SEPTEMBER 2023
SEPTIEMBRE 2023
SEPTEMBER IS.... / SEPTIEMBRE ES....
Family Focus Resource Center would like to share some upcoming September events that are important to us and the families we serve:

Family Focus Resource Center desea compartir algunos de los próximos eventos de septiembre que son importantes para nosotros y las familias a las que servimos:
Family Focus Resource Center celebrates:
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th to October 15th

"Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America"
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of our residents whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Join FFRC in celebrating the history, culture, & contributions of Hispanic-Americans this month!

"Latinos: Mejorando la Prosperidad, el Poder y el Progreso en
los Estados Unidos"
Cada año, los estadounidenses celebran el mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana del 15 de Septiembre al 15 de Octubre, celebrando las historias, culturas y contribuciones de nuestros residentes cuyos antepasados ​​vinieron de Mexico, América Central y del Sur, España y el Caribe. El día 15 de septiembre es significativo porque es el aniversario de la independencia de los países latinoamericanos Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua. ¡Únase a FFRC para celebrar la historia, la cultura y las contribuciones de los hispanoamericanos este mes!

Did you know that September is Hydrocephulus Awareness Month?

What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus comes from the Greek words: “Hydro” meaning water and “cephalus” meaning head. Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles, resulting in pressure on the brain. It affects over 1 million Americans, ranging from infants and older children to young and middle-aged adults, as well as seniors. Hydrocephalus is chronic but it can be treated with cerebral surgery and shunt systems. To learn more see www.hydroassoc.org.

¿Qué es la hidrocefalia?
El término “hidrocefalia” se compone de las palabras griegas “hydro”, que significa agua, y “cephalus”, que significa cabeza.
La hidrocefalia es una enfermedad neurológica crónica causada por una acumulación anormal del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) en las cavidades del cerebro, llamadas “ventrículos”, lo que puede causar un aumento de la presión intracraneal. En Estados Unidos, afecta a más de un millón de personas de todas las edades: niños, jóvenes, adultos de mediana edad y ancianos. La hidrocefalia no tiene cura en la actualidad, pero sí se puede tratar con cirugía cerebral y válvulas intracraneal. Para obtener más información, visite www.hydroassoc.org.
SEPTEMBER WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
TALLERES & EVENTOS DE SEPTIEMBRE
BUILDER BEES BEACH MEET-UP
Sunday, September 3rd, 11:00 am

Join Builder Bees for their end of summer beach hangout! Builder Bees is an organization promoting inclusive friendship for neurodivergent girls in sensory-friendly settings. To learn more about the Beach meet-up and Builder Bees, please visit: https://www.builderbeesla.com/
RECURSOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PARA EL REGRESO A CLASES
Jueves, 7 de septiembre, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Únase a los representantes de la Biblioteca Pública de Los Ángeles y la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Clarita, mientras comparten recursos útiles para sus estudiantes que pueden ayudarlos a tener éxito este año escolarÚnase a los representantes de la Biblioteca Pública de Los Ángeles y la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Clarita, mientras comparten recursos útiles para sus estudiantes que pueden ayudarlos a tener éxito este año escolar.

BACK TO SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES
Friday, September 8th, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Join representatives from LA Public Library and Santa Clarita Public Library, as they share helpful resources for your students that can help them succeed this school year!

AVENUES SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES
7TH ANNUAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
Saturday, September 9th, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Join Avenues Supported Living Services for their 7th Annual Bowling Tournament Fundraiser at Valencia Lanes. Get your team together and join in the fun!
Purchase your tickets here: Avenues Bowling Tournament Fundraiser

WHERE / DONDE: Valencia Lanes
23700 Lyons Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321
EARLY LEARNING READINESS (ELR)
PREPARACIÓN PARA EL APRENDIZAJE TEMPRANO
September 2023 to June 2024
Septiembre 2023 a Junio 2024

The YMCA in San Fernando Valley is offering FREE Early Learning Readiness classes for children 0 -5 and their adult caregivers. Kids will learn, play, and develop skills which will help them be ready for school. Caregivers attend class with their child to learn developmental activities they can do at home.

La YMCA de San Fernando Valley ofrece clases GRATIS de preparación para el aprendizaje temprano para niños de 0 a 5 años y sus cuidadores adultos. Los niños aprenderán, jugarán y desarrollarán habilidades que los ayudarán estar listos para la escuela. Los cuidadores asisten a clase con su hijo para aprender actividades de desarrollo que pueden hacer en casa.

WHERE / DONDE: East Valley Family YMCA (North Hollywood) and Mid-Valley Family YMCA (Van Nuys).

For More information / Para más información: YMCA Early Learning
Fundamentos del IEP: Preparando y Empoderando a los Padres para el IEP de sus Hijos
Martes, 12 de Septiembre, 12:00 pm

Esta entrenamiento mensual ayudará a aprender información básica acerca del IEP, al igual que estrategias más avanzadas sobre los pasos que puede tomar cuando está en desacuerdo con su IEP. ¡Los padres participantes recibirán una copia digital GRATUITA para ayudarle a crear su portofolio del IEP en casa!
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Fatima maria.castaneda@csun.edu

Para registrarse por favor visita: Fundamentos del IEP
IEP ESSENTIALS: EMPOWERING & PREPARING PARENTS
FOR THEIR CHILD'S IEP
Wednesday, September 13th
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

This monthly training will help parents learn basic information about the IEP, to more advanced strategies on steps you can take when you don't agree with your IEP. Participating parents will receive a FREE digital download to help you create your IEP binder at home!
For more information please contact Diana at diana.chulak@csun.edu

To register, please visit: IEP Essentials
INCLUSION MATTERS 2023 RUN, WALK & ROLL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH, 7:00 am - 11:00 am

It is time again for the 26th Annual Run, Walk & Roll at Griffith Park for Inclusion Matters. Come walk, run or roll 4K for this wonderful fundraiser; there will be snacks, special guests, resources, and free giveaways.
For more information, visit https://inclusionmatters.org/walk-and-roll/

Ha llegado el momento del numero 26 anual de Run, Walk & Roll en Griffith Park para Incusion Matters. Ven a caminar, correr o rodar 4K para esta maravillosa recaudación de fondos; habrá refrigerios, invitados especiales, recursos y obsequios gratuitos.
Para obtener más información, visite https://inclusionmatters.org/walk-and-roll/
SERIE DE TALLERES IPP
Martes, 19 de Septiembre, 11:30 am a 1:30 pm

Acompáñenos en esta mini serie de tres partes presentada por Sofia Cervantes de SCDD. Esta es acerca del Plan del Programa Individualizado del Centro Regional, conocido  por sus siglas en Inglés como IPP. Aprenderá a como solicitar  servicios,  evitar dificultades y obtener los resultados que necesita. También, aprenderá acerca de las audiencias equitativas y quejas del Centro.

PRÓXIMOS TALLERES:
Martes, 17 de Octubre: IPP parte 3, Audiencias Equitativas y Quejas del Centro Regional

REGISTRESE AQUI: SERIE IPP
14TH ANNUAL NEW HORIZONS WALK-A-THON
Saturday, September 23rd, 8:45 am to 11:30 am

Join New Horizons as they host their 14th Annual Walk-A-Thon! This event is open to community, and there will be a resource fair (stop by the FFRC table to say hello!), free t-shirts, snacks and raffles. The cost is $10 per person, and all New Horizons members are invited for free.

¡Únase a New Horizons mientras organizan su número 14 Walk-A-Thon anual! Este evento está abierto a la comunidad y habrá una feria de recursos (¡pase a la mesa de FFRC para saludar!), camisetas, refrigerios y rifas gratis. El costo es de $10 por persona y todos los miembros de New Horizons están invitados de forma gratuita.

WHERE DONDE: New Horizons Campus
15725 Parthenia Street, North Hills, 91343

Questions? Please email Daryl Rubin at drubin@newhorizons-sfv.org
6TH ANNUAL ROCKIN' RESOURCE FAIR
Saturday, September 23rd, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

The 6th Annual Rockin' Resource Fair is back and FREE FOR ALL AT WOODLEY PARK! There will be lots of fun activities for the whole family, there will be over 50 special needs vendors, and the first 100 attendees will receive a free Rockin' Resource Fair T-shirt! Stop by the Family Focus table to say hello!

WHERE: Woodley Park, Van Nuys
Questions? Please email reception@wrtsfranchise.com
IPP WORKSHOP SERIES
Tuesday, September 26th, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Join us in this three part mini-series presented by Sofia Cervantes from State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). You will learn about Regional Center Individualized Program Plan (IPP), how to apply for services and get the results you need. Also, you will learn about fair hearing & complaints. Register for the series here:
 
UPCOMING WORKSHOP:
Tuesday, October 24th: Fair Hearing & Complaints

REGISTER HERE: IPP SERIES
SNEAK PEEK AT OCTOBER 2023
AVANCE DEL MES DE OCTUBRE 2023
WORK IS FOR EVERYONE ZOOM MEETINGS
Every Tuesday morning in October 2023
via Zoom 10AM – 12PM (includes Q&A)
Including Self-Advocate presentations and responses to questions about Competitive Integrated Employment.

The training modules are designed to educate and empower youth and adult consumers along with their families and providers to confidently move forward with Individual Program Plan (IP) goals related to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and Paid Internships (PIP). There will also be self-advocate presentations and responses to questions about Competitive Integrated Employment.
For more information email CIEinfo@AvenuesSLS.org

ALL SESSION ARE PROVIDED IN ENGLISH AND ASL
Translated materials are available in Armenian, Farsi and Spanish upon request at CIEinfo@AvenuesSLS.org
SERIE DE TALLERES IPP
Martes, 17 de Octubre, 11:30 am a 1:30 pm

Únase a nosotros para el último taller de tres partes presentada por Sofia Cervantes de SCDD. Esta es acerca del Plan del Programa Individualizado del Centro Regional, conocido  por sus siglas en Inglés como IPP. Aprenderá acerca de las audiencias equitativas y quejas del Centro.

REGISTRESE AQUI: SERIE IPP
IPP WORKSHOP SERIES
Tuesday, October 24th, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Join us for the last of this three part mini-series presented by Sofia Cervantes from State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). You will learn about Regional Center Individualized Program Plan (IPP), and this workshop will be on Fair Hearing & Complaints.

REGISTER HERE: IPP SERIES
CAL TASH 2024 CONFERENCE:
CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS OPEN!

CalTASH, a leading disability advocacy group that promotes inclusivity in schools and community for people with significant disabilities and support needs, will be having their annual conference in Sacramento, March 1 -2, 2024. They are seeking proposals for English & Spanish presenters to present on topics that promote a self-determined lives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Proposals are due October 28th!
For more information, please visit: CalTASH 2024 Conference Proposals
COMMUNITY CLASSES
BALLET CLASSES FOR ALL

Make sure to check out Ballet for all Kids, now offering classes in Reseda and Agoura Hills for all levels and ages. Contact them to get your free trial class!

For more information, scan the QR code below or visit their website at https://www.balletforallkids.com/
PLAY LA VISUALLY IMPAIRED & BLIND SOCCER CLINICS
9:00 am to 10:30 am

City of L.A. Dept. of Recreation & Parks will be hosting soccer clinics for the visually impaired and blind, in conjunction with the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes. These classes are for athletes ages 5 to 17, and are FREE!

Where: Hubert Humphrey Rec Center
12560 Filmore Street, Pacoima, 91331
DOWN FOR DANCE: A Dance Program for All Abilities
Fall 2023 Sessions

Down for Dance is offering dance and ballet classes for kids ages 7 and above. Classes are offered online and in-person in North Hollywood, for ballet, dance, art and yoga!

Visit their website to find out schedules, pricing and registration information: https://www.downfordance.org/
Support Groups / Grupos de Apoyo


Black & African American Family Focus Support Group

Join us as we come together to create a safe, supportive place to connect with other families of children, young and old, with special needs, to share resources, provide advocacy & to be part of an inclusive community.


This group will meet Wednesday, September 6th at 6:30 pm
Our speakers this month include Scott Shepard from Avenues SLS,
and Hilary Yip From CSUN Music Therapy.

Contact Theresa Quary for registration information.
AV Family Focus
Grupo de Apoyo

Grupo de Apoyo para padres de niños con necesidades especiales del Valle de Antelope (en español).

Este grupo se juntara por Zoom a las
12:00 pm el 7 de septiembre.

Para registrarse llame a (661) 945-9598 o envie un correo electronico a lorena.salgado@csun.edu
Armenian Parent Connection
This group will meet via Zoom on Thursday, September 7th at 6:30 pm
Meet other parents & caregivers in the NLACRC area. Find out about Regional Center services and other family supports!
Please register here: Armenian Parent Connection
El Poder del Amor
y la Paciencia

Grupo de apoyo EN PERSONA para Padres de Niños con Necesidades Especiales.

Este grupo se juntara en persona el 8 de septiembre a las 9:30 am.

Localizado en Community Resource Center, 10807 San Fernando Road, Pacoima, CA 91331

Para registrarse llame a (818) 677-6854 o envie un correo electronico a Rebeca Diaz
Mamas Latinas
Grupo de Apoyo

Grupo de Apoyo para padres de niños con necesidades especiales del Valle de Antelope y Santa Clarita (en español).

Este grupo se juntara por Zoom a las
11:00 am el
11 de septiembre.

Se juntara por Zoom a las 6:00 pm el 25 de septiembre.

Para obteren la informacion de Zoom mande un correo electronico a Mayra Lara o llame (661) 270-6546
Parent Check-In
& Chat

Join us on our new day of Thursdays at 12:30 pm for Parent Check-In and Chat! This is a helpful & casual chat where we can listen, share, and discuss what is happening in our lives!

This group returns on Thursday, September 14th at 12:30 pm

Contact Diana Chulak with any questions or click here to register.
FILIPINO SUPPORT GROUP

Meet other Filipino families, share your experiences, and find out about upcoming events and resources.

This group will meet Monday, September 18th at 6:30 pm

Interested in joining? Please contact Theresa Quary for more information.
Parent to Parent Chat
(In-person)

Come to this support group and meet other Santa Clarita parents of kids with special needs.
This group will meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, in person at our office.

We will meet on Wednesday, September 20th, 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Contact Lesney Duarte to RSVP or with any questions.
Parents of Adult Consumers

This group is for parents and caregivers of adult consumers (age 18+). Everyone is welcome!

This group will meet
on September 20th at 6:30 pm.

Contact Victoria Berrey for information. 
El Poder del Amor
y la Paciencia

Grupo de Apoyo para padres de niños con necesidades especiales.

Este grupo se juntara el 22 de septiembre,
a las 10:00 am.


Para obteren la informacion de Zoom mande un correo electronico o llame a
(818) 677-6854
Cultivar y Crecer:
Grupo de Apoyo en Español

Nuestras reuniones ahora tienen lugar en Zoom 
  • Sea parte de esta gran familia y tomemos un cafecito juntos
  • Conozca a otros padres
  • Comparta sus experiencias y sus preocupaciones
  • Compartiremos recursos disponibles en la comunidad
  • Talleres educacionales y eventos especiales

Este grupo se juntara el 22 de septiembre a las 6:30 pm.

CONTACTO PARA MAS INFORMACION:
Fatima Castaneda (818)374-9107  Sandra Baker (818)786-000
Early Start Bilingual Support Group

Comienzo Temprano Grupo de Apoyo Bilingue

Join us for this fun group for parents and caregivers of children under 3. We will talk & share about our experiences and challenges in the early years. This group will be held in English & Spanish.
Register here: ES Support Group

Únase a nosotros en este divertido grupo para padres y cuidadores de niños menores de 3 años. Hablaremos y compartiremos sobre nuestras experiencias y desafíos en los primeros años. Este grupo se llevará a cabo en Inglés y Español. Registrese aqui: ES Grupo de Apoyo

This group will meet on
Wednesday, September 27th at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Nuestra reunión será el miercoles, 27 de septiembre a las
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

CONTACTO PARA MAS INFORMACION: Arleen Flores 
CONTACT Jennifer Burns for more information.
The Family Focus
Resource Center out in the community!
We hope you and your family have had a smooth transition back to school and are enjoying the last of summer. FFRC is back at our community events and we are excited to meet you!

Victoria Berrey attended the Family Empowerment Centers of California Annual Meeting in Sacramento at the California Dept. of Education.

Fatima Castaneda co-presented with Dr. Amy Hanreddy, CSUN Chair of the Special Education Dept. at Festival Educacional, where they presented "Todos Pertenecemos: Valorando la Inclusividad y Cultura en las Escuelas y la Comunidad".

Theresa Quary & Fatima attended several Back-to-School Backpack events this month, including in St. John Holy Trinity Church in Littlerock and Parks Chapel AME Church in San Fernando.

Diana Chulak was at the FFRC table for the 2nd annual Diverse Needs Fitness Fair. Congratulations to Zooz Fitness & Bright Star Martial Arts for a successful event! Katharyn & Victoria attended the fun "Wrestle for Autism" event in Santa Clarita! What a fun day!

August was the month for our Coffee & Conversation meetings happening at our offices in Chatsworth, Santa Clarita & Lancaster. The topic was "Back to School" resources and parents took home a free school-year calendar! We still have a few in stock at each office, so parents can stop by to get their calendar while supplies last! Thank you to everyone who attended!

This Fall, FFRC is currently planning our All Abilities Resource Fair happening Sunday, October 15th from 11am to 3pm. We are also scheduling more in-person support groups, playdates, and meetings, so make sure to keep reading the newsletter & follow our social media for more updates!
Family Focus Celebrations!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO LESNY DUARTE!
We all wish Lesny a happy birthday this month! Lesny is a Family Support Provider at our Santa Clarita office, did you know she is a volunteer coach with the Special Olympics and she loves arts & crafts projects?!
Lesny is also celebrating her one year anniversary with FFRC! Lesny is so wonderful with families that come into the office and she is now facilitating a new in-person Santa Clarita support group called Parent to Parent Chat! Congratulations Lesny, we are lucky to have you!
HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO MINAKO LE!
Congratulations Minako on one year with FFRC! Minako is our librarian at the Chatsworth office; she has done an amazing job keeping our materials updated and has created an extensive and helpful online resource bank so our staff can easily locate resources to share with our families! Minako is also a star at community events because she loves meeting families and she is so fun to work with. Thank you for doing such a great job Minako!
In Case You Missed It
En Caso que te lo Hayas Perdido

We have many recorded workshops, webinars and instructional videos available to watch on demand on the Family Focus Resource Center YouTube channel. Click here to watch; make sure to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss any new videos!

This month, we have added to our channel:
  • IPP Strategies Part 1

Tenemos muchos talleres grabados, seminarios web y videos instructivos disponibles para ver a su convenencia en el canal de YouTube de Family Focus Resource Center. Haga clic AQUI para ver. ¡Asegúrese de suscribirse al canal para no perderse ningún video nuevo!

Este mes, hemos añadido a nuestra canal:
  • Estrategias de IPP Parte 1
Our offices are open and we are available to meet with you in person. We ask that you please call our offices to check office hours, as schedules may vary. We look forward to continuing to assist you!

Nuestras oficinas están abiertas y estamos disponibles para reunirnos con usted en persona. Le pedimos que llame a nuestras oficinas para verificar el horario de atención, ya que los horarios pueden variar. ¡Esperamos continuar ayudándolos!

CSUN:      818-677-6854  family.focus@csun.edu
Chatsworth: 818-374-9107  family.focus@csun.edu
Santa Clarita: 661-294-9715  family.focus.scv@csun.edu
Lancaster: 661-945-9598  family.focus.av@csun.edu
Family Focus Resource Center 818-677-6854 | family.focus@csun.edu | www.csun.edu/family-focus-resource-center