New Parents Support Group

[Guest guest]

Hey all,

I am working on starting a new parents support group for special needs families.

We'll meet in Bainbridge and our first meeting is next Friday, August 6th at 8

pm. Free respite services are available through BREATHE. Please see the

article below for more information or call me at 440-622-3120.

Please pass this information along to anyone who could benefit.

Thanks for your help.

Irvin

It’s been a twisty, bending, wonderful trip since I first heard that my son

was on the autism spectrum. Perhaps you have gone through a similar journey or

you know someone whose trek is much the same. As you may know, the road gets

much better with beautiful views…although some of those bends are enough to

make you want to give up. I have learned so much from others, including

teachers, therapists, and service providers, but I have learned the most from

other parents. Many helped me avoid some of the more dangerous curves or helped

me navigate them when I was already too far down the path. I am grateful to

those who have helped me.

I have seen the benefit of talking with others who face similar issues. About a

year ago, I started meeting with some other special needs fathers to discuss our

similar situations. I have personally seen the benefit provided by others’

insights and experiences. While each child and situation is different, the love

and caring of parents remains constant. There is strength to be found in this

common bond of the special needs community.

Therefore, we are starting a support group for parents in the Bainbridge area.

Our goal is to provide a forum for sharing successes, challenges, encouragement,

possibly referrals for services, support, and more. Moms and dads are welcome

to both attend. This applies to all special needs families regardless of

diagnosis or level of severity. We welcome anyone from the Chagrin Valley area.

We’ll hold our first meeting on Friday, August 6th from 8:00-8:50 pm. This

will coincide with a free respite night of care at Holy Angels Church from

6:00-9:00 pm. As you may have previously read here, BREATHE respite nights are

in incredible resource in our community. They are staffed with doctors, medical

personnel, service and support providers, and many volunteers to take excellent

care of your children. There are countless activities to keep the kids busy and

having fun. The most difficult part of the night is getting them to leave with

their parents! Both special needs kids and typical siblings will be well cared

for while you attend our group or feel free to use your own babysitter at home.

BREATHE provides coupons for discounts at local restaurants so enjoy some much

needed time together then join us for our informal group meeting.

There is no format or guest speaker, just parents sharing to help each other.

There is no agenda, other than getting to know one another. We’re each on our

own unique trip but it’s an easier journey if we ride together or share some

directions.

Please contact me if you would like to join us. I can be reached at

phillip.irvin@... or 440-543-8549. For more information or to reserve a

spot for respite care, please contact Cyndy Vogley at Holy Angels at

440-708-0000 ext. 207 or Sunderhaft at ksunderhaft@... or

440-708-0545.