Family/Parenting Resources

Familias Unidas con Niños con Necesidades Especiales (FUNNE) ofrece grupos de apoyo mensuales y reuniones educativas en español para familias con niños con necesidades especiales. Como un esfuerzo colaborativo de proveedores y organizaciones del área, FUNNE ofrece a las familias y cuidadores de niños que tienen una discapacidad las herramientas que necesitan para superar las barreras que enfrentan para obtener atención y apoyo para sus seres queridos. La educación proporciona la base necesaria para comprender y manejar mejor las necesidades de sus hijos. Las actividades del programa incluyen discusiones grupales, presentaciones de expertos y proveedores sobre recursos comunitarios y eventos sociales. Se proporciona cuidado de niños y los niños realizan actividades educativas divertidas mientras sus padres se reúnen.Familias Unidas con Niños con Necesidades Especiales (FUNNE) offers monthly support groups and educational meetings in Spanish for families with children with special needs. As a collaborative effort of area providers and organizations, FUNNE offers families and caretakers of children who have a disability the tools they need to overcome the barriers they face in obtaining care and support for their loved ones. Education provides the foundation needed to understand and best handle their child’s needs. Program activities include group discussions, presentations by experts and providers on community resources, and social events. Child care is provided and children do fun educational activities while their parents meet.

Disability affects families from all walks of life. The families we serve vary greatly in their circumstances, in their resources, andin their ability to cope with the extra responsibilities placed on them. What families do have in common is the need for flexible and individualized assistance that will help keep them connected to their community, hopeful about the future, and supported in managing the extra stresses and expenses. Because disabilities are not typically cured and their impact often increases over time, most families we serve need long-term supports.Family Support staff work with families to:Understand and gain access to available resourcesCoordinate services, advocate for the child and facilitate teamwork and problem-solvingPurchase needed goods and services not available through other funding sourcesHelp families to build and strengthen networks of supports, to encourage friendships for their children, and to plan for the future