Family Resource Network

Online and Phone Parent Support Group
2023-03-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-28 18:30 - 19:30, 2023-03-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-04 18:30 - 19:30, 2023-04-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-11 18:30 - 19:30, 2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) and 3 more dates | NY
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)287-3816.
Support groups are funded through a grant from OPWDD. The families of OPWDD-eligible individuals in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties will be given priority. Self-directing families in these counties must include “Training Groups” in their self-direction budgets. By registering for this support group, you agree to have this program added to your budget. Please contact Robin at rpiefer@familyrn.org with any questions.

Lay Advocacy: Understanding the Special Education System
2023-03-24 09:00 - 11:00 | NY
Please join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge, Inc.
for this upcoming Lay Advocacy Training:
Understanding the Special Education System

Friday, March 24, 2023
9:00am-11:00
via ZOOM
Participants will learn about legal requirements set forth in The Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200-201. Participants will learn how to use the regulations and understand that parents are equal partners in their child’s education. Parents will also learn effective communication skills on how to work with the CSE and other staff in their child’s education program, how to read the NYS Regulations and have the opportunity to learn what is included in the IEP and how it is individualized to meet the unique needs of a student. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, Care Manager, or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!

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.
REGISTER HERE
For question or assistance with registering, 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 Virtual Cook-a-Long: Shepherd's Pie
2023-03-27 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: Shepherd’s Pie
Monday, March 27th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long. For March we will be cooking a traditional Irish dish! It’s a hearty meal and a popular way of using up leftovers, as there is really no limit to what vegetables and meats can be combined to prepare the base! FRN will lead participants through Shepherd’s Pie as well as Brownies for dessert and we will supply the ingredients! Please register by Monday, March 20th 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 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.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

The 10 Myths about Special Education by Attorney, Patrick Radel
2023-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
Please join the Family Resource Network for Our Upcoming Workshop:
10 Myths about Special Education
There are many misconceptions on what schools are obligated to provide for our students. This workshop will help clear up these misconceptions. Special Education Attorney, and Parent of a special needs student. Pat Radel will provide a summary of key legal principles, discusses common misconceptions about special education law, and gives practical tips for effective advocacy.
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Online via ZOOM
About Our Speaker: Patrick G. Radel, Esq. is a partner with the law firm of Getnick Livingston Atkinson and Priore, LLP, in Utica, New York. He received his law degree summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo Law School, where he served as Executive Editor of the Buffalo Law Review. Mr. Radel’s practice includes representing families of students with disabilities at CSE meetings, due process proceedings, and in federal court.
***Registration Required***
REGISTER HERE
For questions or assistance with registering, 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.***

Nurturing Philosophy
2023-04-05 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
The Family Resource Network Presents:

The Nurturing Philosophy
The Nurturing Program for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges

You will learn about the Six Key Values of the Nurturing Philosophy.
You will learn about respect, empathy, and personal power.
How can children with special needs and health challenges feel powerful?

The Family Resource Network will be offering this single session workshop presented by Robin Piefer and Terry DiLuzio, trained Nurturing Parenting facilitators focusing on positive parenting of children diagnosed with special needs and/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.
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.
Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
*Registration is required*
REGISTER HERE
For questions or assistance with registration, 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 Event: Bowling at East Main Lanes
2023-04-15 11:00 - 13:00 | East Main Lanes and Lounge, 1 East Main Street, Sidney, NY
Come join the Family Resource Network’s Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for an In-Person Bowling Event!
Saturday, April 15th, 2022
11:00am-1:00pm
East Main Lanes & Lounge
1 East Main Street
Sidney, NY
Enjoy a couple hours of fun at the Bowling Alley! Family Resource Network will pay for shoe rental and two games of bowling per family. A pizza lunch will be provided!
Please Register by April 12th
Registration is REQUIRED.
To register please follow the link below:
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.*

Lay Advocacy: Committee on Special Education Overview
2023-04-21 09:00 - 11:00 | NY
Please Join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge
for our Upcoming Lay Advocacy Workshop:
Committee on Special Education Overview
Friday, April 21, 2023
9:00-11:00 am
Online via Zoom

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is responsible for developing a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) through a process which involves the student and family. This workshop will explain the purpose of the CSE, the required members, and the family’s role on the committee.
Participants will:

Learn strategies for effective advocacy with the CSE
Gain an understanding of the CSE team process
Understand the role of each CSE member
Learn about the timetable for the CSE process
Understand the process of developing an IEP
Gain advocacy skills

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.
REGISTER HERE
For questions or assistance with registering for this event, 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 Virtual Cook-a-Long: Pizza Party
2023-04-24 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: Pizza Party
Monday, April 24th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long. By request, we will be hosting our 3rd annual pizza party! There are so many different types of pizza we never run out of something new to try! We will be making a variety of pizzas following recipes submitted by you! FRN will lead participants through both recipes and we will supply the ingredients! Please register by Monday, April 17th 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 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.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

Online and Phone Parent Support Group
2023-05-02 18:30 - 19:30, 2023-05-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-05-09 18:30 - 19:30, 2023-05-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-05-16 18:30 - 19:30, 2023-05-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-05-23 18:30 - 19:30 | NY
Online and Phone Parent 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 assistance with registration, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
Support groups are funded through a grant from OPWDD. The families of OPWDD-eligible individuals in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties will be given priority. Self-directing families in these counties must include “Training Groups” in their self-direction budgets. By registering for this support group, you agree to have this program added to your budget. Please contact Robin at rpiefer@familyrn.org with any questions.

Lay Advocacy: Advocacy Steps and Effective Communication
2023-05-12 09:00 - 11:00 | NY
Lay Advocacy Training:
Advocacy Steps and Effective Communication
Do you come away from meetings not saying what you intended or feeling as though your viewpoint is misunderstood? Do you listen to what other team members say? How do you respond? Communication is key to effective partnerships. Learn to recognize the barriers in communication that can get in the way of collaboration and positive outcomes. Strengthen your advocacy skills by learning effective and collaborative communication strategies.

Identify barriers to effective communication
Learn techniques to remove barriers
Learn elements for effective teamwork and positive interactions

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, Chenango, Madison, Otsego, and Delaware Counties.
Friday, May 12, 2023
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
ONLINE
**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED**
REGISTER HERE
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 at 607-432-0001.***

Online and Phone Family Support Group
2023-05-16 18:30 - 19:30 | 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.

TS/DD Event: Mini Golf
2023-05-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Oneonta Sports Park, 132 County Hwy 47, Oneonta, NY
Come join the Family Resource Network’s Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our Spring Mini Golf Event
Saturday, May 20, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm
Oneonta Sports Park
132 County Hwy 47
Oneonta, NY
Enjoy a round of mini golf with the Family Resource Network! 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 May 18th
Registration is REQUIRED.
To register please online please follow the link below. To register by phone or for additional information please call FRN @ 607-432-0001
Registration Link
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 Making Cookies
2023-05-22 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: Making Cookies
Monday, May 22nd
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long. For May we will be appealing to everyone’s sweet tooth! FRN will lead participants through two cookie recipes, No Bake and Chocolate Chip and we will help cover the cost of the ingredients. We have decided to try something different for supplies. Rather than FRN purchasing the supplies and delivering or scheduling pick ups, we will be providing families gift cards and a supply list that they can use to get the ingredients they need. Please register by Monday, May 15th in order to receive your gift card prior to the event. You will have the option to select from Walmart, Hannaford or Price Chopper and we will mail your gift card after the registration deadline.
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
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.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
2023-05-24 09:00 - 12:00 | NY
Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
Presented by Greg Catarella, Esq.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
(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***
>>Register Here<<

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.***
