 |
 |
Family To Family Network January/February 2012 E-Digest
This e-digest is updated monthly and emailed out to members of our Yahoo group. To join the Yahoo group - F2Fedigest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 15th –Registration opened for March 3 Katy Special Education Parent Conference and Resource Fair. Log onto Family to Family Networkto learn more, obtain conference brochure, and register online. All Family members and young adults/teens with disabilities are FREE – Thank you to Katy ISD and Region 4 Education Service Center.
PLEASE note Registration is still Openfor Feb 1-4 Inclusion Works conference, Renaissance Hotel, Austin. Great line up of presentations scheduled: Thursday – Master Sessions only. Friday – Principal Academy and Lots of Breakout sessions with special sessions for Parents (Trinity A).
Parent & Youth Stipends may still be available for Feb 20-22 Texas Transition Conference, Renaissance Hotel, Austin. http://ttc.tamu.edu/ Youth who are approximately Transition Age 14 & up will be given first priority.
January 16th, 12:00 – 4:30 pm “MLK Day Peace Rally”Located at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream which became a reality. Why should your dreams be any different? Join us as we commemorate his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech with live entertainment, a peace rally and more! Plus, as part of this "day of service" join in our blood drive with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Centers from noon - 4:30 p.m. Don't miss out on $5 admission and a full day of events!
January 17th; 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm. Effective Advocacy for Your Child – the Toolbox" with David Beinke of Cirkiel & Associates. St. Peters United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, 77450. We use tools every day to make our lives simpler, but do you know which tools make your life easier in the ARD/IEP process? Come learn which tool to use (and when to use it) to effectively advocate for your child's special education needs! Become your own best advocate by using the right tools in your Toolbox! This meeting is a collaborative meeting of Family to Family Network, Katy Autism Support, DSAH-Katy Community Group, ADDA-Katy Support Group. Please RSVP so that we have enough handouts to713-466-6304 or check Attend on Facebook.
January 17th, 7:00 pm “Legislative Forecast – Gloomy! Prepare Now”Located at MHMRA Conference Center, 7033 Southwest Freeway, 77074. Presented by Amy Mizcles, Director of Governmental Affairs, The Arc of Texas. For more information, please call 713-957-1600.
January 18th, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., "Standards-Based IEP Process" Region 4 ESC MCC202. Register atwww.theansweris4.net,click on professional development, Session id: 699282. Fee: $35. Registration ends at 12:00 AM Thursday, January 16th, 2012.
January 18th, 9:30 – 11:30 AM “Keeping the Passion, Focusing on the Mission” Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) Office, 2630 Fountain View, Suite 428, Houston, TX 77057. Cost: $40 (includes copy of Jonathan’s book). An invigorating journey that revisits the reasons people are drawn to the world of nonprofits: Passion and Mission. Yet, these two motivations often become obscured by daily minutiae, and can even create competing priorities. Presented by Jonathan Schick. For more information, please call (713) 780-2208 or go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=56ms7ycab&oeidk=a07e5gida3ld6848954&oseq=a01cufsjbqy48
January 19th, 8:45 –11:45 a.m. "Teaching Language to Children: where do we start?" Building G Auditorium, Children's Center for Autism, 4910Airport Avenue Rosenberg, TX 77471. What are mands, tacts and intraverbals? Signs? PECS? Voice output devices? Speaker: BCBA Tyrrell Price. Free. Child care will not be provided during the training unless your child is currently enrolled in the Children's Center for Autism. Please park in the back parking lot and not in front of the Texana Behavioral Healthcare Clinic, Building A. For more information, please contact Ellen Catoe at Ellen.Catoe@texanacenter.comor 281-239-1497.
January 19th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm "The Transition Workgroup for Families and Friends of Children with Disabilities" Located at 6th Floor Open Area, Shriner S Hospital, 6977 Main (Texas Medical Center), Houston TX. The speaker will beBeth Sufian, Attorney with Sufian & Passamano, L.L.P. who will talk about Legal Issues and Transition for Young Adults with Disabilities.Parking is free and pizza provided by Maxim Pediatric Services. Please call to tell us how many in your family will be eating pizza, so we can order enough pizza. Spanish Translation available. For more information, contact: Margaret Hall at 713-743-0608 or at mphall@Central.uh.edu; Olga Guerra at 713-743-5592 or atolguerra@central.uh.edu; Tereza Guzman at 713-743-5592 or atMaria.Guzman@mail.uh.edu .
January 19th, 6:30 – 8:00pm, "Grupo de Transición(para Familias y Amigos con Hijos con discapacitadas)"6th PISO EN EL AREA ABIERTA, HOSPITALES Shriner, 6977 Main (cENTRO MEDICO DE Texas), Houston. Foro de aprendizaje y compartirinformación acerca de programas y servicios que puedan ayudar a jóvenes condiscapacitadas a la transición a la vida adulta. PRESENTADOR:Beth Sufian, Sufian & Passamano, L.L.P.Asiste y aprende sobre los puntos legales que ocurren durante la transición ala edad adulta para personas con necesidadesespeciales. La firma aconseja a individuos y familias a preparatestamentos, fideicomisos (incluyendo un fideicomisode necesidades especiales) y planeación estatal. Estacionamiento esgratis y habrá pizza donada por Servicios Pediátricos Maxim.Favor de llamar para saber cuantos miembros de su familia asistirán para contarcon pizza suficiente. Traducción disponible en español. Para mayor información llamar a: MargaretHall at 713-743-0608 or at mphall@Central.uh.edu; Olga Guerra at713-743-5592 or at olguerra@central.uh.edu; Tereza Guzman at 713-743-5592 orat Maria.Guzman@mail.uh.edu.
January 19th, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. “Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviors” Presented byJennifer Fritz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Assistant Professor of Behavior Analysis. To register, visitdepelchin.org/autismseries. FREE. 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77007. For more information, contact Rachel Halpern, Coordinator for Autism Services, at autism@depelchin.org.
January 20th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm “Developing Your Child's Student Portfolio - Creating Helpful Information for Educators about Your Child's Special Needs in School Settings” MHMRA Conference Center - 7033 Southwest Freeway (Behind MHMRA's main building), Houston TX. In this meeting we will review (step-by-step) the information needed to help create a portfolio that can be understood by professionals working with a child in school. You will learn how to organize the portfolio so that others can understand a child's disability, educational goals, accommodations, modifications and strengths and weaknesses. RSVP by 1/18/2012 at 5:00 to karen@aogh.org or 713-957-1600 Ext. 14. Please provide a contact phone number.
January 21st, 10:00 – 11:30 am, “Using & Understanding Your Procedural Safeguards!” Located at 10928 Grant Road Houston, 77070. LLR presents Bonnie Garza, who will present critical information in understanding how the Procedural Safeguard works for your very special child. She has 24 years in special education and recently completed an additional certification from UT Law School as a Mediator. $25.00 and registration is required. Please RSVP to robin@LHlearningresource.com or 832-478-5555.
January 21st, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm “Smart Start: Student Readiness” Located at the DS Resource Center. Parents often worry about whether their child is ready for kindergarten and wonder how to best prepare. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about local resources and to meet other parents whose children are also preparing to enter kindergarten. Childcare and refreshments provided. Advance registration is required. Email education@dsha.org or call 713-682-7237 to register.
January 21st, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm., “Lunar New Year of the Dragon Celebration”. Located at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Snake your way over to the Museum as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon with ardent activities and fiery performances during our Lunar New YearBash. Design a colorful dragon costume, discover how fireworks get their color, welcome good fortune into your home for this year and much more.
January 23rd, Getting the Public Benefits you Deserve” Located at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Wesley Hall. Presented byJeff Larsen, Staff Attorney, Public Benefits Unit, Lone Star Legal Aid. Are you struggling to access public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and food stamps for yourself or a family member living with mental illness? Are you unsure what programs your family qualifies for? Jeff Larsen, an attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid, will discuss benefits qualifications, application processes and appeals processes for both adults’ and children’s public benefits and respond to audience questions. (www.lonestarlegal.org). We will have handouts available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. For more information call 832-598-2760.
January 25th, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm “The 6th Annual Houston Children’s Summit: New Media, New Messaging for a New Generation”The United Way Houston, 50 Waugh Drive , 77007. Public officials, community leaders, and local and national experts will provide Harris County community members with an update on the status of our children. Summit attendees will delve into how creative tools and new messaging can change the way we think about advocacy and transform our ability to reach our constituents, legislators and ultimately, contribute to our children’s continued success. Marty Kearns, Executive and Rebecca Frank, of Netcentric Campaigns, will be giving keynote presentations focused on enhancing the online reach, creative messaging and advocacy of individuals and nonprofits. Event registration $25 and includes breakfast. Register today
January 25th, 4:30 – 7:30 pm “Texas Behavioral Health System Public Stakeholder Meeting” Located at DePelchin Children's Center (Driving Directions from DePelchin.org) 4950 Memorial Drive Houston , Texas 77007. This meeting will be used by PCG to provide stakeholders with an overview of the engagement and to gather stakeholder input on the current behavioral health system. Stakeholders will be encouraged to provide feedback on topics including, but not limited to, access to services, service delivery models, current service array, and funding for services. Attendees will also have an opportunity to provide input on general strengths and weaknesses of the current behavioral health system and thoughts on the future direction of behavioral health services in Texas. Please register soon, seating is limited. If you have any questions regarding the public stakeholder forums, please contact Joey Longley at jlongley@civicinitiatives.comor Public Consulting Group at txbhstudy@pcgus.com. If you are not able to attend, you can also submit input to the Public Consulting Group at txbhstudy@pcgus.com. People with disabilities or language interpretation needs who wish to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aids or services can contact Janie Villarreal with Texas Department of State Health Services at 512-776-6502 at least 72 hours before the meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made.
January 26th, 7:00 pm “SIDE By SIDE: Our Community Parent Support Team”League City Fire Station #1601 ARTHUR HEWITT FIRE STATION: 601 2nd St League City, TX USA 77573. SIDE BY SIDE welcomes Dorene Philpot as she addresses the issues of Guardianship and school related topics. Please RSVP Renee' at 281-332-9270, e-mail bennett4@prodigy.net or Spanish: Jose' or Ana at 281-338-2576. Light refreshments will be served.
January 27th – Registration Closes for Inclusion Works conference
January 28th, 10:00 –11:30 am "BEND (Building, Engineering -N- Designing) Club" LighthouseLearning & Resource 10928 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070. Bend: A nautical term meaning a knot used to join two ropes or lines - LLR's goal is to join friends in healthy relationships! We offer discrete assistance with the development of social relationships through leisure activities for teens through young adults, ages 16 - 22 (flexibility on the age range). Only requirement is $5.00 fee for snacks and warm bodies willing to venture into establishing new friendships! RSVP required, at robin@learningresource.com or call 832-478-5555.
Jan 31st, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm “Different Abilities, Inc. Day Hab Open House” Located at 301 Wells Fargo Dr. Suite C-7 Houston, TX 77090. Please RSVP for a personalized tour. We will have refreshments and door prizes available. For more information: 281-443-2136 or visit our website www.differentabilitiesinc.org
***********************
Feb 1-4, 2012, “Inclusion Works!” Renaissance Hotel, Austin, TX. Sponsored by Region 20 ESC and the Arc of Texas. Registration Opens Oct. 3rd!! http://www.thearcoftexas.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_inclusion_conference
February 2nd, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm., “6th Annual Financial Empowerment Forum for People with Disabilities”.Located at Metropolitan Multi-Service Center,1475 W. Gray,Houston TX..Expert Panel on Taxes, Banking, Budgeting,Owning your Own Business, Home Ownership, Prevent Identity Theft, Refreshments and Door Prizes and more... Call 713 284 8583 for more info.
February 4th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm “3rd Annual Free! Summer Camp Fair”.Located at 12955 Memorial Drive; Houston, TX 77079. Sponsored by Mikey’s Place and Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Visit with state and local organizations about their summer programs. Take home loads of valuable information on camps, classes, sports & recreational activities and more for people of all ages and disabilities. Purchase your newly updated copy of Mikey’s Guide, 2012 edition. Fun Kid’s Corner included! Questions? For more information, please visit www.mikeysplace.net or call 713-591-1965.
February 4th, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm “3rd Annual Trisomy 21 Conference: Down Syndrome in the 21st Century”Located at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019-5898. Trisomy 21 is a cutting edge conference designed specifically for medical professionals, teachers and parents to provide new insights, address current trends, and answer complex questions related to Down Syndrome. For more information call 281-736-8008 or go to www.fathersjoy.org/t21/ . Registration is at 8:00 am. Prices: Professional: $75; Parent: $25; Student: $15. Each parent/family member who registers a medical or educational professional receives one free parent registration. One $25 parent registration per professional registered, limit 2 free registrations per family. Applies only to professional registrations made by a parent/family member.
February 7th, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., "Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Settings", Region 4 ESC MCC 102. Register atwww.theansweris4.net, click on professional development, Session id: 696714. Fee: $35. Registration ends at 12:00 AM Friday, February 3rd.
February 8th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., "Standards-Based IEPs: Aligning the IEP with the FIE” Region 4 ESC MCC 102. Register atwww.theansweris4.net, click on professional development, Session id: 723275. Fee: $35. Registration ends at 12:00 AM Friday, February 6th.
February 11th, 10:00 a.m. – Noon, Barbara Jordan Outreach Workshops. For more information email endeavors@sbcglobal.net, call 832-487-5848 or log onto www.barbarajordanambassadors.org
February 11th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm “A Very Special Dinner and a Marriage—For Parents of Children with Disabilities”.Cost: $15 per couple.Life is all about your children…Make this Night all about your Marriage! In conjunction with Relationships Ministry, Special Blessings Ministry has coordinated a wonderful evening for parents of children with disabilities. Enjoy dinner as a couple and hear great speakers Brett & Kellie Hurst along with James & Rachel Poysky. Childcare and Dinner will be provided for children with disabilities ages 14 and younger at no cost. If you need Childcare for siblings, our Childcare program will provide care and Dinner to children 10 years of age and younger. The cost is $20 for one sibling, $15 for two siblings and $40 for three or more siblings. Register Online - Registration closes on February 8th. Questions? Contact Karen Lopes at (713)490-9265 or klopes@mdpc.org
February 15th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., "Auditory Impairment 101: Serving Students with Auditory Impairment in an Inclusive Setting” Region 4 ESC MCC 202. Register atwww.theansweris4.net, click on professional development, Session id: 727572. Fee: $35. Registration ends at 12:00 AM Friday, February 10th, 2012.
February 15th & 16th, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., "C.I.R.C.L.E.: Two Day Preschool Early Language & Literacy Training” Region 4 ESC MCC 203. Register atwww.theansweris4.net, click on professional development, Session id: 729175. Fee: $170. Registration ends at 12:00 AM Tuesday, February 14th, 2012.
February 16th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm “Explanation of the STAAR Assessment Program” Located at MHMRA Conference Center - 7033 Southwest Freeway (Behind MHMRA's main building), Houston TX. RSVP by February 14th at 5:00 pm at karen@aogh.org. Please include your contact phone number.
February 16th, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. “Increasing Functional Communication”.Presented by Amanda Sitomer, MS, BCBA, Program Manager, ABA-SkIP. To register, visitdepelchin.org/autismseries. FREE. 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77007. For more information, contact Rachel Halpern, Coordinator for Autism Services, at autism@depelchin.org
February 16th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. “Learning Rx Autism Resource Fair”.Congregation Brith Shalom, 4610 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, 77401. Guest speakers are Amy and Phil Parham, stars of the TV show, "The Biggest Loser". The Parham's will speak about their journey with their son who has autism. A variety of schools and centers who work with children on the spectrum will be present to give out information about the services they offer. Contact Julie Pomerantz at 713-839-8885 with any questions.
February 17-18, “Strive and Thrive with ADHD 24th Annual Conference”, Omni West Houston. http://www.adda-sr.org/updates.htm
February 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., "Autism for the General Education Teacher” Region 4 ESC MCC 201. Register atwww.theansweris4.net, click on professional development, Session id: 726393. Fee: $35. Registration ends at 12:00 AM Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
February 20-22, Texas Transition Conference, Renaissance Hotel at Austin, TX. Forty stipends are availablefor parents to attend the Texas Transition Conference. Each family can get up to two; however, if a family receives two, one must be for a youth to attend. Youth who are approximately Transition Age 14 & up will be given first priority. The stipend pays the registration fee, along with $100 each for lodging if the individual lives 50 miles out or further. Additionally, after stipends run out, parents can register for the conference for $120.00 instead of the$195.00. The parent stipend application is now available and posted on the following the Texas A&M website: http://ttc.tamu.edu/ . For more information, contact Carla Johnson at 817-740-3614(office) or at 817-740-7684(fax).
February 26-28th; Texas Advanced Leadership and Advocacy Conference (TALAC)is an annual conference providing leadership and advocacy training to adults with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities and professionals working in the disability field. Embassy Suites, Austin. For more information and to register: http://talac.tamu.edu/
February 28th, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. “Special Education Clinic”. Hosted by Disability Rights Texas. United Way Bldg, 50 Waugh Dr., Houston, TX 77007 Clinic consists of two parts – A training for parents that includes a brief overview of IDEA, followed by an opportunity to meet with an attorney and/or advocate. To Register, call Debbie Koopman 832-681-8204 or email dkoopmann@disabilityrightstx.org
***********************
Upcoming Conferences March 3rd, 8:00 am – 4:15 pm “7th Annual Special Education Parent Conference and Resource Fair”.Sponsored by Family to Family Network and KISD Special Education Department. Located at Cinco Ranch High School (KISD) 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, Texas 77494. For a detailed listing of sessions offered, please refer to the conference brochure. There will be four, 75 minute sessions throughout the day. Parents and Teens must pre-register for the conference as most sessions will be limited to approx. 25-30 people. Sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registration is from January 15th to February 25th. NOTE: You can only register ONE person per Computer. If you need to register additional people, please call the office and they will help you. Pre-registration Cost: All Jr. High/High School Students/Young Adults/Family Members/Katy ISD Teachers/Paras – Free; All Professionals outside Katy ISD - $20. Walk-in registration is $20 for ALL.
March 2nd – 4th, “2012 Camp For All Weekend Retreat”. Our 8th Annual Camp for All Weekend is getting closer. This is a family camp, so children will need to attend with a supervising adult. This is fun for the entire family. The cost is $120/person for 2 nights, which includes lodging, meals, and activities. You can also choose to come for just 1 night. CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE FREE. If you would like to come just for the day the cost is $45 per person for meals and activities. Children 2 and under are free (you will need to bring food, and a portable bed). Accommodations at the camp are cabins divided by gender (i.e.: all individual staying in each cabin will be of the same gender). Each cabin has up to 14 beds and shower facilities. A child under the age of 6 may stay with a parent of the opposite gender. Our space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Visit CFA’s website (www.campforall.org) for an overview of the facilities. Please mail in your reservation form by February 17th to DSAH, Attn: Ana Dunkel, 7015 W. Tidwell, Suite #108, Houston, TX 77092. For more information, contact Ana Dunkel (anadunkel @yahoo.com) or Laura Thomas (laurat58@gmail.com)
March 5-6th, 8:00 am – 3:30pm "School Success & Behavioral Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders" Located at 2000 E. Spring Parkway, Plano, TX 75074. Sponsored by Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. Conference Fees (Early Bird valid through January 23rd):2 Day Package: Early Bird - $180, Regular - $215; 1 Day Package: Early Bird -$130, Regular $145. CEUs are available for this conference. For more information: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/plano.html
March 26-27th, 8:00 am – 3:30pm "School Success & Behavioral Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders" Located at University of Houston, University Center – Houston Room, 4800 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004. Sponsored by Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. Conference Fees (Early Bird valid through January 23rd):2 Day Package: Early Bird - $180, Regular - $215; 1 Day Package: Early Bird -$130, Regular $145. CEUs are available for this conference. For more information: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/houston.html .
March 29-30, 2012 Annual TAERConference, Back to Back with Texas Focus. Omni West , Houston. http://www.txaer.org (Texas Association of Education & Rehabilitation of Blind &Visually Impaired)
April 26-7th “Brian Iwata: Functional Analysis and Treatment of Severe Problem Behavior”. Located at Houston Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel, 16011 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094. Professional Courtesy Price Extended by The Learning Lane. Sign up by APRIL 15TH for the very special rate of $100. AFTER APRIL15 $300 Regular Registration Fee. Click here for updated registration form.
Become a Fan of Family to Family Network on http://www.facebook.com to ensure you stay up to date on Family To Family Network events. RSVP online for Events.
Weekly Programs
Respite Program – HARC: Friday Nights: Katy -St Peter's United Methodist Church, Houston - Down Syndrome Association of Houston, Bellaire – Gethsemane United Methodist Church. Fun for kids and adults with disabilities and a NIGHT OUT for parents. HARC is a respite program for individuals with ALL types of disabilities. Bring your own snacks and drinks. For reservations or questions, please contact: Cathleen Wilt,cwilt@eastersealshouston.org or (713)838-9050 x 369. Reservations must be made by email or phone. All families must have a current application completed for each person attending. Times and age groups differ for each location. Check out http://www.eastersealshouston.org for more information.
"Mother's Share Group" Thursdays, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM beginning September1st following the KISD schedule; at St. Peter's United Methodist Church , 20775Kingsland Blvd , Katy , TX 77450 in Room E221 (upstairs). Everyone in the community is welcome. A valuable outreach for stay-at home parents. We offer a supportive network of moms, interesting and informative speakers relevant to parenting and family life, creative crafts, service projects, and the opportunity to make wonderful friends with others in the Katy area. For more information or to confirm childcare, please contact St. Peter's UMC at(281) 492-8031 or www.stpkaty.org.
The River Spring 2012 Saturday Morning Program begins Saturday,January 21st, 2011 @ The River Performing and Visual Arts Center, An Affiliate of Theatre Under The Stars, located at1475 West Gray, between Dunlavy and Waugh, in Houston, Texas 77019.Hourly arts classes are conducted between 9:30and 12:30pm in visual art, dance, acting, and music. The end of semester recital on Saturday, March 31st, 2011will center on the musicals Annie, Oliver, and Newsies. The River provides accessible, affordable arts education for special children, ages 3 -19, who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are economically disadvantaged. Siblings are welcome. Financial assistance is available. Registration and financial aid applications are available at TUTS.COM/RIVER.Contact us at 713.520.1220 oreducation@tuts.com for more information.
Jan 14th – May 19th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm “Saturday Morning Bowling League” Bowlers will earn trophies. Weekly cost is $10. An additional mandatory one-time trophy fee of $15 must be paid by the third week of participation. If enough bowlers sign up, we will split the participants into two leagues based on skill level – a “Pins and Grins” league for younger or less experienced bowlers, and a “Strikes and Spares” league for older, more experienced youth. The number of bowlers on each team will be decided. These will be handicap leagues, enabling youth bowlers of all skill levels to be competitive. The league will not bowl March 10 (Spring Break). Leagues are open to all youth eligible for USBC Youth Membership (must not have reached 20 years of age or older as of July 31, 2011). The program is administered by Edward Calcote (“Coach Ed”), a USBC Bronze-Certified Coach with more than ten years of league coaching experience. To participate in these leagues, ALL bowlers must purchase a USBC Youth membership. Cost of the membership for the 2011/12 season is $17, payable by the third league session. One membership fee covers all youth leagues in which the bowler participates through Summer 2012, as well as allowing the bowler to participate in USBC-certified tournaments. All members will receive a USBC Youth logo t-shirt.
Jan 23rd – May 21st, “Monday Scholarship League” Bowlers in this league will earn scholarships that can be used to help defray the expenses generally associated with college, vocational and technical education programs. Scholarship funds earned will be held in the USBC SMART program until requested by the bowler to cover qualifying expenses. The fee to participate in this league is $14 per week, a portion of which will be used to pay scholarship awards. The Scholarship League is a handicap league, enabling youth bowlers of all skill levels to be competitive. Teams will consist of four members. The league will not bowl on March 12 (Spring Break). Leagues are open to all youth eligible for USBC Youth Membership (must not have reached 20 years of age or older as of July 31, 2011). The program is administered by Edward Calcote (“Coach Ed”), a USBC Bronze-Certified Coach with more than ten years of league coaching experience. To participate in these leagues, ALL bowlers must purchase a USBC Youth membership. Cost of the membership for the 2011/12 season is $17, payable by the third league session. One membership fee covers all youth leagues in which the bowler participates through Summer 2012, as well as allowing the bowler to participate in USBC-certified tournaments. All members will receive a USBC Youth logo t-shirt.
On-Going Training Opportunities-Houston Center for Independent Living
Computer Access Training Program- Learn about computers and software so you're not left behind on the information technology superhighway. Classes are Mon - Fri; 8 am - 12 noon at Houston Center For Independent Living, 6201 Bonhomme Rd, Suite 150 South, Houston, TX 77036. Pre-registration Required. 713-974-4621 Assistive Technology Computer Demonstration Tour- Come to HCIL and try out various technologies. See demonstrations, try-out, learn and practice on some of today's most "User Friendly" computer access equipment. Mon - Fri, 8 am - 12 noon at Houston Center For Independent Living, 6201Bonhomme Rd, Suite 150 South, Houston, TX 77036. No appointment necessary. 713-974-4621 Thursdays: 10 - 11:30 am; Consumer Orientation to HCIL services. Learn how to advocate for yourself. Houston Center for Independent Living, 6201 Bonhomme Rd, Suite 150 South, Houston, TX 77036. No appointment necessary. 713-974-4621
Monthly Meetings
Autism Support Groups: 1st Saturday of each month, 10 a .m. –12 p.m.: "Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County". Lost Creek Park, various parks in Fort Bend County. RSVP required. Susan Garczynski. susan@susangar.comor call281-726-2665.Locations vary so call for more information. NO playgroup in July. 3rd Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. North Houston Autism Play Group: For children ages 1-12, including their families. This group will provide social opportunities for children with Autism & their families. This event is free but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Janet Cooper at janscooper@sbcglobal.netor at 713 - 962-0474. Please Call or Email beforehand to verify Date/Time 3rd Tuesday of month, 7 pm, Katy Autism Support, St Peters United Methodist Church, Asbury Hall, 20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77450. For more information, contact catherineautism@sbcglobal.net Autistic Self Advocacy Network– Houston Chapter forming now. ASAN chapters aim to bring Autistic individuals together to share ideas, give advice and support, and to create a learning environment for self-advocacy. Please note that ASAN meetings are run*by* and *for*Autistic people. For more information: www.asan.org or contact Shaun Bickley shaun@asanhouston.org or832-366-6767.
Monthly Down Syndrome Community Groups: Please email respective locations to verify meeting place and time: Baytown Community Group – Third Saturdays 10 am -12 & Fourth Monday Moms Coffee Night Outs, Baytown@dsah.org Katy Community Group – Second Wednesday 9-11 am and Third Sat. 9-11 am The Bagel Cafe Katy@dsah.org Pearland Community Group – Pearland@dsah.org Spring Community Group – Spring@dsah.org D.A.D.S.(Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) – Group for dads. dads@dsah.org
Monthly ADDA-SRMeetings Visit the ADDA-SR Website. It is recommended that you call before attending any meetings. Occasionally, meetings are moved to another date to accommodate holidays. Many chapters do not meet in June, July, August and December.
Bay Area ADHD Support Group, 1st Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 pm, Southwest Counseling Services, 1725 East Main, League City. For more information contact: Larna Loeckle, 281-332-3300, lloeckle@verizon.net Central ADHD Support Group, 1stTuesday,7:00–9:00 pm. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Room 215, 5308Buffalo Speedway. For more information contact: Caroline Hassell, ADDA-SR-CentralHou@sbcglobal.net ,281-686-4191,or Marian Bryant, 713-664-7871, marianbryant@sbcglobal.net Katy ADHD Support Group, 2nd Sunday,6:30-8:30 pm; St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 20775Kingsland Blvd., RoomS201. For more information contact: Laura Peddicord, 281-392-6064, laurapeddicord@comcast.net Kingwood/Humble/Atascocita ADHD Support Group, One Thursday each month, 7 pm., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills Dr. For more information contact: Susan MacHugh, 281-812-3182, MrsQ123@aol.com Northwest Houston ADHD Support Group, 2nd Tuesday, 7:00–8:30 pm, Foundry United Methodist Church, 8350 Jones Road, Bell Choir Room. For more information contact: Liz Jarvis at 281-955-2518
Miscellaneous Monthly Meetings:
1st Tuesday of Every Month, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm., "Families CAN Support Group". Meeting held at the Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church (2353 Rice Blvd). For more information, call 713-743-5435 or 713-743-5592.
Last Tuesday of the month - El Grupo de Apoyo meets at the Latino Learning Center,3522 Polk St., Houston, TX 77003. More information: Tino Lopez713-921-3036
2nd Saturday of each month, (November 12th, December 10th,January 14th, February 11th, March 10th, April14th, May 12th) 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. "Barbara Jordan Ability Outreach Workshops" For more information call 832-487-5848 or 832-475- 5848 or email at endeavors@sbcglobal.net. Visit the website at www.barbarajordanambassadors.org .
3rd Mondays, year round, 7:00-9:00 pm, "Houston ADDults" Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Room D 216, Michael Watson, 713-203-1508, addults.group.leader@gmail.com.We strongly recommend that you call before attending any meetings. Occasionally, meetings are moved to another date to accommodate holidays.
3rd Thursday (Every other month), 6:30 – 8:30 pm, The Transition Workgroup by Families CAN Program of UH Parent Education Project. A forum for sharing information about programs and services that can assist youth with disabilities transition into adult life. 6th Floor, Shriners Hospital,6977 Main St., Houston. Free Pizza, but you need to call so they order enough. Spanish translation available. For more information and to RSVP: 713-743-0608 or email MPHALL@UH.EDU.
3rd Saturday of each month, 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. Bear Hugs Support Group –Humble/Kingwood/Atascocita/Porter areas: Meetings are held at Octavia Fields Branch Library (next to the Humble Civic Center) 1503 South Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338. To get more information about a specific monthly meeting or events, and confirm the time and place of the meeting, contact Susie Palacios at 281-541-6201 or jesusa.palacios@yahoo.com
3rd Thursday of every odd month, 6:30 pm "Transition Workgroup: Another Service For You". Located at Shriner's Hospital, 6977 Main St., 6th floor Cafeteria area (just past intersection of Main & Holcombe). Park in their FREE covered parking garage. . The Transition Workgroup is an informational program created to help parents deal with all the areas related to the transition of their teens to adulthood and adult services. Pizza and drinks are provided thanks to Maxim Pediatric Services! Note: If you do not get a chance to RSVP, come anyway; we may still have enough pizza! For more information or to be added to the Transition Workgroup email list, contact: Margaret Hall, Transition Workgroup Coordinator at 713-743-0608/ mphall@central.uh.edu,or call Teresa Guzman or Olga Guerra: 713-743-5592.
4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Parents Supporting Parents – The Woodlands: Meetings are held at 523Joshua Lee Lane, Spring, TX 77386. To get more information about a specific monthly meeting, and confirm the time and place of the meeting, contact Barbara Knighton at 832-364-6992 or jsk01@hometech-e.com.
4th Thursday of even numbered months (August 25th,October 27th),9:00 –10:30 a.m. "Morning Tea Seminar" meets at AAFS Training Room,9440Bellaire Blvd. Registration/Check-in at 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. If you wish to RSVP or would like more information, please contact Zeb Mamsa by rsvp@aafstexas.org or bycalling713-600-9400 ext. 127.
Last Friday of each Month(except Holiday weekends) (July 29th, August 26th,September30th, October 28th, November 18th,December 16th),Noon – 1:00 pm – Houston Area Partnership for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Parent Support Group. Bring your lunch. Meeting at Council on Alcohol and Drugs, 303 Jackson Hill, Houston,77007. No Childcare. For more information: Grier Patton at grier.patton@gmail.com
Asian American Family Services: Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities. http://www.aafstexas.org/ For more information, contact Anne Jeong at 713.339.3688 or email: anne.jeong@aafstexas.org
Guide by Your Side: The Educational Resource Center on Deafness (ERCOD) has partnered with TX Hands & Voices to bring the Guide By Your Side program to Texas. Guide By Your Side is a model family support program that embodies the mission of Hands & Voices, which is to provide unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are currently hiring Parent Guide positions throughout the state. A Parent Guide must be a parent/guardian of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. The Guide will undergo specialized training in order to provide support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact Debbie Kopp atgbys.ercod@tsd.state.tx.us . For recruitment flyer, job description and application, go to http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/outreach/family_parent_involvement/training_events.html
Dynavox:
1st Tuesday of Every Month 9am – 11am: DynaVox Communication Device Training– Free. Presenter: Tara Tarwater. The Woodland Library, Montgomery County Library South, Upstairs Meeting Room, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380.936-442-7727. Register online: http://www.dynavoxt ech.com/training/onlocation/ 2ndThursday of every month, 6:30 – 8:30 pm: DynaVox Communication DeviceFree Training. Presenter: Marlena Nel. United Cerebral Palsy, 4500 Bissonnet, Suite 340, Bellaire, TX 77401. Contact: Tasha Shoffner (713) 838-9050 X320. Register online: http://www.dynavoxt ech.com/training/onlocation/.
NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM
A series of 12 weekly classes structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. Registration Required. Classes limited to 20 persons.www.namimetrohouston.org or713-970-4419.
WEST HOUSTON NAMI MONTHLY PROGRAMS: Third Monday of the month, 7:15 – 9:00 p.m. Public meeting for families coping with mental illness. Expert speakers provide helpful information including medications, caregiver tips and legal issues. Location: Memorial Drive Methodist Church, Wesley Hall, 12955 Memorial Drive. www.namiwesthouston.org Family Member Support Groups For those who have a family member with a diagnosis of mental illness. First & third Sunday of each month,4:00-5:30 p.m., at St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd.,Room S201, Katy. Contact Pat or Leon Alderfer, 713-467-3764, for more information. For family members of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis. Second & Fourth Sunday of each month,2:30-4:00 p.m., at Pines Presbyterian Church in Room B, 12751 Kimberley (Town& Country Village area), across from Bendwood Elementary School. Enter the building at back entrance. Contact Vi Napolitano, 281-893-2493, for more information. For family members of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis. Second & Fourth Sunday of each month, 2:30-4:00 p.m., at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955Memorial Drive, Room D126, Contact Wendy Cadmus, 713-252-8549, for more information. For parents and direct caregivers of children and adolescents with a mental illness diagnosis. El Segundo y quarto martes de cadames, 7:00-8:30 p.m.,Comunidad Catolica St. Cecilia, 11720 Joan Of Arc, #202, Houston. Contacto Dora Pozzi, 713-772-5688. Espanol. Second & Fourth Sunday of each month,2:30-4:00 p.m., at Bridge Point Bible Church, 13277 Katy Freeway, Houston in the Music Suite. Contact Pat or Leon Alderfer, 713-467-3764, for more information. A faith-based group for family members of an adult with a mental illness diagnosis. Last Wednesday of each month,10:00-11:30 a.m., at St.Cecilia Catholic Community, CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Consumer Support Groups
For individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness interested in working toward recovery. NAMI Connection is a unique support group for anyone with a serious mental illness who is interested in maintaining their wellness and recovery. These groups provide a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. These groups are led by trained mentors who are living with a mental illness. For information please contact Thomas Brink at 713-320-8023 Second & Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay St, Houston, TX 77024 (near I-10, between Memorial and Piney Point on Greenbay), Room 104. Go through the double doors under the outside stairs in the back. Immediately turn left through the doors and down the hall to the end. Contact Thomas Brink, 713-320-8023, for more information. First & Third Saturday of each month, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. Houston Council on Drugs and Alcohol; 303 Jackson Hill Street, Houston 77007 South of Washington Street on Jackson Hill. Ask the watchman for the room number.
Education Courses
NAMI West Houston offers a variety of free small-group classes for family members and those with mental illness to help them understand and cope with these brain disorders. Classes are taught by trained volunteers who are themselves graduates of the class, so you know they have been where you are now. All courses are FREE. Pre-registration is required. Family-to-Family The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week (2½ hours per week) course for families with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). This series of 12 weekly classes is structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. Contact Vi Napolitano,(281) 893-2493, philnapolitano@yahoo.com or Fanny Acosta (281) 221-8254 for the next available class. NAMI Basics NAMI Basics is a free education class for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents with a brain disorder. This includes ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar, obsessive compulsive, schizoaffective and schizophrenia. The class is taught by your peers, parents and caregivers who have a child with a brain disorder. In the class you will gain an understanding of the different disorders, learn essential communication skills, discover how to create and maintain essential documentation, learn how to deal effectively with the schools and more. Contact Robert Steed, 281-463 7448or rs_steed@hotmail.com for the next available class.
Additional Resources and Information
Social Motion Skills is registering for Spring 2012 social skills classes (Afterschool meetings: Drama, Fitness, Robotics, Community Service, Community Outings, Learning Lab, Pizza and Movie Nights, Driver’s Ed at Your Speed). To register, go to http://www.socialmotionskills.org/classes/registration. 713-461-7200
Social Skills Playhouse Social Skills classes Winter 2012 January 16th – March 8th. Locations: (Cy Fair: Lighthouse Learning and Resource, 10928 Grant Rd. Houston, TX 77070) (Spring Branch: Clay Road Family YMCA, 10655 Clay Rd. Houston, TX 77041) (The Woodlands: Cunae International School, 5655 Creekside Forest Dr. The Woodlands TX 77389) (Huntsville: 2760 Montgomery Road, Huntsville, TX 77340) (Conroe: Conroe Bible Church, 4491 I 45 N Conroe TX 77304) (Tomball: The JOY Ministry, Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Pkway, Tomball TX 77375). $500 tuition www.socialskillsplayhouse.com Erin Webb Founder/Director 713-838-5222 erinwebb8@gmail.com
Lighthouse Learning & Resource Beginning the second week in January,2012, will begin tutoring in handwriting and math ~ either one-on-one or small group sessions. Assessments, IEPs, and concerns will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate approach for tutoring your child. Certified teachers will address your child's specific learning needs. Reading tutoring through the Family Literacy Network is always ongoing at LLR. Visit our website for upcoming dates and times. www.LHlearningresource.comLighthouse Learning & Resource 10928 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 ~ 832-478-5555
Special Needs Apps for Kids (SNApps4kids.com) is a community website to support Parents, Teachers, Therapists and Doctors who want to use technology like the Apple iPad TM to help special needs and typical children of all ages and abilities to learn, grow and develop. Call (713) 838-9050 for more information.
Driver's Ed Training for Individuals with ASD/ADHD Social Motion Skills and Houston's Safeway Driving Centers have combined their expertise to offer a comprehensive driver's education program specifically designed for high functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD. Safeway's state authorized driving curriculum has been approved and adapted by Social Motion Skills' education experts to bring ASD/ADHD families the most comprehensive driving program in the country. The result is "Driver's Edat Your Speed". Full information is available at www.socialmotionskills.org
Regular and A+ Dance Classes (Focused on helping those with disabilities) beginning August 22nd. Located at Studio of Dance, 12751 Shiloh Church Rd, Houston, 77066 in NW Houston. Highly trained, experienced teachers. More info www.studioofdance.net or281-320-1120.
Autism Study- Ann Liesen, Doctoral Candidate at Oakland University in the School of Education, Department of Counseling is conducting a dissertation study examining the relationship between parent's perceived stress and quality of life satisfaction when raising a child with ASD. She is also exploring coping and social support conditions that influence this relationship. If you are a parent raising a child with autism spectrum disorder between the age of birth-21 years in your family home at least 50% of the time, she welcomes your participation. The survey should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. To participate simply click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AutismParentResearch
Policy and Disclaimer: It is the desire of Family to Family Network to share information and items that may be of interest to our email list subscribers. These items are not necessarily endorsed by Family to Family Network or our funders.
Organizations wishing to publicize events in the monthly digest may submit a brief description and contact information to info@familytofamilynetwork.org by the 15th of the month prior to the month that the event will take place (i.e. by January 15th for a February event, etc.). If you would like to be removed from this email list, please reply to info@familytofamilynetwork.org. |
| Last Updated on Sunday, 15 January 2012 10:40 |