In 2009, individuals with disabilities and their families in LOV Inc. worked together to identify a major barrier to creating fulfilling, community-centered lives. They realized they needed someone to help build a bridge into community life. Based on a desire to be valued members of a community marked by self-direction, independence, and meaningful relationships, the Bridge Builder Project was established.
Individuals with disabilities work one-on-one with Bridge Builder Project staff, known as Bridge Builders. Bridge Builders are paid staff who support individuals to identify personal interests, set goals, and make lasting, natural connections in community settings.The Bridge Builder Project is a unique way of receiving support. Since we began the original Bridge Builder Project in 2009, we have seen some truly amazing successes for adult project members. We are expanding, and the Bridge Builder Project is now designed also to support young adults in upper high school and community transition programs to prepare for the transition to adulthood
El Colectivo de Familias Latinas trabaja con familias de habla hispana para ofrecerles a las families consultas individualizadas, empoderamiento y acceso a proveedores de cuidados de relevo o de respiro que hablen español, a través de oportunidades de educación y capacitación.El personal de habla hispana se pondrá en contacto con las familias para encontrar ecursos y apoyo familiar en áreas que incluyen:servicios de cuidado de relevo o respiro con proveedores de cuidados que hablan español y capacitación en cuidados de relevo para cuidadores;comprensión de los servicios de Apoyo a Largo Plazo para Niños (CLTS por sus siglas en inglés);conexiones con otras familias de niños con discapacidad y oportunidades para compartir recursos;identificación de recursos para una amplia gama de necesidades, desde adaptaciones o modificaciones del hogar hasta asegurar el bienestar en materia alimenticia y de vivienda;comprensión de los sistemas escolares y los apoyos educativos para usarlos de manera efectiva.Póngase en contacto con nosotros en esta dirección de correo electrónico: familias@lovinc.orgThe Colectivo de Familias Latinas works with Spanish-speaking families to provide individualized consultations, access to Spanish-speaking respite care providers, and family empowerment through education and training opportunities. The Colectivo is a joint initiative between LOV Inc., the Catholic Multicultural Center, and Dulce Respite Center.Spanish-speaking staff will connect with families to identify resources and family support in areas including:Respite care services with Spanish-speaking care providers and respite care training for caregiversUnderstanding Children’s Long-Term SupportConnecting with other families that include a child with a disability and sharing resourcesIdentifying resources for a wide range of needs, from home modifications to food and housing securityNavigating school and educational supports
Donna Brendel is a late-diagnosed woman with autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. She shares her stories and journey through life with autism on her podcast, “I Should Say That Out Loud,” and in her books, “Autistic Revelations- Body Edition,” and “Autistic Revelations- Career Edition.” She enjoys traveling and speaking to help advocate for adults with autism and parents with autistic children.
Podcast and YouTube channel, “I Should Say That Out Loud.” Memoirs available on Amazon, listed above. Speaking and consulting.
Having a child with special health care needs sets parents on a different journey than the one that was originally expected. Fortunately, many parents have “gone before” and can be a source of strength, direction and empowerment. Through a one-on-one match, Parent to Parent of Wisconsin pairs parents in need of guidance with a trained Support Parent who has walked a similar path. Like each family, every match is unique.
At Parent to Parent of Wisconsin, we help parents find a one-to-one connection with a trained Support Parent, who knows firsthand about the feelings and realities that come with having a child with special needs. No parent should feel alone. Ever.No provider referral is necessary. Any parent of a child with special needs who is interested can self-refer on our website.For Spanish-speaking parents: Our program coordinator is bilingual and we have some trained Support Parents who speak Spanish.
CLTS respite agency, mentoring, skills, caregiver support groups, sibling groups, socialization groups. Forward thinking, inclusive environment
CLTS respite agency, mentoring, skills, caregiver support groups, sibling groups, socialization groups.
Sankofa Midwest offers peer support that is designed by and led by Black parents for parents of Black children with special healthcare needs. This includes autism, neurodiversity, and different abilities. Our mission is to hold space, provide culturally sensitive information, increase advocacy, and decrease disparities for Black children.
Sankofa Midwest holds monthly meetings every third Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm CST/ 6:30pm EST. Meetings are held via Zoom, free, and open to all parents, grandparents, foster parents, and caregivers of Black children with disabilities living in the Great Lakes region.
Wisconsin’s Warm Wednesdays is a separate monthly gathering for parents of Black children with special health care needs that live specifically in the state of Wisconsin. This laid back virtual meeting provides an opportunity for Black families to connect and reflect with other families that are more local. Wisconsin’s Warm Wednesdays meets via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm CST.
Email SankofaMidwest@gmail.com for more information.
SPACE is an indoor sensory play area, designed with safe and specialized equipment for all Neurodivergent individuals and their families.
We offer weekly play sessions at our facility, along with monthly informational meetings and peer-to-peer support groups. Our facility can be rented out for birthday parties, as well as special education class outings.
Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT) is a statewide, parent-run organization in Wisconsin working with families that include children with social, emotional or behavioral challenges. We walk beside families to provide emotional support while helping to navigate the complex service and treatment systems with which they are involved.
Wisconsin Family Ties Parent Peer Support Program links trained parent peer specialists (PPSs) with parents who, for a variety of reasons, need help and hope. Our PPSs are parents or primary caregivers of children with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. They use their experience and training to help families navigate the complex systems that serve children. We offer a variety of training webinars for parents, and annually put on the Children Come First Conference.