UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer 2008 Sibshops

    Sibshops: A program just for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs!

    Sibshops are a lively mixture of games, activities, crafts, discussion, and guest speakers. We hope your child will see this as something that is just for them. Sibshops are for 8-13 year old brothers and sisters of children with special needs.

    At a Sibshop, brothers and sisters will:

    • Meet other brothers and sisters of children with special needs
    • Have fun
    • Talk about their brothers and sisters with others who really know what it’s like to have a sibling with special needs
    • Make new friends
    • Learn more about special needs and the services needed
    • Have some more fun!

    Participants should dress comfortable and be ready for action! Pizza will be provided for a cost of $2 or participants may bring their own dinner. Registration will be $5 once again. Participants should bring their bathing suit and towel if they would like to utilize the pool!

    Saturday, June 28, 2008, 4 P.M. – 8 P.M.
    Brandywine YMCA, 295 Hurley Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320

    ***Attention families***

    All families with children who have autism are invited to join the Autism Alliance for "Family Night Out" which will be occurring at the Brandywine YMCA during the same time as Sibshops. For information and registration (must register for both) see www.autismallianceofchestercounty.org or call 484-237-5550.

    All other families are invited to stay and utilize the YMCA's facilities while their child participates in Sibshops. Please note that children not attending Sibshops must be supervised at all times. There is no fee to use the facilities during this time but a donation to the YMCA would be greatly appreciated.

    For more information or to register, call Karen Brenneman at 610 783 1788, x 223 or email kbrenneman@childandfamilyfocus.org. Hurry, as space is limited!


Love and Logic Training
    CFF is pleased to sponsor our next free, six week, educational training series, featuring Mrs. Karen Brenneman. The training will consist of the Becoming a Love and Logic Parent approach to parenting, created by renowned author and child psychologist, Jim Fay, PhD. Whether you have children of your own or provide services to children and families, you can benefit from Love and Logic, "a commonsense approach which teaches skills that cultivate confidence and good decision-making in children by offering children choices, empathy, and respect, while adults avoid anger, threats, warnings, or lectures."

    Topic: Love and Logic
    Date: Mondays, 5/5/08 through 6/16/08, excluding 5/25/08
    Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
    Place: Government Service Center,
    601 Westtown Rd,
    West Chester, PA
    Suite 339
    Cost: Training – FREE
    Workbook - $10.00

    Please feel free to invite your family members, co-workers and friends. Space is limited so please RSVP to Karen Brenneman by emailing rkbrenneman@zoominternet.net or calling 610 783 1788, ext 223.

RECENT NEWS

2nd Annual Mom’s Retreat was a Success!

    CFF is pleased to have had two successful Mom’s Rejuvenation Retreats in 2006 and 2007! Each year our Mom's have been treated to a relaxing, refreshing, rejuvenating time at the National Christian Conference Center in Valley Forge, PA in the early fall.  The retreats are open to all Moms who have a child or children with special needs.  Our second retreat took place on October 19th – 20th, and we more than doubled our attendance!  Plans are being made now for the 3rd Annual Mom's Rejuvenation Retreat in the fall of 2008 and we are sure that once again our attendance will grow.

    In order to continue this much needed weekend, donations of money, gifts for the Moms, pampering items, and pampering services would be greatly appreciated. We charge our Moms a minimal registration fee and use donations and fundraising to support the balance of the retreat. We are thrilled to have been able to offer scholarships to a few Moms who could not attend without financial assistance.

    For more information, contact Karen Brenneman at 610 783 1788, ext 223 or kbrenneman@childandfamilyfocus.org.