 4:15 - 5:15pm
1/26/12
2/23/12
3/29/12
4/26/12
5/31/12
Mark your calendars and plan to join the fun. Children are welcome to attend all sessions, or just an occasional one as their schedule allows. There is no charge for this group.
RSVP is needed in advance of each meeting by calling Sue Levine at 732-747-5310, ext. 117 or by email: slevine@frainc.org. -
Sibling Support Group - Ages 10-15Older brothers and sisters of children with disabilities have growing concerns about what the future holds for them and their sibling. This quarterly program is held at various locations that feature food, discussion and fun! Join us for an interesting meeting designed to answer questions and explore feelings related to having a brother or sister with special needs. This meeting may be held while bowling, at the boardwalk or in a park!
NEXT MEETING DATES:
Feb. 9, 2012, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, at FRA
May 10, 2012, 6:00 - 7:30 PM at FRA
Activities and discussion about what it's like growing up in a family with a child with learning and/or medical issues.
Discussion on difficult moments and feelings, the learning opportunities, and the humor that often is a part of an exceptional family.
Students will benefit from expressing their feelings in a safe environment, as well as helping others to problem solve solutions to difficult situations.
And there's pizza too!!
Please RSVP by 11/1/11 to Sue Levine at slevine@frainc.org, or 732-747-5310, ext. 117.Do you know any other students who might be interested in this program? Please spread the word!
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FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT... ..."A crash course on Down Syndrome for brothers and sisters," written by Brian Skotko and Susan Levine. Sue Levine, one of FRA's co-founders, initiated NJ's premier program for siblings, including monthly groups and newsletters. A wealth of information for parents and siblings, this book reflects her experience, compassion and wisdom for all brothers and sisters.
Our Sibling Groups are made possible by the support of the Bell Family in memory of their son, Toby. Toby's siblings greatly enjoyed and benefited from attending these groups when they were young.
From A Sibling's Perspective,
by Luisa Rinaudo
When people speak to one another, the voice that is heard, matters. It's the voice that tells the person they are special and that no one should tease you for your inability to lead a normal life. I realize this as I watch my 12 year old brother, Sal, who has Down syndrome. He demonstrates that he is eager to learn something new everyday. I see as he struggles to do something as tedious as to write his full name or tie his shoes. But he persists and now he can do these things independently. He looks up at me with his endearing brown eyes and freckled face every time he accomplishes a goal only showing me his unconditional love. You may not realize how much one word can affect a person especially those who can't defend themselves. I think the "R" word is one of the most disrespectful words that can change the way we look at a person; especially someone who has a mental or physical disability.
Read more about how much Luisa loves her brother and her campaign to have people stop using this derogatory and hurtful word.
Click below to read more about how much Luisa loves her brother and her campaign to have people stop using this derogatory and hurtful word.
