Online and Phone Family Support Group
2024-10-08 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-10-15 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-10-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-22 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-10-29 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Online And Phone Family Support Groups:
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.
Support Groups meet every Tuesday evening and the first and third Thursday morning of the month.

Registration is required.
REGISTER HERE
For questions, or to participate by phone, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
***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.***

Training: Bullying Intervention Strategies
2024-10-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge for an upcoming training:
“Bullying: Intervention Strategies”
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
9:00-11:00 am
Online
Bullying is an increasingly serious problem in schools. Families, teachers, and children need help and support in knowing how to respond. This workshop introduces participants to definitions of bullying, how to recognize it, and how to respond to it both at home and in school.

Be able to define bullying behavior and distinguish it from typical peer conflict
Identify your own emotional responses to your child or student being bullied
Learn coping strategies for yourself and strategies to help your child or student
Learn effective ways to intervene in the child’s school or home environment

Our Presenter: 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 follow the link below:
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budget prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***

TS/DD Event: Fall Crafts and Pumpkin Painting
2024-10-20 12:00 - 15:00 | HALos Building, 146 Main Street, Afton, NY
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event:
Fall Crafts and Pumpkin Painting
Sunday, October 20th
12:00pm-3:00pm
HALos Building
146 Main Street
Afton, NY
FRN is very excited to be partnering with HALos! We will be utilizing their amazing space to be able to offer this and other upcoming events in Afton! This month, participants will have the opportunity to complete several Autumn themed arts and crafts projects as well as paint a pumpkin to take home with them. Lunch will be provided and to celebrate the new season and our new partnership we will have a special meal as well as fall treats for dessert!
Please Register by October 18th
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.*

Training-Stress: Coping, Calming, and the Brain
2024-10-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network for Our Upcoming Workshop:
“Stress: Coping, Calming, and the Brain”
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
6:00-8:00 pm
Online
In children, stress can cause meltdowns, tantrums, and undesirable behaviors. These can be frustrating for parents who aren’t sure what is causing them or how to respond. Join Family Resource Network to learn about:

Stress, brain development and how stress affects the brain
How our children with special needs are affected by stress
How parents can model ways of coping and calming

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.
*Registration is required*
To register 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.***

Online and Phone Family Support Group
2024-11-05 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-12 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-19 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-12-03 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:00 and 3 more dates | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please Join the Family Resource Network for Our
Online And Phone Family Support Groups:
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.
Support Groups meet every Tuesday evening and the first and third Thursday morning of the month.

Registration is required.
REGISTER HERE
For questions, or to participate by phone, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
***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.***

Workshop: “An Overview of Special Education Regulations”
2024-11-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge for an upcoming training:
“An Overview of Special Education Regulations”
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
9:00-11:00
Online 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, Medicaid Service Coordinator, or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
Our Presenter: 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:
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budget prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***

TS/DD Event: Virtual Cook-a-Long Baked Ziti
2024-11-18 17:00 - 19:00 | 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: Baked Ziti Dinner
Monday, November 18th
5:00pm-7:00pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long. For November we will be preparing a hearty Baked Ziti Dinner. FRN will lead participants through the recipes for Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread and a Garden Salad and we will help cover the cost of the ingredients. FRN will be providing families gift cards and a supply list that they can use to get the ingredients they need for the recipes. Please register by Monday, November 11th 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

Workshop: “Teaching Self-Advocacy”
2024-11-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge for an upcoming training:
“Teaching Self-Advocacy”
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
9:00-11:00 am
Online
Self advocacy is the act of speaking up for yourself to protect your right to direct your own life, including your interests and needs. Families can help their children develop advocacy skills from a young age. This workshop will teach families strategies to ensure their child’s voice will be heard throughout their life.

Increase understanding of self-advocacy skills
Increase knowledge of appropriate IEP goals to support self advocacy
Increase understanding of the importance of self advocacy skills for transition planning and beyond

Our Presenter: 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:
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budget prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***

Workshop: Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
2024-11-22 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.
Friday, November 22, 2024
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***
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 Robin at 607-287-6358 for assistance adding this to your budget.***

TS/DD Event: Bowling at East Main Lanes
2024-11-30 14:00 - 17:00 | 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 a Bowling Event!
Saturday, November 30, 202
2:00pm-5:00pm
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 November 26th
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.*

Workshop: “Personal Power, Praise, and Positive Discipline”
2024-12-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network for Our Upcoming Workshop:
“Personal Power, Praise, and Positive Discipline”
Presenters: Robin Piefer and Terry DiLuzio, Nurturing Parenting Facilitators
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
6:00-8:00 pm
Online
This single session of the Nurturing Parenting for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges will focus on:

The concepts of Personal Power
Types of Praise (being and doing)
Ways to Empower your child
The 3 steps to ACTion

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.
*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 Event: Sensory Friendly Showing of Moana 2
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | AMC Town Square Theater, 2425 Vestal Parkway, Vestal, NY, United States
Join the Family Resource Network’s Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for a Sensory Friendly Showing of:
Moana 2
Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Registration begins at 9:45 am
Movie begins at 10 am
AMC Town Square
2425 Vestal Parkway
Vestal, NY
FRN has rented out an entire auditorium to ensure that the lights in the theatre are brighter, the sound is lower and our families can feel comfortable. In addition to free admission to the movie, all attendees will also receive a free small popcorn and drink!
Please Register by December 1st
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.*

Workshop: “Improving Your Advocacy Outcomes: Advocacy Steps and An Attitude of Gratitude”
2024-12-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge for an upcoming training:
“Improving Your Advocacy Outcomes: Advocacy Steps and An Attitude of Gratitude”
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
9:00-11:00 am
Online
Advocacy is the act of problem-solving with a purpose and a goal. A parent might engage in advocacy on behalf of their child; people who have a disability may advocate for themselves; a teacher may advocate on behalf of a student; groups of people may join forces in systemic advocacy efforts to change laws or policies. A step-by-step approach can guide us toward the desired outcome, regardless of the circumstance or scope. Participants will learn how to build a solid foundation of team members. Hands-on activities will reinforce the advocacy steps that lead to successful outcomes.
The expression of gratitude can have a positive influence in your life and in the lives of others with whom you interact. Kara Georgi 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

Our Presenter: 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:
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budget prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***

TS/DD Event: Holiday Cupcake Decorating
2024-12-14 12:00 - 15:00 | HALos Building, 146 Main Street, Afton, NY
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event
Holiday Cupcake Decorating
Saturday, December 14th
12:00pm-3:00pm
HALos Building
146 Main Street
Afton, NY
FRN is very excited to be partnering with HALos! We will be utilizing their amazing space in Afton! This month, participants will have the opportunity to make their own buttercream frosting from scratch and decorate a dozen cupcakes to take home with them. Lunch will be provided.
Please Register by December 10th
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.*

Online and Phone Family Support Group
2025-01-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Please Join the Family Resource Network for Our
Online And Phone Family Support Groups:
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.
Support Groups meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30pm-7:30pm.

Registration is required.
REGISTER HERE
For questions, or to participate by phone, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
***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: Skating and Laser Tag
2025-01-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Interskate 88, 5185 NY-23, Oneonta, NY
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event
Skating and Laser Tag!
Sunday, January 19, 2025
10:00am-12:00pm
Interskate 88
5185 NY-23
Oneonta, NY
Enjoy a morning of skating and laser tag at Interskate 88 with the Family Resource Network! The Family Resource Network has rented out the building for our private event. This event is free for registered Teen Scene and Dragon Dates participants and their family members. We will cover skates for each family member, usage of the play structure, laser tag as well as pizza and drinks!
Please Register by January 17th
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.
