In early December, a new resource for families will begin in Decatur County.
United Families and One Community One Family have been hosting support group meetings to educate parents in Ripley and Dearborn Counties and are now embarking upon similar groups in Decatur and Franklin Counties.
Kathy Riley, Family Support Specialist with United Families, explained that as a parent of a child on the ausbergers / autism spectrum, she felt all alone for many years. As the family struggled to work with schools and other programs to promote her son’s success, she wished she could find a means of support. For parents, having connections with other families can prove invaluable in meeting the needs of children, she noted, especially those with mental illness or other challenges. This is the niche filled by the support group that will soon form here in Greensburg.
The meetings offer parents a chance to interact with their peers and receive educational information on a variety of topics. Meetings have focused on creating an individual education program, discussion of the 40 developmental assets, information on “sexting” and a variety of other topics. Although the program focuses on matters close to home for families with children who have behavioral or emotional issues, all families can benefit from learning to advocate for themselves, Riley explained.
The monthly meetings, which will likely begin on the second Tuesday of December, offer a meal as well as baby-sitting. Foster parents can receive 2 credit hours for each meeting.
Sarah Simon and Mark Deamron, Systems of Care Resource Facilitators with One Community One Family, explained that Systems of Care facilitates meetings that enable families to identify supportive figures in their lives. Families determine their own course of action, and the program focuses on strengths and successes before needs and concerns.
“This is not about telling families what to do,” Deamron said.
The family builds its own team, made up of whoever they feel is necessary in supporting the success of the child, Simon noted. Through monthly support group meetings or more regular Systems of Care gatherings, the organizations work to make sure kids’ needs are met.
Riley, Simon, Deamron and Mary Garvey, MA, LMFT, Manager of Child & Adolescent Services for Centerstone, all noted that one of the goals is to promote acceptance of difference. Too often, they noted, mental illness is stigmatized.
“Everyone is more than a diagnosis,” Garvey said.
Through promoting awareness and education, the programs hope to prevent students from being left behind due to being misunderstood. Education also empowers families to enable kids to thrive.
The meetings, Riley explained, take place in a relaxed atmosphere and offer education on many topics that every family needs. To find out the exact time of the first meeting, watch for flyers and check future editions of the Daily News. Once a final date is established, Parent Gatherings will always be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., potentially on the first or second Monday or Tuesday of the month, at Centerstone in Greensburg.
To participate, RSVP by calling 812-934-4210 so organizers can make sure to arrange for enough food and baby-sitters.
News
New Group Hopes To Support Families Affected By Autism
- News
-
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break
After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
Super Bowl experience was a winner
If praise and adulation put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.
-
DCCF announces grant opportunities
The Board of Directors of the Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) is pleased to announce it will continue a variety of grant opportunities available for 2012 from the unrestricted pool of funds.
-
Meth lab numbers continue to rise
The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section was started in January 2006.
That year, there were 803 meth labs dismantled around the state. -
Daffodil Days program inspires hope
Decatur County residents can fight back against cancer and share hope for those facing the disease by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days.
-
Commissioners approve grant application
At their regular meeting Monday morning, the Decatur County Commissioners received an update from Bob Barker, of the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department, regarding funding for and repairs to Greensburg's public pool.
-
Medical mission a success for First Baptist
A medical Mission trip organized by Greensburg's First Baptist Church brought dental and medical care to many impoverished citizens of the Dominican Republic recently.
-
Sexual predator arrested
At approximately 11:50 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Randel Miller was patrolling I-65 when he stopped a 2006 Dodge Charger near the 51 mile marker southbound for a traffic violation.
-
Dr. Bennett plans polar plunge
It was a spur of the moment decision.
In that moment, jumping into a lake in the middle of February sounded like a good idea. -
GPD arrests three, issues felony charges
Arrests warrants for David R. Drew, 41, and Angela S. Drew, 38, of 417 North AmRhein Drive were issued Thursday, Feb. 2.
- More News Headlines
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break






