Parent Groups - Family Voices of Minnesota

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. Learn more about upcoming groups by contacting Jamie O’Conner by email at jamie@familyvoicesmn.org or talk / text‪ (612) 293-7306‬.

Virtual Groups

Second Wednesday Evening Groups

7:30 – 9:00 PM

Nov 11 | Dec 9

Parent Support Navigators, Jess Randall and Kelly Korpela are offering virtual parent groups on the second Wednesday of each month. These networking groups are for parents of children (or youth, or young adults) with complex health care needs or disabilities. Jess is the mother of two children with complex medical needs and lives in Northern Minnesota. She has experience with navigating healthcare systems, use of communication devices, mobility needs, and IEP’s. Kelly is the mother of four wonderful children and has experience with a range of diagnoses including autism, sensory processing challenges, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. Click the link below to register for one or more groups.

Virtual Community Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Fridays

Oct 23 | Nov 6 | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Dec 18

Anyone else missing the quick chats where you run into a parent, friend or teacher at appointments, in the community or at school? I don’t think I realized how much we got from those waiting room check-ins with other parents, hallway conversations with teachers and the comforts of an in-person doctor’s visit.

We wanted to recreate these conversations virtually.

We urge you to grab a cup of coffee and connect with others in the community. This group is open to parents, educators, providers, advocates and others involved in the care of children and youth with special health needs and disabilities. Join us for some casual conversation and to be connected.

We will try to keep it short and sweet to 30 minutes but will also go with the flow of the group.

Third Thursday Support Group

7:30 – 9:00 PM

Nov 19 | Dec 17

This is a metro area in-person group that is temporarily meeting virtually in order to practice social distancing and keep our vulnerable populations as safe as possible. Virtual meetings are open to any parent of a child with special health needs / disabilities anywhere in MN. Register for login information.

These ongoing support groups are being hosted by Jamie O’Conner, Outreach Coordinator for Family Voices of MN. Jamie is mom to two kids (8 yo & 7 yo), including one child with a rare genetic condition.

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.

First Wednesday Late Evening Groups

9:00 – 10:30 PM

Wednesdays, Nov 4 | Dec 2

Parent Support Navigator, Terri Boettcher, is offering this virtual parent group for parents of children (youth, or young adults) with complex health care needs or disabilities.
Terri is a parent to two children with complex needs and lives in Southern MN.

Early Childhood Birth to Three Group (Virtual)

7:30 – 9:00 PM

Tuesdays, Nov 24 | Dec 22 | Jan 26

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.

Raising a child with extra needs can be isolating, but we do not have to feel alone. Connect with other parents who “get it” and share information, resources, and experiences.

Hosted by Jess McKane, Parent Support Navigator. Jess is mom to two children (Isaac, 8 & Ivy, 2) with complex needs. Both children had extended hospitalizations in the NICU following their delivery. Jess has experience navigating systems, accessing resources, and working to build a team of providers that understand and practice patient and family-centered care to best meet the needs of her children.

Email jess@familyvoicesmn.org to register.

In-Person Groups

Metro Third Thursday Support Group

This group is temporarily meeting virtually in order to practice social distancing and keep our vulnerable populations as safe as possible. Register for login information.

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.

Cancelled Until Further Notice Due to COVID-19 Outbreak: Annandale Special Needs Parenting Connections

12:30 – 2:00 PM

~~First Wednesday of Each Month~~

~~April 1st | May 6th~~

~~Annandale City Hall (Council Chambers)~~

~~30 Cedar Street East, Annandale, MN 55302~~

One in Five Minnesota families with children has a child with a disability or chronic health condition. We do not have to feel alone. Connect with other parents and caregivers in the community for some conversation.

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

(If Annandale Schools are closed due to weather the meeting will be canceled)

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED