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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

October 2023

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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  • Empower Ability Lunch Talks (First Thursdays)
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  • Second Weds Virtual Parent Group
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  • Third Thursday Parent Group
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  • Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual)
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  • Early Childhood Parent Group
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November 2023

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Empower Ability Lunch Talks (First Thursdays)
3
4
5
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  • Second Weds Virtual Parent Group
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10
11
12
13
14
15
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  • Third Thursday Parent Group
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  • Brainerd Lakes Area Parent Group (Virtual)
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  • Early Childhood Parent Group

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

Empower Abilities Lunch Talk

Welcome to “Empower Ability Lunch Talk,” a virtual space for parents of children with disabilities. Join us on the first Thursday of each month, starting September 7th, 2023, from 12 to 1pm. We’re here to provide a safe, supportive platform for you to connect, learn, and share your unique experiences. Our monthly topics cover various aspects of parenting children with disabilities, including education advocacy, county services, therapy strategies, self-care, and community resources. Hosted by Family Voices staff and expert speakers, our Zoom-based gatherings ensure accessibility from your home or work. Register to access the best experience and resources, and bring your lunch as we embark on a collective journey of understanding and support.