Supporting Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities and Ongoing Health Care Needs
You Are Not Alone
Due to the increased risk of COVID 19, our office continues to be closed to in-person meetings and events. Staff look forward to continued virtual support meetings, workshops, family events and one-on-one support. Please reach out through phone and email, or attend our weekly Open Virtual Office Hours. Stay tuned for event updates on Facebook and on our Community Events Calendar.
We may not be therapy, but we sure are therapeutic
Monday, May 9
7 - 8 pm via Zoom
We understand how isolating it can be right now, so we are holding our Parent Support Meetings virtually through Zoom. Grab you favorite hot beverage, a cozy blanket and join us. Pop in for a few minutes or stay a while.
Those who attend will be entered into a drawing for a gift card.
To register contact P2P at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or p2p@arcwhatcom.org
Please register for the private ZOOM Meeting Link.
Saturday, May 7
1 pm - 3:30 pm
This Sibshop is offered for siblings ages 8 - 16
Sibshops are fun filled events for brothers and sisters of kids with developmental differences, delays, and ongoing health care needs. Siblings have an opportunity to share joys, concerns, problem solve and have a better understanding of their siblings disability.
Mt. Baker Lanes and Coconut Kenny’s Pizza
1788 Labounty Dr., Ferndale WA 98248
Limited spots available REGISTER by Thursday, May 5. For questions or to register contact P2P at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or p2p@arcwhatcom.org
Interested in learning how to use your experiences to help others? Join us for our
Helping Parent Training
Tuesday, May 17th
6 - 8 pm via zoom
As parents of children with disabilities we have access to so many professionals and resources. However, sometimes the best support and information comes not from the professionals but from other parents who have walked a similar path.
The Helping Parent training is for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. This training explores your personal experiences of raising your child, and teaches strategies for how to support other families who on a similar journey.
Please RSVP by Friday, May 13, so we can provide you with a Helping Parent Notebook. For questions or to RSVP please contact the P2P office at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or p2p@arcwhatcom.org.
Virtual Office Hours
Join Arc Staff on Zoom for Resources, Information & Support.
No RSVP Required.
Thursdays, 11am - 12 noon
Join Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
Meeting ID: 869 0930 4702
We now offer Open Virtual Office Hours. Staff will be available on zoom to help with resources, support, information, and connection. No RSVP needed. We will not have a password to join, but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you. Every Thursday, 11am – 12:00pm
Thinking about Guardianship? Navigating the legal system on your own can be intimidating. We’re not attorneys or facilitators, we are families who have navigated the court system and want to be a resource to others. Join our virtual workshop to get information about important considerations to make when thinking about and planning for a safe and happy future for the whole family. We will be discussing:
Parent to Parent and The Arc’s Parent Coalition combined forces and created one newsletter. With this combined newsletter we will have more issues and be able to reach more families.
The May issue is full of Virtual Parent Connect meetings, Bowling & Pizza Sibshop , Building a Guardianship & Future Planning workshop, Autism Parent Connect, Helping Parent Training, events, resources, and more!
Read the May Newsletter here…
Community Resources click on logos for more details
Lifespan Respite Washington offers grants of up to $1000 for respite care for unpaid caregivers who support a family member who has special needs. For more information about Lifespan Respite Washington or its voucher program visit: https://www.lifespanrespitewa.org/ or contact: Email: getrespite@wapave.org Phone: 253-442-3214
Adaptive Life Coaches
New Sensory Gym
Adaptive Life Coaches just opened a Sensory Gym - Respite: Take a Break to Recharge https://adaptivelifecoaches.com/groups-%26-sensory-gym
Please contact if using DDA funds or Lifespan Respite (PAVE vouchers).
Covid protocols so no drop ins. Call for more info: 360-788-3099 Adaptive Life Coaches
Providing respite care and recreational therapy while teaching life, social, and communication skills for those with disabilities, special needs and autism in Whatcom County. Contact: (360)788-3099 https://adaptivelifecoaches.com/home
Adaptive Life Coaches
Providing respite care and recreational therapy while teaching life, social, and communication skills for those with disabilities, special needs and autism in Whatcom County. Contact: (360)788-3099 https://adaptivelifecoaches.com/home
Check out Camp Korey 2022 Summer Schedule! To apply, visit: www.campkorey.org
Question about programs, please reach out to Admissions Team at admissionsteam@campkorey.org or call 360-416-4113.
For Registration information and inquiries, please contact Ernie, Assistant Camp Director at ACD@lionscamphorizon.org or call toll free at 844-942-2674 (844-94CAMPH).
Did you know that people with permanent disabilities can apply for a FREE Access lifetime pass to the National Park Service
It's FREE if you pick up at a federal recreation site. Or you can pay a $10 processing fee to order through the mail or online.
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission offers Disability Passes at no charge for people with permanent disabilities, foster families, disabled veterans, low income seniors, etc. This is a great way to reduce the costs of exploring our state parks.
Autism 101
Virtual: This free class will be live-streamed using WebEx
For more information and to sign up to view from home, please website here
The National Autism Association’s Big Red Safety Box® is a free-of-charge safety toolkit for autism families in need of wandering-prevention tools.
If you are caring for a child with hearing loss, Washington Hands and Voices has a Guide By Your Side program to provide you with support and guidance. For more information: Phone: 425-268-7087 or Email: GBYS@WAhandsandvoices.org
COVID-19 Resources click on logos for more details
Facebook Group
P2P: Whatcom County
Join our private Facebook group.
A place where parents of special needs children can connect and support each other without fear of judgment.
Parent to Parent has a closed Facebook group for parents and caregivers of children with developmental delays, disabilities, and on-going health care needs called P2P: Whatcom County. This is a private page for our Parent to Parent of Whatcom County families. A place to share joys and tears. A place for us to ask for help or just be heard. What’s said here, stays here. You are not alone.
Nuestro programa Padres a Padres reúne a familias que hablan español para diferentes eventos y actividades. Conozca a otros padres que comparten la experiencia única de criar a un hijo o hija que tiene necesidades especiales. ¿Le gustaría recibir ayuda o establecer una conexión con otro padre? Comuníquese con
Marta al (360) 715-0170 ext 308 martam@arcwhatcom.org para obtener más información y para inscribirse y recibir por correo el boletín de Padres a Padres. Únete al facebook Padres a Padres del Condado de Whatcom.
Padres a Padres Newsletter & Events
Our Padres a Padres Program brings together families who speak Spanish for a variety of events and activities. Would you like support or to make a connection with another Spanish Speaking parent? Contact Marta at (360) 715-0170 ext 308 for more information and to get on the mailing list for the Padres a Padres newsletter. Join Padres a Padres del Condado de Whatcom on Facebook.
