Events & Calendar

	December 2022
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1 Early Childhood Parent Group Early Childhood Parent Group December 1, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Register:   https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErc-CuqjMuHtK38xzfgPqwXYRnbwl0HTXt This virtual support group is for parents who have a child aged birth to 3 years with special health care needs. We welcome parents raising NICU graduates, kiddos with developmental or speech delays, genetic conditions, extra medical needs and more.  Host: Kaylie Schmidt. Kaylie is mom to 3 children ages 12, 7 and almost 2 years old with multiple diagnoses. She has experience in the NICU as a registered nurse. Kaylie understands the need for community as we walk this journey of raising children with complex needs. See more details •	2	3
4	5	6 MNLEND Info Session MNLEND Info Session December 6, 2022  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm REGISTER HERE Erika Lamboglia, MSW, parent and Acting MNLEND Program Staff, will provide an overview of the MNLEND Program and application process. MNLEND stands for Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities. MNLEND is an interdisciplinary leadership training program spanning more than 16 disciplines across the University of Minnesota. Fellowship positions are open for pre and post doctoral students as well as community based fellows. Please join us to learn more about this opportunity to develop as leaders in the disability field. See more details •	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14 Second Weds Virtual Parent Group Second Weds Virtual Parent Group December 14, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Register by emailing the hosts Kaylie Schmidt, Parent Support Navigator at kaylie@familyvoicesmn.org or Kelly Korpela, Parent Support Navigator at kelly@familyvoicesmn.org Please join us for our monthly Virtual Support Group from the comfort of your own home! As parents of children with special healthcare needs, we understand how busy and chaotic life can get. We also understand how easy it is to feel isolated, alone, and unsure. Our Virtual Support Group allows parents and caregivers across Minnesota to connect in a safe and supportive atmosphere to discuss the joys and challenges of raising a child with special healthcare needs. We share information, resources, and laughter! If you have a particular topic you would like to discuss, please email Kelly or Kaylie and we will be sure to get it added to the agenda! See more details •	15 Third Thursday Parent Group Third Thursday Parent Group December 15, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Please send an email to jamie@familyvoicesmn.org for a link to join If you are new to Family Voices of MN please fill out this initial registration form to join the Third Thursday Group. Virtual meetings are open to any parent of a child with special health needs / disabilities anywhere in MN. Register for login information. Hosted by Jamie O'Conner, Outreach Coordinator for Family Voices of MN and mom to two kiddos. Her daughter was born with a rare genetic condition. As a parent, Jamie has experience navigating healthcare and education systems, divorce and single parenting, a move to MN from out of state and the general hectic world of parenting. The vision of this group is to offer a safe and sacred space of sharing the emotional journey of parenting a child who has special health care needs or a disability. See more details •	16	17 Brainerd Lakes Area Sensory Saturday Brainerd Lakes Area Sensory Saturday December 17, 2022  10:00 am - 1:00 pm WonderTrek Children’s Museum, 1001 Kingwood St, Brainerd, MN 56401, USA Send rsvp's to amanda@familyvoicesmn.org Brainerd Lakes Area families who are raising children with disabilities / special needs- Lets get together in a safe and warm place indoors to socialize and build connections while our littles play, explore and make new friends. Siblings are most welcome and encouraged to come and make connections as well! All ages welcome! Stay the whole time or drop in according to your schedule. A light lunch will be provided and will serve from noon-1:00 if you'd like to bring a side to share please feel free to do so, but it is certainly not required. Headcounts will help me plan and set up. Please try to RSVP if you plan to attend. I cannot wait to meet you all in person! ~Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator, Brainerd Lakes Area  See more details •
18	19	20	21 The Dad Joke Experience! The Dad Joke Experience! December 21, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm If you’re a Dad or serve in a Dad-like role to a kid with intellectual or developmental disabilities, come to The Dad Joke Meetup! Recognizing that Dads have a particular POV, this will be a place we can hang out and seek and share strategies on parenting kids who have extra needs. "Are we going to talk about other stuff? Sports? Home improvement ideas? Best places to take your kids?" Well...yeah...cause that's what Dad's do. The group will be hosted by Joel Liestman, Parent Group Facilitator with Family Voices of Minnesota and the dad to a 11 year-old son with a rare genetic condition called Williams syndrome. To register, please email him at joel@familyvoicesmn.org See more details •	22	23	24
25	26	27 Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) December 27, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Register Now We are a supportive group of parents and caregivers of children with extra needs who will be connecting both virtually and in-person to share ideas, resources and a listening ear. Join others from the Brainerd Lakes Area in a safe and welcoming atmosphere where you will be amongst friends. The vision of this group is to connect with other caregivers in our area and offer a safe space of sharing the emotional journey of parenting a child who has special health care needs or a disability. Parent Host: Amanda Travers– Parent Group Facilitator, Family Voices of Minnesota, Amanda is a mom to 3 kids, ages 4 years, 19 months and 1 month. Her oldest daughter is medically complex, with no official diagnosis, but symptoms which include global developmental delay, hypotonia, and hip dysplasia. She is also non-verbal and non-ambulatory, and uses a g-tube to help with nutrition. Amanda’s 19-month-old son has shown some signs of speech delay and is currently receiving speech services. See more details •	28	29	30	31