Events & Calendar

	August 2022
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7	8	9 Second Weds Virtual Parent Group Second Weds Virtual Parent Group August 9, 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 •	10	11	12	13
14	15 Annandale Area Special Needs Parenting Connections 2022 Picnics in the Park Annandale Area Special Needs Parenting Connections 2022 Picnics in the Park August 15, 2022  11:30 am - 1:00 pm Annandale Municipal Park, 300 Oak Ave N, Annandale, MN 55302, USA Meeting near the playground Join other caregiversand children for some fun activities, crafts and games at the park. Pack thekids a lunch and have a picnic together with other families in the community.Bring a swimsuit and towel along and head to the beach afterwards. No need toregister. All are welcome.  **In case of inclement weatherwill reschedule – join the FB group: Annandale Area Special Needs ParentingConnections or RSVP to Kelly@familyvoicesmn.org for information and updates**  These FREE activities are organized with thehelp of the non-profit organization Family Voices of Minnesota organized andhosted by parents in the Annandale area. All are welcome, please join us!  See more details •	16	17 The Dad Joke Meetup! The Dad Joke Meetup! August 17, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Family Voices of Minnesota has a group where dads and caregivers in a dad-like role of kids with disabilities and extra needs can be...well, Dads. 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, Family Support Navigator with Family Voices of Minnesota and the dad to a 10 year old son with a rare genetic condition called Williams syndrome. Drop him a line at joel@familyvoicesmn.org or register here. See more details •	18 Third Thursday Parent Group Third Thursday Parent Group August 18, 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 •	19	20
21	22	23 Webinar: Toolbox for Back To School Webinar: Toolbox for Back To School August 23, 2022  1:00 pm - 2:00 pm REGISTER TO ATTEND Learn to Use the Charting the LifeCourse Trajectory Tool and other tools you can use to take charge of back to school for your child with a disability. Back to School can be an emotional, challenging and even scary time for families raising children with disabilities. Join other parents to talk about some practical ways to get prepared so you can feel less anxious and have more confidence in asserting your right to be a part of your child’s educational team. After all, no one knows your child better. In this webinar we will cover three available tools and a variety of tips to plan, set goals, communicate and prepare school staff to educate and care for your child. Talk with parents who use these tools for their own children and think creatively with us about how to stay prepared and involved. See more details Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) August 23, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm REGISTER TO ATTEND 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 • •	24	25 Early Childhood Parent Group Early Childhood Parent Group August 25, 2022  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Email to register: kaylie@familyvoicesmn.org 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 •	26	27
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