Upcoming events from Autism Connections and Family Empowerment

May 26, 2023

We have upcoming trainings, community family events and networking/support groups! If you have any questions about the below events, please contact the event coordinator, who is listed in the flyer and event links. Enjoy the holiday weekend!

TRAINING

Charting the LifeCourse

1-1 Private Consultation

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

• various times (and other days) available
• Zoom
• Participants: Parents/caregivers in the four counties of western Massachusetts who would like help with organizing ideas, vision, goals problem solving and advocating for support for a family member.

Meet with LifeCourse Ambassador Donna Kushi in a private virtual meeting and address your questions regarding this powerful tool.

NETWORKING/SUPPORT GROUP

Special Education Forum for Parents

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

• 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• Participants: Parents in the four counties of western Massachusetts with school age children having issues with IEPs.

Join Nancy Farnsworth, our Educational Advocate and Information & Resources Manager, for a supportive virtual community. Come to discuss a current issue you are having, receive updates relative to special education, share a solution you've experienced, or just listen.

NETWORKING/SUPPORT GROUP

Autism Friends and Family Forum

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

• 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• Participants: The Forum is facilitated by Linda Manning and is for parents, caregivers, friends, and extended family in western Massachusetts who are supporting individuals +17 years old.

The Autism Friends & Family Forum meets to support family members and friends who provide care and guidance to adults (17+) with an autism/asperger profile. Discussion topics will include helping to manage care as needed while supporting the independent life of an adult with autism.

TRAINING

Turning 18: Making Sense of MassHealth and Private Insurance Options

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

• 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• In-person
• Family Empowerment, 11 Village Hill Road, Northampton MA 01060
• Participants: Anyone interested in maximizing insurance benefits for people with disabilities who are over age 18

Join Family Empowerment Franklin County and Presenter Melanie McLaughlin Ed.M, Project Director of Mass Family Voices at the Federation for Children with Special Needs for this MassHealth training. Learn about health insurance options, eligibility, and special programs.

NETWORKING/SUPPORT GROUP

Autism Connections Pioneer Valley Autism Support Group

Wednesday, June 14

• 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• In-person
• Location: MCS, 260 Westfield Road, Holyoke MA, 01040
• Participants: parents who are caring for people of all ages who have autism

Our Group is facilitated by Linda Manning and is for parents, caregivers, friends, and extended family in the four counties of western Massachusetts who are caring for someone with autism of any age. Join the Facebook group to follow the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/472164803127602.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Summer Ice Cream Party with Kelsey

Thursday, June 22, 2023

• 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Pathlight
• 220 Brookdale Drive,
• Springfield, MA 01104
• Participants: all ages!

Build your own sundae with assistance from Autism Connections staff if needed. Ice cream and toppings will be provided by AC. Allergies will be reviewed at registration, and accompanying adults are welcome to participate! Low volume music will be played throughout the event. Please read all information in flyer before registering with Kelsey.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Family Empowerment Annual Picnic (Franklin County)

Rain or Shine!

Franklin County's Family Empowerment Annual Picnic will be held at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield. All families and individuals currently associated with Family Empowerment/Franklin County are invited for a picnic lunch and activities. You will also have received a flyer with details in the mail, and via email. Please join us to celebrate summer!

If you have questions, or are not sure if you are connected to the Franklin County Center, please email us at familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Family Empowerment Annual Picnic (Hampshire County)

Rain or Shine!

Our Annual Picnic takes place this year at Look Park! All families and individuals currently associated with Family Empowerment/Hampshire County are invited for a picnic lunch and the option to freely participate in some of the Park's activities including mini-golf and the steam train. You will also have received a flyer with details in the mail, and via email.

If you have questions, or are not sure if you are connected to the Hampshire County Center, please email us at familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org.

familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org

autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are programs of Pathlight.