The latest PROmotion news for you

Summer 2021 Issue

Upcoming Events

The Developmental Disability Waiver Friday, June 4th, 2021

10:00am - 11:30am

Learn how to check your status, what each of the statuses means, how to update your intake, as well as learn what

resources are available to those when you meet the criteria.

Forward@14

Saturday, June 5th

and Saturday, June 12th

10:00am-4:00pm

A series of workshops that are designed to introduce and explore important issues during high school and transitioning into adulthood. Youth, parents, and community members will learn together and have opportunities to practice and reflect on topics such as Disability Awareness and Self Advocacy, Disability laws, How to run your own IEP/ISP, Options after High School, Healthcare Transition, and Social Opportunities

“Developing the Dream”

Early Childhood

Individual Family Support Plan

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

10:00am - 11:30am

Learn about Early Intervention for infants and toddlers’ birth - 3 and what it means for your family. Discover how the Individual Family Service Plan builds on strengths & goals for your child and family, Find out about the roles and responsibilities of the family service provider.

Virtual Family Support Group

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

11:00am - 12:30pm

Come to our monthly family-to-family support group. Share your experiences parenting your child or grandchild with disabilities and connect with others who relate to your journey.

If you are in need of a sign language interpretation or any other assistance accessing the workshops, please call us when you register or at least a week prior to the workshop at (505) 247-0192 or 1-800-524-5176

Full Event Calendar

Welcome New Staff Member!

Christa standing, holding hands with her two daughters and son.

Parents Reaching Out is excited to welcome Christa Perez to the team. During the last 10 years, Christa has been volunteering for PRO and we are looking forward to her joining our Early Childhood Program as a Family Liasion.

Christa is from Costilla, NM and now resides in Farmington, NM. She has 2 daughters and 1 son. She helps run the 4Corners Down Syndrome Network and helps with the Buddy Walk in her area.

She will be a great addition to the team!

Farewell to Jessica!

We are sad to be saying goodbye to Jessica Ianneci. Over the last 3 years, Jessica has served as the Early Childhood Liasion and Parent to Parent Coordinator at Parents Reaching Out. We appreciated her drive and dedication to helping families during her time at PRO. Jessica's bubbly and enthusiastic personality is going to be missed around the office.

She will be missed! Wishing her and her family well on their new chapter and safe travels to Texas!

Strategies for a Successful Summer Break _1_.png

Child Mind Institute's tips for managing your kids' downtime to help make it relaxing for everyone

Beth Arky

Summer break can be challenging for some children who depend on structure and routine with a predictable safety zone. Some tips that can help you and your family to enjoy and have a memorable summer:

Try and maintain your daily schedule, even when traveling
Make a visual schedule
Maintain clear expectations and a reward system.
Include your child’s interests
Give your child time to adjust to new things.

En Español

SSI Recipients and Economic Impact Payments

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who do not typically file a tax return should have received their third economic impact payment (EIP) automatically in April 2021. Those who receive their SSI benefits electronically by direct deposit or Direct Express Card should have received their EIP in the same way around April 7. Those who receive their monthly SSI benefits by check in the mail were mailed paper check EIPs beginning April 9.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not count any of the EIPs as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months after receipt. Many SSI recipients received their first EIP under the CARES Act in May 2020. They are now approaching the end of the 12-month exclusion period for the first EIPs starting on June 1, 2021, when any remaining CARES Act EIP funds they still have which puts them over the $2,000 resource limit ($3,000 for an eligible couple) will be counted as a resource, and they will lose their eligibility for SSI for that month. SSI recipients and their payees must take care to be sure they have spent down their CARES Act EIP funds before 12 months have passed since they received the payment. Since EIP funds are not the same as SSI benefits, individuals are not limited in what they can spend these funds on and can spend down on whatever they wish, including on gifts and charitable contributions.

More Information

Stress-Busting Programs - WellMed Charitable Foundation

The Wellmed Charitable Foundation Stress-Busting Program is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger and improve caregiver quality of life. The next class starts on June 8 Tuesday at 10 am. For more information, contact: Sharon Lewis at 830-377-1484

PRO Reading Recommendation

"I Am Me"

written by Tristan Towns and Lacey Howard

“I Am Me is a fun and rhythmic story encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate everyone’s differences. This book is filled with powerful affirmations and beautiful illustrations, with hopes of helping as many children as possible see themselves reflected in the pages."

View Video

Amazon Link

Parents Reach ing Out