Family Support Services
Family support is what The Arc of Greater Boston is all about. We provide information and referral. Parents, caregivers, professionals, doctors and self-advocates call to get information about particular topics and/or referrals to programs. Family support in a way symbolizes our commitment to the families we serve because we are there to answer their questions and direct them to services they need.
The Arc of Greater Boston recognizes that families are the best advocates for their children. We support those families through a monthly family meeting in an effort to share information, hear speakers who keep us informed on a variety of useful topics, and foster a strong parent-to-parent network.
SIBSHOPS
A Sibshop is a fun filled workshop for brothers and sisters of children with special needs. The Sibshop workshop is based on the model developed by Donald Meyer, Director of the Sibling Support Project out of Children's Hospital Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Sibshops provide:
- A place where kids can be free to share the painful as well as the joyous experiences of having a brother or sister with a disability
- A lively mix of games and discussion activities
- Brothers and sisters a chance to meet other brother and sisters of children with special needs
- Brothers and sisters an opportunity to learn how other siblings handle different situations
- A place to have fun!
It is vitally important for families to recognize the unique issues that revolve around the role of the sibling. Our support of Sibshops reflects our commitment to the well-being of the family member likely to have the longest relationship with the person with special needs.
