The Arc’s Family Support team is committed to connecting families with resources and providing opportunities for support and growth. The department is currently offering two ways for family members, participants, and interested individuals to further their knowledge.
The Arc’s longstanding Family Workshop series will continue to be offered virtually this winter. Workshops are led by leaders in their fields and are free to individuals who pre-register. Several of these workshops will be recorded and available to view on St. Louis Arc’s Facebook page and/or YouTube channel.
The newer series, Q&A with a Family Support Specialist, is offered every Tuesday at 3 p.m. These sessions provide an informal way to learn more about a variety of topics. Those who log-on through Zoom or through Facebook Live will learn from other families and get tips and resources from a St. Louis Arc professional.
The team is continuing to adapt to the needs of Arc families and offering familiar and new supports each week. A full, up-to-date calendar of activities can be found on the Arc’s website.
February Q&A Sessions
How to Find a Roommate When you Want to Live Independently
Tuesday, February 2, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sharon Spurlock will be joined by Beth Moeller, Director of the CONNECT program. Sharon and Beth will discuss the process of finding a roommate if you want to live in your own apartment or home. You will also hear from a several individuals who have successfully found roommates as well as one individual who is currently searching for a roommate. Click here to Register for this webinar.
Arc Advocates Educational Program
Tuesday, February 9, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ann Mangelsdorf and Anne Denman join Sharon to discuss the Arc Advocates Educational Program.
The St. Louis Arc recently began offering one hour educational programs on legislative advocacy. These programs are free and open to anyone interested in legislative advocacy issues. The programs will be offered on the second Monday of every month from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. The sessions will also be recorded live so they will be accessible at other times for viewing. Topics will include: The Basics, Why We Advocate, History of Disability and Disability Rights, Federal vs. State/Local Legislative Advocacy, Legislative Priorities, Working with Your State and Federal Legislators. Register for this webinar.
Choosing a School
Tuesday, February 16, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Kate Hannon, Senior Director of Belle Children’s Services at the St. Louis Arc, and Mayra Garcia Hernandez, Director of Family and School Support at Navigate STL Schools will join us for a discussion on things to consider when choosing a school for your child. Register for this webinar.
Peer Supports
Tuesday, February 23, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Peer support is one of three areas that the St. Louis Arc knows gives families the tools they need to have their good lives. Join our team as we share a peek into groups currently available for people to meet folks with shared life experiences and learn from each other. Register for this webinar.
February Workshops
Virtual Combating Zoom Fatigue Workshop
Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual meetings, such as Zoom, can make us feel extra worn out and even unmotivated at times. In this workshop we will review how to know when you are experiencing Zoom fatigue, what can you do, and how to reset so you stay actively engaged. This workshop will be presented by Gabrielle Szarek, Director of Next, Transition Services, and JR Johnson, Coordinator of Next, Transition Services. Register for this webinar.
How Does Accreditation Impact the Supports and Services St. Louis Arc Provides?
Tuesday, February 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This workshop is an opportunity for people receiving services, family members, and employees of the St. Louis Arc to learn more about CQL and the week-long accreditation process starting March 29, 2021. Participants will hear the benefits of accreditation, why their participation is imperative for our continual quality improvement, and how we will get their input in this process through virtual focus groups, interviews, surveys, site visits, etc. Presented by Lindsey Moore, Director of Quality Enhancement and Training, St. Louis Arc and Stephanie Scott, Vice President of Support Services and Strategy, St. Louis Arc. Register for this webinar.
Virtual State and Federal Benefits Workshop
Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Do you have questions about what benefits your family member is eligible for as a legal adult? Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, SSI – find out who is eligible, what the differences are between the programs, and how to access the appropriate contacts in order to apply for services. Information about working while receiving benefits will also be covered. Presented by Bhavik R. Patel, Attorney & CEO, Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, P.C. Register for this webinar.
Virtual Home Alone Skills and Internet Safety for Teens, Adults, and Families Workshop
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Home Alone Skills
How do you know if your family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities is safe to be alone at home? How can you increase their skills so that they are able to spend more time being safely alone in their home? This workshop will work through an assessment tool designed to help you determine if your family member can be on their own, for how long, and what areas to focus on to help your family member increase their independent living skills.
Internet Safety
This section will cover how to effectively use the internet, including programs such as Facebook and Twitter, while considering safety, bullying, and how postings may affect someone’s safety and reputation.
Presented by Tracy Thomas, Coordinator of Residential Services, St. Louis Arc. Register for this webinar.