Supporting Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities and Ongoing Health Care Needs
Happy New Year - Welcome 2022
Welcome January...
Hello 2022! 2021 taught us a lot…about adjusting, connecting virtually, and that sometimes its still ok to not be ok... but now we’re able to say GOODBYE and put 2021 in the behind us. We hope this year brings with it a sense of renewed hope. We look forward to a time when we can meet in person again, but until then, you are not alone. We're here to help.
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, January 10
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.
In caring for your child with special health needs, you may get information and paperwork from many sources. A Care Binder can help you organize the most important information in a central place and share key information with members of your child’s care team. Join us to learn tips and strategies for effectively organizing your child's records.
Register: parentcoalition@arcwhatcom.org or (360) 715 - 0170
Please register for the private ZOOM Meeting Link.
Autism Parent Connect
Autism Parent Connect Meeting
Thursday, January 27
7 - 8 pm
via Zoom
If you have a family member with autism or are pursuing a developmental evaluation, please join us virtually for our Autism Parent Connect Meeting, REGISTER your spot today.
For questions or to register contact P2P at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or p2p@arcwhatcom.org
Please register for the private ZOOM Meeting Link.
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
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 January issue is full of Virtual Parent Connect meetings, Virtual Autism Parent Connect Meeting, Care Notebook Workshop, events, resources, and more!
Read the January Newsletter here…
COVID-19 Resources click on logos for more details
Kids and adults with special needs can benefit from considerations that make it easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Two local healthcare providers—PeaceHealth and Unity Care Northwest—can help reduce transitions and waiting times with virtual check-in and private exam rooms.
To help providers prepare for your visit, you’ll need to call ahead to schedule and request special accommodations for the appointment.
FOR PEACEHEALTH MEDICAL GROUP
CALL 360-752-5246
FOR UNITY CARE NORTHWEST
CALL 360-746-3098
Face Masks or Cloth Faces Coverings
If you and your family are in need of cloth masks, please email admin@arcwhatcom.org or call 360-715-0170 ext 200 to request masks. We have a variety of different adult and child sized masks, free of charge.
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, friend, or neighbor who has a special need or condition. For more information about Lifespan Respite Washington or its voucher program please contact: Email: getrespite@wapave.org or Phone: 253-442-3214
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
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
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.
Parent to Parent
Event Calendar
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, January 10, 7 - 8 pm Virtual Parent Support Meeting
via Zoom
Tuesday, January 18, 6 - 8 pm Care Notebook Workshop
via Zoom
Thursday, January 27, 7 - 8 pm Autism Parent Connect Meeting
via Zoom
To see the Whatcom County Parent to Parent Calendar click here.
