Parent Groups

One in Five Minnesota families with children has a child with a disability or chronic health condition. We do not have to feel alone. Join one of our virtual or in-person parent groups below. Click on the calendar event for information on how to register and join. For general information about our parent groups and other events email connected@familyvoicesmn.org

Parent & Community Group Calendars

	February 2023
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3	4 Kid-Friendly Crafting Event- Watkins MN Kid-Friendly Crafting Event- Watkins MN February 4, 2023 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Backyard Garden Crafts / Creations, 310 Central Ave N, Watkins, MN 55389, USA RSVP Required by 1/27/23 Grab thekids and join us at Backyard Garden Crafts to paint a name sign or signs together.We’ll have the shop to ourselves in a family friendly atmosphere. Water &snacks provided. Feel free to bring your own snack or beverage as well. Signs are$20 each and Family Voices of Minnesota will pay $10 per family towards thecost. Signs can becustomized in just about any theme/subject Informationneeded: 1) Name or nickname – Mama Bear, PapaBear, 2) Theme – sports, interests- trains,books, animals or design 3) Color if you would like thecircle/background painted ahead of time Pleaseemail: Kelly@familyvoicesmn.org with the above information byJanuary 27th There willalso be other projects on hand to paint. See more details •
5	6	7	8 Second Weds Virtual Parent Group Second Weds Virtual Parent Group February 8, 2023 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm This registration form is for anyone NEW to our group. https://forms.gle/himbFuJNkD79sseJ9 If you have already registered and/or attended in the past you should be getting emails with the link to join each month. Questions? Email kelly@familyvoicesmn.org or elizabeth@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 Elizabeth and we will be sure to get it added to the agenda! See more details •	9	10	11
12	13	14	15 The Dad Joke Experience! The Dad Joke Experience! February 15, 2023 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. This registration form is for dads who are NEW to our group https://forms.gle/Xvj1ce7DLVSyEjq5A If you have registered or attended in the past you should be getting monthly emails with a link to join. Questions? email joel@familyvoicesmn.org See more details •	16 Third Thursday Parent Group Third Thursday Parent Group February 16, 2023 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 •	17	18
19	20	21	22	23 Good Life Groups: CtLC for the IEP Process Good Life Groups: CtLC for the IEP Process February 23, 2023 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Register Here Parents who are raising school age children who have disabilities are encouraged to register for this interactive learning collaborative. Learn how to communicate what your child wants and needs at school using Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) tools. All participants will create a three part portfolio for their student that can be shared with the school team. There are three sessions that build on each other. Participants should plan to attend all three. Kick off: February 23, 11 am - 12:30pm Session Two: March 9, 11 am - 12 pm Wrap Up: March 23, 11 am - 12:30pm Fill out this form to apply https://bit.ly/fvglg1 \| Space is limited If you have questions about these groups please email Jamie O'Conner at jamie@familyvoicesofminnesota.org See more details Early Childhood Parent Group Early Childhood Parent Group February 23, 2023 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm This registration link is for parents who are NEW to our group. https://forms.gle/fY732JTv4KXjipwFA If you have registered or attended in the past you should be getting monthly emails with a link to join. Questions? email Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator at amanda@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. 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
26	27	28 Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) February 28, 2023 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm This registration form is for parents that are NEW to our group https://forms.gle/CKS91WsvWWCrd9mg7 If you have registered or attended in the past, you should be getting monthly emails with a link to join. Questions? email amanda@familyvoicesmn.org 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, 5 years and under. 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 son has shown some signs of speech delay and is currently receiving speech services. See more details •

	March 2023
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8 Second Weds Virtual Parent Group Second Weds Virtual Parent Group March 8, 2023 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm This registration form is for anyone NEW to our group. https://forms.gle/himbFuJNkD79sseJ9 If you have already registered and/or attended in the past you should be getting emails with the link to join each month. Questions? Email kelly@familyvoicesmn.org or elizabeth@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 Elizabeth and we will be sure to get it added to the agenda! See more details •	9 Good Life Groups: CtLC for the IEP Process Good Life Groups: CtLC for the IEP Process March 9, 2023 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Register Here Parents who are raising school age children who have disabilities are encouraged to register for this interactive learning collaborative. Learn how to communicate what your child wants and needs at school using Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) tools. All participants will create a three part portfolio for their student that can be shared with the school team. There are three sessions that build on each other. Participants should plan to attend all three. Kick off: February 23, 11 am - 12:30pm Session Two: March 9, 11 am - 12 pm Wrap Up: March 23, 11 am - 12:30pm Fill out this form to apply https://bit.ly/fvglg1 \| Space is limited If you have questions about these groups please email Jamie O'Conner at jamie@familyvoicesofminnesota.org See more details •	10	11
12	13	14	15 The Dad Joke Experience! The Dad Joke Experience! March 15, 2023 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. This registration form is for dads who are NEW to our group https://forms.gle/Xvj1ce7DLVSyEjq5A If you have registered or attended in the past you should be getting monthly emails with a link to join. Questions? email joel@familyvoicesmn.org See more details •	16 Third Thursday Parent Group Third Thursday Parent Group March 16, 2023 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 •	17	18 Brainerd Lakes Sensory Saturday Brainerd Lakes Sensory Saturday March 18, 2023 9:00 am - 12:00 pm WonderTrek Children’s Museum, 1001 Kingwood St Suite 118, Brainerd, MN 56401, USA REGISTER TO ATTEND 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. Hosted by Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator and mom See more details •
19	20	21	22	23 Good Life Groups: CtLC for the IEP Process Good Life Groups: CtLC for the IEP Process March 23, 2023 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Register Here Parents who are raising school age children who have disabilities are encouraged to register for this interactive learning collaborative. Learn how to communicate what your child wants and needs at school using Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) tools. All participants will create a three part portfolio for their student that can be shared with the school team. There are three sessions that build on each other. Participants should plan to attend all three. Kick off: February 23, 11 am - 12:30pm Session Two: March 9, 11 am - 12 pm Wrap Up: March 23, 11 am - 12:30pm Fill out this form to apply https://bit.ly/fvglg1 \| Space is limited If you have questions about these groups please email Jamie O'Conner at jamie@familyvoicesofminnesota.org See more details Early Childhood Parent Group Early Childhood Parent Group March 23, 2023 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm This registration link is for parents who are NEW to our group. https://forms.gle/fY732JTv4KXjipwFA If you have registered or attended in the past you should be getting monthly emails with a link to join. Questions? email Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator at amanda@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. 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
26	27	28 Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual) March 28, 2023 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm This registration form is for parents that are NEW to our group https://forms.gle/CKS91WsvWWCrd9mg7 If you have registered or attended in the past, you should be getting monthly emails with a link to join. Questions? email amanda@familyvoicesmn.org 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, 5 years and under. 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 son has shown some signs of speech delay and is currently receiving speech services. See more details •	29	30	31

Second Wednesday Group

These networking groups are for parents of children (or youth, or young adults) with complex health care needs or disabilities.

Hosts: Kelly Korpela, Parent Group Facilitator, Annandale Area

Elizabeth Marsh, Parent Support Navigator,

Annandale Area Group

A supportive group of parents and caregivers of children with extra needs connecting to share ideas, resources and a listening ear. Join others from the Annandale and surrounding small towns in a safe and welcoming atmosphere where you will be amongst friends.

Parent Hosts: Kelly Korpela – Parent Support Navigator, Family Voices of Minnesota & Anna Lawler – Special Education Teacher & Volunteer Support Parent, Family Voices of MN

Third Thursday Group

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.

Host: Jamie O’Conner, Outreach Coordinator for Family Voices of MN and mom to two kids (10 yo & 8 yo), including one child with a rare genetic condition.

Brainerd Lakes Area Group

Join others from the Brainerd Lakes Area in a safe and welcoming atmosphere where you will be amongst friends. We connect both virtually and in-person to share ideas, resources and a listening ear. 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, Brainerd Lakes Area.

Early Childhood Group

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: Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator

Dad Joke Experience

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.

Parent & Community Group Calendars

February 2023

March 2023