Online and Phone Family Support Group
2022-05-24 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-05-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-05-31 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-06-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-06-07 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-06-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-06-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-06-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) and 12 more dates | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Online and Phone Family Support Group
At Family Resource Network, we recognize that during these difficult times, families of individuals with special needs are facing unique challenges and may feel even more isolated While we can’t meet in-person to support one another, we invite you to join us for online support groups. These will be conducted through Zoom Meetings, and families may participate online or by phone. We are offering these groups as an opportunity for families to form connections, support, and learn from each other. We will be offering two groups per week: one morning and one evening.
Registration is required.
Registration Link
For questions, or to participate by phone, please call Terry at (607)438-3978.
***Support Groups are funded by a grant from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-directing families will need to add “training groups” to their budgets. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.

Upcoming Workshop: Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
2022-05-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please Join the Family Resource Network for our Upcoming Workshop:
Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
Presented by Greg Catarella, Esq.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
9a-12p
(Online via Zoom)
Have questions about setting up Trusts for your loved ones?
Need advice about setting up a plan for a Guardianship?
Join us for an informational workshop presented by
Greg Catarella and gain valuable information pertaining to financial planning for the future of your
loved one with a disability.
Greg S. Catarella, Esq., is licensed to practice law in the State of New York. He concentrates his law practice in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Trusts, and Guardianships. For over 20 years, Greg has been helping clients and their families find peace of mind in a world that is unnecessarily complex.
***Registration Required***
You can register online by following the link below:
Registration Form
For assistance with registration or for questions please call Terry at 607-287-3816.
***This workshop is funded through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact FRN for assistance adding this to your budget.***

TS/DD Gardening Series Part 3: Transplanting and Beginning Our Gardens Outdoors
2022-06-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event
Transplanting and Beginning our Gardens Outdoors
Thursday, June 9th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via Zoom
Join FRN for Part 3 of our virtual gardening series! It is now time to transition our plants to the outdoors. Some of you may be using raised beds/buckets/pots while others may choose to transplant your plants directly into the ground. We will go over both, as well as talk about some other plants you may want to start directly from seeds now! Leading up to this event you will want to acclimate your baby plants to the outdoor environment. Each day for about a week prior to this event (weather permitting…don’t put them out if its overly windy, raining really hard) place your plants outdoors in natural sunlight for several hours. More detailed instructions will be provided on this process during our May 9th Transplanting Event.
*If you did not participate in Part 1 or 2 or your baby plants didn’t grow as expected, that’s ok! You can still participate in this event!*
**In order to receive the free supply kit prior to event participants must register by Friday, June 3rd**
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and these will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County. Dragon Dates events are for individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

Attitude of Gratitude: Improving Your Advocacy Outcomes
2022-06-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Attitude of Gratitude: Improving Your Advocacy Outcomes

The expression of gratitude can have a positive influence in your life and in the lives of others with whom you interact. Presenters will share what research reveals on the relationship between gratitude practices and both mental and physical well-being. Participants will learn how optimism can be used to navigate difficult situations and improve advocacy outcomes.

Learn the benefits of gratitude and optimism
Practice expressing gratitude in challenging situations

Tuesday, June 14, 2022
9:00-11:00 am
Online

About our Speaker: Kara Georgi is the Parent Education Specialist for Starbridge Parent Training and Information Center. She offers support and information for families and professionals navigating the special education system in Cayuga, Tompkins, Onondaga, Cortland, Broome, Madison, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware Counties.

***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families will need to add “Advocacy” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***
Registration is required.
To register online, please follow the link below. To register by phone, call the Family Resource Network at 432-0001
Registration Form

Nurturing Parenting Training: Sibling Support: What About Me?
2022-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network for our Virtual Nurturing Parenting:
Nurture Hope-The Nurturing Program for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges:
Sibling Support: What About Me?
Siblings of children with special needs face additional challenges themselves, and it can be challenging for families to know how to meet their needs. The Family Resource Network will be offering this single session workshop presented by Robin Piefer and Terry DiLuzio, Education Advocates and trained facilitators focusing on positive parenting of children diagnosed with special needs or health challenges.
The Nurturing Program for parents and Their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges is designed to help families explore their hopes and fears, develop effective parenting skills, enhance communication, develop strategies for facing challenges and recognize opportunities for celebration and growth
Wednesday, 06/22/2022
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration is required. To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
***This workshop is funded through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact FRN for assistance adding this to your budget.***

TS/DD Virtual Cook-a-Long: Stir-Fry
2022-06-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event: Virtual Cook-a-Long: Stir-Fry
Monday, June 27th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long! FRN will lead participants through a Vegetable Stir-fry recipe and we will supply the ingredients! Please register by Wednesday, June 22nd in order to receive your free supply kit. If you live within 10 miles of the Family Resource Network office it can be delivered. If you live farther away, you can schedule a time to pick up the kit.
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and these will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County. Dragon Dates events are for individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.
With the need for physical distancing, Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates will continue hosting virtual events via Zoom . When the weather permits and we are able to safely meet outdoors we are excited to offer in-person events as well!

Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities: A Workshop for Parents and Guardians
2022-07-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network for our upcoming workshop
Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities: A Workshop for Parents and Guardians
Wednesday, July 13
6:00-7:30 pm
Online
Talking with our young and grown children about sexuality can be a difficult task. As parents and guardians, we often worry whether talking about it gives permission and whether they can be safe from harm when they are in relationships.
This workshop will help you become more comfortable discussing this topic by covering what topics to cover when and the most effective ways to talk about this sensitive topic.
Learning Objectives:

Examine barriers to talking about sexuality.
Gain knowledge about sexuality and developmental disabilities.
Acquire and practice skills in communicating about sexuality with our young and grown children.

Our presenter: Beth Sola is a Special Educator, Parent Educator, and has a son with I/DD who is 28 years old. She has led many workshops on Talking with your Child about Sexuality.
Registration is required.
To register please follow the link below. For more information or for assistance in registering, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families will need to add Training Groups” to their budgets. For assistance in adding this program to your budget, please contact Robin at (607)287-6358.***

Workshop: Pathways to Graduation
2022-07-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please Join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge for a Training on:
Pathways to Graduation
Friday, July 15
9:00-11:00 am
Online
Learn what “pathways to graduation” are available for students who have disabilities in New York State. What does each diploma, credential, and certificate offer for a student’s future? What is the difference between a local diploma, a Regents diploma, and a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential?
This workshop will help you and your student make informed decisions regarding school, placement, and services.

Understand the difference between each diploma and credential and the impacts on post-secondary options.
Gain information to help you and your child make informed decisions regarding school, placement, and services.
About our Speaker: Kara Georgi is the Parent Education Specialist for Starbridge Parent Training and Information Center. She offers support and information for families and professionals navigating the special education system in Cayuga, Tompkins, Onondaga, Cortland, Broome, Madison, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware Counties.

Registration is required.
To register please follow the link below. For more information or for assistance in registering, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families will need to add “Advocacy” to their budgets. For assistance in adding this program to your budget, please contact Robin at (607)287-6358.***

TS/DD Event: Mini Golf
2022-07-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Oneonta Sports Park, 132 County Hwy 47, Oneonta, NY
Please join the Family Resource Network for our upcoming Teen Scene and Dragon Dates event: Mini Golf
We are excited to be offering an in-person event!
Saturday, July 16th
11:00am-1pm
Oneonta Sports Park
132 County Hwy 47
Oneonta, NY
The Family Resource Network will cover a game of Mini golf for each family member followed by a pizza lunch at the picnic area at the Sports Park.
Please Register by July 11th
Registration is REQUIRED. To register please follow the link below. To register by phone or for additional information please call FRN @ 607-432-0001.
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and Teen Scene events will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County.
Dragon Dates events are for the families of individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County. Self-directing families will need to add “Social Skills” to their budgets before attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.
*This is a family event. FRN is not responsible for supervision*

TS/DD Event-Virtual Cook-a-Long: Baking and Cooking with Zucchini
2022-07-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event
Virtual Cook-a-Long: Baking and Cooking with Zucchini
Monday, July 25th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long! During the summer Zucchini is often prolific, so we decided to take advantage of this veggie that many of us might have growing right in our backyard and give you some ideas on how to use up some of your squash! FRN will lead participants through two recipes that require zucchini, including Zucchini Bread and Zucchini Pie, and we will supply the ingredients! Please register by Monday, July 18th in order to receive your free supply kit. If you live within 10 miles of the Family Resource Network office it can be delivered. If you live farther away, you can schedule a time to pick up the kit.
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and these will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County. Dragon Dates events are for individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

Nurturing Parenting Workshop: Praise, Encouragement and Family Rules
2022-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network for our upcoming workshop:
Praise, Encouragement, and Family Rules
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
6:00-8:00 pm
Online
Join Family Resource Network for a Nurturing Parenting workshop on Praise, Encouragement, and Family Rules. This workshop will discuss:

Praising and empowering your child
Growth Mindset
Testing Limits
Can’t vs. Won’t
Family Morals and Values
Family Rules or Expectations

This is an interactive workshop and participants are encouraged to keep their cameras and microphones on during the session with the presenters. We do understand that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to the use of video conferencing.
The Nurturing Program for parents and their children with Special Needs and Health Challenges is designed to help families explore their hopes and fears, develop effective parenting skills, enhance communication, develop strategies for facing challenges and recognize opportunities for celebration and growth.
Registration is required.
To register please follow the link below. For more information or for assistance in registering, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families will need to add Training Groups” to their budgets. For assistance in adding this program to your budget, please contact Robin at (607)287-6358.***
