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June 2022 E-Newsletter

Welcome New Staff | Summer Parent Groups | Covid Vaccines for Children Under 5 | Partners in Policymaking
June
2022
E-Newsletter
Resources, information, and other parents who understand what you are going through.
Welcome Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator, Brainerd Lakes Area

We are excited to welcome Amanda to Family Voices of MN. Amanda is offering parent groups in the Brainerd Lakes Area of MN.
Amanda lives with her husband and three young children. Her oldest child is 4 years old and has global developmental delays and hypotonia but the family is still searching for a diagnosis. Amanda has experience accessing specialty medical care and therapies for her children. She grew up in a rural community in central Minnesota as the youngest of four children, one of which lives with Downs Syndrome. She has a lot of stories she could tell you about growing up with a brother with some extra needs. Little did she know that her big brother was preparing her for where her life would lead her.

Seeing all the struggles her daughter has had to endure in her short life so far Amanda has become fiercely passionate about advocating for her daughter. Amanda is excited to help others to do the same for their families.
Parent Groups Are Still Meeting This Summer

Life can be busy in the MN summer as we soak up all the warmth we can. For families raising children with disabilities, this season has its own challenges and celebrations. Fill your own cup by connecting with other parents and family members in a parent-like role who get it. Join a parent group that works for you.
What is the CONNECTED Program?
The Family Voices of MN CONNECTED Parent to Parent Network is made up of more than 200 Minnesota parents who are raising children with disabilities and/or special health care needs.

Our Volunteer Support Parents (VSPs) represent multiple diverse communities throughout MN. Despite challenges of their own, they volunteer to offer quality support to other parents so that no one has to feel alone.
 
As the state alliance member of Parent to Parent USA, we provide our volunteers with training and offer family support using research-based best practices.

If you or someone you know would like to join our parent network and attend our next support parent training please email Program Manager, Terri Boettcher at terri@familyvoicesmn.org
Covid-19 Vaccines Approved for Children Ages 6 Months and Up
“On June 18, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave final approval for kids 6 months and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in preventing and lessening severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization for kids in this age group.”
There’s Still Time to Apply!
Partners in Policymaking is a program designed to empower both individuals with disabilities and parents of those with developmental disabilities to use their voices. Throughout the training, participants acquire valuable resources, connect with and learn from different speakers, and build skills that allow them to pursue their dreams and create positive change within their communities.
Are you a person with a disability, or do you have a child with a developmental disability?

If so, join us for the 2022-2023 Partners in Policy program! Class 40 is now accepting applications, open to all Minnesota residents with disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities.