Dec 8, 2016 - The education specialist's role is to support and educate families in understanding their rights .... A we
Oct - Dec 2016
CONTENTS 2 … Staff and Board 3 … NFHF News 4 … Job Openings 5 … Breakfast with Santa 7 … Quarterly Calendar 9 … Upcoming Events 11 … LaDDC News 12 … LaCAN and LaTEACH 16 … Community News and Events
Opinions contained herein do not necessarily represent those of the funding source, and no endorsement should be inferred.
Touch a Truck 2016 raised over $20,000 to help Northshore Families Helping Families continue to provide resources to families in the community. Thank you for supporting our vision of building an inclusive community for individuals with disabilities. We truly appreciate it!
The work of NFHF, including publication of this newsletter, is funded by Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, Louisiana State Department of Education, Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, and is supported by corporate and individual contributions. Northshore Families Helping Families is a United Way recipient.
STAFF
BOARD
SUE ELLEN STEWART Executive Director
[email protected]
CHAD DANENHOWER Chairperson VACANT Vice Chairperson
SHARON DELVISCO Outreach Director
[email protected] NFHF Office: 204 W. 21st Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
GAYNELLE FRANKLIN Education Specialist
[email protected]
(985) 875-0511 (800) 383-8700
[email protected]
STEPHENIE MILLER CSHS Parent Liaison
[email protected]
JEANNE BOWER Secretary ANGELA TRAILL Treasurer JENNIFER BRUNNING NICOLE JUSTICE SHELLEY MARENGO Board Members MICHELLE ANDERSON Advisory Board Members
Office Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday
You can help make a difference by directly donating to our organization. Many companies are interested in donating to non-profit organizations and will match an individual’s contribution.
LYNNE RENIHAN Resource Specialist
[email protected]
YOUR NAME COULD BE HERE See page 9 for Employment Opportunities
You are always welcome at NFHF Board Meetings. Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be held Thursday, October 19, 2016 at 12 pm at the NFHF office. If you would like to address the board, call Sue Ellen Stewart at 985-875-0511.
Please contact Sue Ellen Stewart with questions.
Mission: To provide the individualized services, information, resources and support needed to positively enhance the independence, productivity and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Vision: To ensure all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to attend school, live, work, recreate in their own communities.
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING NFHF! Touch a Truck 2016 Sponsors MONSTER JAM: THE DAVIS-MOLONY FUND TANK: MCMATH
HOT ROD
BANNER FORD BRAINCORE THERAPY OF LA
BULLDOZER CHURCH OF THE KING TODD BRASWELL SENATOR JACK DONAHUE
HONDA OF COVINGTON PAMPERED POOCH MOBILE GROOMING SALON
GULF COAST BANK & TRUST COMPANY
PEDIATRIC THERAPY & LEARNING CENTER
OCHSNER CLINIC FOUNDATION
SELECT PROPERTIES
THE CHILDREN’S DENTAL COTTAGE
SPEARS LEARNING CENTER
Shout out to our volunteers! We could not have done it without your help! Tamara Alexander Luke Arceneaux Britney Bell Megan Briggs Jeanne Bower Jonathon Brewer Angela Brookins Jordan Brookins Jennifer Brunning Ashely Dahmer Cami Dahmer Chad Danenhower Belinda Durand Hannan High School Beth Hinnman Michael Holmquist Nicole Justice Emily Lewis Shelley Marengo Ethan Marengo Karen Melia Stephanie Miller Hawkins Family Homer Minshew Sh-kaia Mosley Mary Rapp Sheila Scott Scott Smith Roland Sternfels Sue Ellen Stewart Julie Taglauer Marshall UnKauf Kristen UnKauf and everyone else that jumped in to help! Northshore Families Helping Families extends deepest thanks to the businesses, vehicle participants, volunteers, vendors and individuals who contributed to the success of Touch a Truck 2016! Especially the families and community members who attended the event! Your donations will help support our mission of building an inclusive community for individuals with disabilities. Thank you very much! We appreciate your support!
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Join the Team at Northshore Families Helping Families Team Employment Opportunities Do you have experience with advocacy? Have you ever had to speak up for what is right for yourself or others? Have you always wanted to work with an organization that truly gives back to the community? If so, NOW is your chance!
Two Part-time Inclusive Education Specialist An individual who is passionate about advocating for inclusive education for students with disabilities. The education specialist's role is to support and educate families in understanding their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The education specialist is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice, but offers support and advocacy throughout the IEP process. This position is 20-25 hours per week and is best suited for a parent of a child with a disability currently in school. Training will be provided. Salary: $11-12 / hour, based on experience. Requirements: Support inclusion, Work as a team member, possess good problem solving skills, have excellent verbal and written skills, comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations, proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must have transportation to attend IEP meetings throughout Region 9.
Community Outreach Specialist An individual that has a passion to help others, is experienced in all aspects of social media, marketing, and event planning. The community outreach specialist is responsible for creating social media, and sharing disability related information to the community, maintaining our website, designing event flyers and quarterly newsletter. Will represent the organization at community events and various meetings to promote the organization. Is also responsible for organizing educational workshops, social events for self-advocates and fundraising events. Requirements: Must have a wide range of experience with social media; Facebook, Constant Contact and website management. Must have excellent written communication skills and ability to determine articles/information for distribution that support and promote the principles of full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the community. Excellent organization skills and experience in event planning. This position is 30-35 hours per week, with a flexible schedule. Salary: $14-$16/ hour, based on experience. Staff members of Northshore Families Helping Families have a family member with a disability. We understand the challenges a family faces and are committed to reaching out to other families with similar experiences. Fax or email your resume and cover letter to Sue Ellen Stewart (985) 875-9979 or
[email protected].
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Welcome the New LaCAN Leader for Region 9! We are happy to announce Katie Corkern as the new LaCAN Team Leader for Region 9 (Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Helena, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes). Katie is excited to begin working with you in advocating for the protection and expansion of home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities as well as helping you to connect with and educate your regional legislators on the importance of these services in your daily lives. Katie needs your help getting organized for upcoming legislative visits! Please email her the name of your Region 9 Senator and Representative at
[email protected]. If you need to find out who your legislators are use this link: Find my Legislator
October is National Disability Employment Month! Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy. In this spirit, we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace and the community.
MORE EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT NFHF! AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your purchase total to Northshore Families Helping Families when you shop online at AmazonSmile. Be sure to select NFHF as your organization of choice and add the link to your bookmarks!
Visit www.goodsearch.com and select Northshore Families Helping Families. Create user profile which keeps track of individual amount raised. Use the search box on www.goodsearch.com or download a Good To-Go add-on to search the Internet, with the added bonus that you are earning a donation for virtually every search.
Tell us how Northshore Families Helping Families has made a difference in your life and we will include it in our media publications. Send your story to
[email protected]. We want to hear from you!
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Quarterly Events
OCTOBER 2016 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 1
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5 Book Club
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11 Dinner Club
12 Book Club
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19 RAC Meeting People First Northshore
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23/30
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26 Book Club
Breakfast and a Flick 28
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NOVEMBER 2016 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2 Book Club
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5 Special Needs Day at Zoo
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8 Dinner Club
9 Book Club
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12 Ren Fest
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16 People First Northshore
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19 Breakfast and a Flick
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23 Book Club
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Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Holiday Holiday
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DECEMBER 2016 Sun
Mon
Tue
Thu
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Sat
1
2 Holiday Pot- 3 luck Party
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10 Breakfast with Santa
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7 Book Club
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14 People First 15 Northshore
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Free Education & Resource Webinars Families Helping Families of Jefferson invites you to free webinars full of rich content. A webinar event is viewed right from your computer where you can watch, listen, and have the option to post questions and get LIVE responses. For a listing of webinars visit www.fhfjefferson.org and then click on “What’s Going On” and choose a topic and register. Families Helping Families of Jefferson, 201 Evans Road Building, Suite 100, Harahan LA 70123, 800-766-7736.
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Meet and Greet: Try It to See If You Like It Events - Adult Programs The purpose of these events is to provide folks who are 16 and older with the opportunity to meet new people, have fun and try new things! For more information call (985) 875-0511 email
[email protected] or
[email protected] Book Club meets on Wednesdays at 1 pm at St. John’s Coffee Shop at 535 E Boston St in Covington. Upcoming dates: Oct 5th, Oct 12th, Oct 26th, Nov 2nd, Nov 9th, Nov 30th, Dec 7th Saturday, September 17th @ 8:30 am Breakfast and a Flick at Movie Tavern at 201 N Highway 190 in Covington. The movie is Sully (rated PG 13) with Tom Hanks in theater 8 starts at 9:15 am. Breakfast items range from $5 to $7 and beverages are $3 to $5 with refills. Purchase tickets in advance online for $9.75. Other Breakfast and a Flick Dates: October 22nd and Nov 19th. Wednesday, September 21st @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm for People First Meeting Northshore Chapter at the Arc of GNO Northshore Community Center @ 106 E 25th Avenue in Covington. Topic for this meeting is Tips for Budgeting and the guest speaker is Diane Brehm from Gulf Coast Bank. People First of Northshore co-leaders are Scott Smith and Perry Evans. Advisors are Sharon Delvisco and Dawn Culbreath. Other People First Meeting Dates: Oct 19th, Nov 16th, Dec 14th, and Jan 18th. Tuesday, October 11th at 6:00 pm - Dinner Club at Lee’s Hamburgers at 104 Lake Drive off Hwy 190 in Covington. Participants are responsible for their meals.
Saturday, November 5th meet at 10 am by benches outside ticket gate at Audubon Zoo for Special Needs Day Event at 6500 Magazine St in New Orleans Saturday, November 12th meet near ticket booth at 9:45 am for LA Renaissance Festival located at 46468 River Road in Hammond LA. Wear your costume, mask or casual clothing! We will buy tickets as a group to get a discount. More details coming soon!
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Meet and Greet: Try It to See If You Like It Events - Adult Programs (continued)
Friday, December 2nd from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Holiday Potluck Party at the YMCA West at 71256 Francis Road in Covington! Bring your favorite party dish to share and an unwrapped present for a 5 – 10 year old child to donate to Santa for the Northshore Families Helping Families Breakfast with Santa event. Register online here!
COMING SOON: Swamp Tour, Picnic at the Mandeville Lakefront, Bird Fest! SAVE THE DATES: Mardi Gras Potluck Party - Friday, January 27th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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DSP (Direct Support Professional) Spotlight The LA Developmental Disabilities Council recently had a campaign to highlight the valuable work done by direct support professionals (DSPs). People with a DSP nominated them for the DSP Spotlight by submitting a picture and brief story of how this individual has positively impacted their life or that of a loved one. Stories were selected and shared. #DSPAppreciation DSP Spotlight: The Council and Karen Conley would like to recognize the outstanding work of her direct support professional, Ruth Holman. Karen says, “Ruth has been my loyal, trusted confidant for over 11 years. In that time, she has become more than that... she is part of the family and deserves her place here. When my 91-year-old mom became gravely ill, Ruth promised her she would always look after me and she has kept that promise to this day. In the good times and bad, she has remained the same faithful and respectful person she was from the very beginning. Through her own personal difficulties her dedication to me has never wavered. There have been times when I did not have a worker and she came in on her off time to make sure I had what I needed. Her work ethics are outstanding. I cannot imagine the struggles I would have had if she had not been in my corner all these years. She has truly been an asset and blessing to me. Thanks for all you do, Ruth! #DSPAppreciation
DSP Spotlight: Jeronica Eackels shares about her work as a direct support professional. “What I enjoy most about working with Keira is everything -- her spirit, the way she is, who she is, and just everything about her.” Thank you, Jeronica! Watch Video #DSPAppreciation
DSP Spotlight: Barbara Conerly James walked through our front door and into our lives seven years ago, in June 2009. She has served as my daughter, P.J.’s, direct support professional since that time. All of P.J.’s activities of daily living for her total care are meet for her with warmth, wisdom, and wit by this dynamic woman. Barbara has stated, "I have raised five boys and this is my girl!” We love Ms. Barbara for her care, compassion, and sense of community. As you can see from the photos below, Barbara and P.J. are very social ladies together in both our home and community. Thanks for all you do, Barbara! #DSPAppreciation
DSP Spotlight: David and his direct support professional, Yolanda Brisco, share about their experience together. “At the end of the day it makes you feel great. You have accomplished something and so has David.” Thank you, Yolanda! Watch Video #DSPAppreciation
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The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council's grassroots advocacy networks, LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) and LaTEACH (Louisiana Together Educating All Children), are merging to become the brand new LaCAN (Louisiana Council's Advocacy Network). Beginning October 2016, LaCAN will now keep you informed about opportunities to advocate for systems change in home and community-based services, employment, and education. In preparation for this merger, the Council is also merging our LaCAN, LaTEACH and LaDDC News subscribers into one Constant Contact account email system. You will receive an email later today from this new account letting you know that you have been added. We encourage you to save
[email protected] to your email account's address book or safe senders list to ensure you continue to receive all the latest advocacy news and alerts in your inbox. This transition will also allow you to manage your DD Council email subscriptions and update your contact information in one place. If you have any questions regarding this merger, please contact the Council office at 1-800-450-8108. Thank you for your continued involvement in the Council's grassroots advocacy efforts. Together we are making a difference! Your Region 9 Leaders are Karen Artus and Katie Corkern! Here is their contact info: Education Leader Karen Artus at 985-264-1186 or
[email protected] Home and Community Based Services Leader Katie Corkern at 985-507-8540 or
[email protected] Contact Us phone: 1-800-450-8108
web: www.lacanadvocates.org
email:
[email protected] LaCAN is an initiative of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council.
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Attention parents of children aging out of EarlySteps, turning age 3, or have aged out of EarlySteps and are under five (5) years of age who indicated on their annual application they wanted services from the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD): The contact for starting the transition process is Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, Developmental Disability Services. This transition process determines if your child is eligible to receive services from the developmental disability system. It also determines if your child’s name may be submitted to the “Waiver Registry” which includes the Children’s Choice Waiver and New Opportunities Waiver. You may apply at any time by calling 985-543-4730 or 1-800-866-0806 and requesting an “entry” appointment with the Developmental Disabilities office representing the Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD). Need services? Florida Parishes Human Services Authority (FPHSA) is a state funded local governance entity with the vision of enhancing the availability of services and supports leading to a satisfying and productive life for persons with addictions, developmental disabilities, and mental illnesses. FPHSA is the single point of entry in the five-parish area (Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, St. Tammany). Phone: (985) 543-4730 / Toll Free: (800) 866-0806 / TDD Phone: 985-543-4754
DEPARTMENT ISSUES DRAFT ESSA FRAMEWORK FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT Framework Next Step in Yearlong Process to Develop Louisiana's Plan for K-12 Education under New Federal Law On September 29, the Louisiana Department of Education released a draft framework outlining a sample, comprehensive plan to comply with the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Building on input from more than 200 organizations and over 1,000 individuals on how to improve education in Louisiana, the draft framework is meant to further the public comment process, marking another step in the yearlong process of developing Louisiana's full ESSA plan.
The draft framework is available on the Department's website, and the public is invited to submit feedback in one of two ways: -email thoughts and ideas directly to the Department at
[email protected] -or attend one of the upcoming public meetings
The Louisiana Department of Education has a webpage dedicated to ESSA: http://www.louisianabelieves.com/resources/about-us/every-student-succeeds-act-(essa) Read a summary of selected provisions of ESSA from the Council for Exceptional Children (International Headquarters): http://bit.ly/21UIGfO
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NFHF is currently looking to grow our volunteer base. If you are interested, sign up here.
RICC is the voluntary Regional Interagency Coordinating Council. RICC serves as a local contact for PARENTS, cooperating agencies, and other entities from the region interested in the early intervention system, EarlySteps. At this meeting you will learn more about available resources as well as have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on services. Your input is valued! The next RICC meeting is: Thursday, October 20, 2016 9:00 am - 11:00 am Louisiana Workforce Commission 1711 Nashville Ave., Hammond, LA 70401
Are you a person receiving developmental disabilities services or a family member of a person receiving services? The Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for Developmental Disabilities Services for Florida Parishes Human Services Authority currently has vacancies! Members attend 6 meetings per year and provide feedback about initiatives, policies, and services that impact people living in Region 9 (St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, Livingston, or St. Helena Parishes). If you are interested in serving on the RAC, complete the nomination form and return it to Sharon Delvisco,
[email protected].
RAC Nomination Form The RAC, established by legislative act, ensures public input in an advisory capacity in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and the allocation of resources to the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities. This input is derived from communication with, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities and their families and other concerned groups or individuals. Click here to read the bylaws. RAC meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. Get information about resources that may be available for you or others. Give comments about an interest, need or concern about issues facing families or individuals with disabilities. Next meeting: Tuesday, October 18th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, Room 58 835 Pride Drive, Suite B, Hammond, LA 70401 For more information contact
[email protected] or 985-875-0511.
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Louisiana Family to Family Health Information Center Affordable Care Act (ACA): Helping Families of Children with Special Needs to Understand Deductibles
Self Direction Fiscal Agent Changes Palco will replace Acumen as the fiscal agent for people using self direction option for New Opportunities Waiver, Children’s Choice Waiver, Community Choices Waiver, and Residential Options Waiver October 1, 2016. You should have received a packet of information concerning the transition from Acumen to Palco already. If you have not received your packet contact Palco at 866-710-0456. Palco Introduction Letter OCDD Letter Employer Enrollment Packet Worker Enrollment Packet
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What Everyone Should Know about ADHD CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD hosts monthly online webcasts with leading experts in the field of ADHD. These webcasts are free and anyone can participate. Chat participants can submit questions to be answered by the expert. You can register for upcoming Ask the Expert Webcasts and view recordings of previous Ask the Experts. - Read More! Wednesday October 5, 2016 at 1pm central time Guest expert: Edward Hallowell, M.D. Register Now!
National Autism Association is proud to introduce our Autism ATRIUM program. This educational initiative for the autism community will provide a regular schedule of learning opportunities through free online webiNAArs as well as a series of blog entries by experts in topics affecting individuals with autism and their families. There are a number of previously recorded webinars available online. Register now for Solutions to Help Children Self-Regulate.
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EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE PLAY BALL!
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Miracle League Northshore is dedicated to providing organized recreational sports leagues to children ages 6-18 in our community. To see what we are all about, please join us on Tuesday nights at 6p.m. at Coquille Parks and Recreation on Field 6 for our Fall Baseball games now through November 15. For more information, visit our website at miracleleaguenorthshore.org or call Noble-Bates Young at (601)431-0696.
