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Strong Families. Strong Futures.

Greetings to our VFN Family and Friends. Happy New Year!


At Vermont Family Network, we wish you a happy, healthy, successful 2024! Hopefully, our readers enjoyed a hard-earned respite over the holidays. Respite means many things, but we frequently refer to respite as a short period of rest, typically from something challenging or difficult. With that said, vacations and holidays can be difficult by their very nature. With all the holiday love, family-time, pressures to find something special for that loved one, hosting guests, attending social gatherings, and preparing meals, we often return from some time off needing a vacation from the vacation! For many Vermont families who have children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs, the holiday season can be more challenging. Over the holidays, I experienced a small family gathering which resulted in an undetected flu bug going rampant, resulting in my medically fragile granddaughter’s admittance to the ER. I can assure you that my daughter needs a respite from that hospital stay (the baby had a previous two week stay in October) and from the ongoing, 24/7 recovery – a whole new challenge to our family holidays and a renewed appreciation for respite.


VFN is grateful to be a part of the respite solution - it brings us joy to be able to provide respite funding and our VFN staff works tirelessly to review applications, promote opportunities, and follow up with recipients. I’d like to take a moment to highlight an aspect of what VFN does to ensure families in our state have access to respite. Here is a snapshot of what happened in the Fall:


Family Support Fund

During the first quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year, a total of $19,764.75 was allocated to families for either respite or for medically necessary items, or both. A total of 50 new applications were reviewed and of these, 31 were for medically necessary funds and 19 were for respite funds. From July through September, $10,164.75 was provided for medical needs of children in Vermont and another $9,600.00 was provided to parents for much needed respite.

 

Vermont Respite Support Program

We closed out the fiscal year for the Vermont Respite Support Program and 45 families were able to receive respite in a variety of ways: camps, lessons, tradition respite-ability to go to appointments, lunch with a friend, out with partner, etc.


We heard from families that:

“Your support is just what was needed at just the right time. It’s even a bigger gift that you share our path. Thank you again for what you all do.” 

and

“We are so appreciative of this assistance, and we have to thank our wonderful home nurse for getting in touch with the right folks.” 


Respite funding is an important resource for families raising children and adult children because it is essential that the caregivers get a break and can put their own oxygen mask on first as they navigate the journey and the complexities of systems. Please reach out to learn more about Vermont respite programs, eligibility, and allowable activities by emailing info@vtfn.org.


From the heart,

Jacqui

Family Engagement and Transition

Parents are experts on their children. As a parent, your knowledge of your child’s strengths, needs, preferences and interests as they relate to future employment, education/training and independent living are essential to creating a high-quality transition plan within the IEP. Additionally, you can tap into your own personal and professional networks to expand the opportunities for learning and employment. Until your youth with disabilities takes the lead in planning for their post-high school life, families are their bridge and support. Your active involvement in transition planning at school can make the difference between success and failure for your child with a disability.


For more information on parents as partners within your high school student’s transition plan, contact VFN Family Support at 876-5315 or info@vtfn.org. Check out VFN’s Transition Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities and Your Child, Their Future: Using Parental Expertise to Prepare Children for Life After High School workshop.

Registration is now Open!

VFN Annual Conference

April 2, 2024

“Change Begins with You – Using Your Voice to Make a Difference”

 

We are excited to announce that our 2024 Annual Conference will be held on April 2, 2024, at the UVM Davis Center from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This year our event will begin with a welcome from VFN’s Executive Director, Jacqui Kelleher and former South Burlington State Representative to the VT House, Maida Townsend, will kick off our day with opening remarks. We will then welcome our featured presenter, Amy Shollenberger, from Action Circles. Amy will provide a full day, in-depth, interactive training on advocacy. Topics include:

 

  • Legislative Process 101
  • Strategic Thinking for the Legislative Process
  • Telling Your Story to Share in a Way That Is Heard

 

Amy has more than 20 years of experience developing political strategy, grassroots organizing, influencing policy, and running political issue campaigns. She has worked on a variety of campaigns, ranging in scope from local community issues to state and national issues. She started Action Circles in 2010 and along with the Action Circles Team has served clients and offered training ever since. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to visit exhibit tables, network, and chat over lunch.

Register today!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for our 2024 annual conference, please contact katie.keidel@vtfn.org.

 

If you interested in being an exhibitor at our 2024 annual conference, please contact rachel.boyers@vtfn.org.

 

Our sponsors and exhibitors provide invaluable financial aid and informational resources for families. Thank you for your consideration!

Funding for Families is Available!

VFN has two respite funds available to families who are not currently receiving respite funding from other resources. Respite is a planned break for parents or caregivers, which allows time to spend with other children, to schedule necessary appointments, or to have an opportunity to rest and recharge.

 

VFN’s Family Support Fund is for Vermont families with children up to 21 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition. A family’s annual income must be at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. They can access up to $1200 per grant year (maximum initial respite request is $600.)

 

This fund is made possible through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Health’s Children with Special Health Needs (CSHN) program. It also includes Medically Necessary Supplemental Funding for families who have out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance. Please contact joanne.wechsler@vtfn.org for more information.

 

Our Vermont Respite Support Program is for Vermont families with children up to 19 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, mental, or developmental condition OR:

  • are experiencing circumstances such as: homelessness, economic hardships, and/or DCF Family Services involvement
  • are suspected of a diagnosis and waiting for an evaluation
  • require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children and youth generally

 

You may also be eligible if you are:

  • a parent/caregiver with a disability that has a child (up to the age of 19) living at home
  • a relative caregiver with a child(ren) living with them
  • a parent/caregiver of an adopted child(ren)

 

Families may access up to $1000 per year through a voucher reimbursement process. This fund is made possible through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Children and Families-Child Development Division. Please contact laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org for more information.

News from the Puppets

The New Bullying Prevention Workshop

Kids enjoying a VFN puppet show

During the 2022-2023 school year, our most requested topic was “bullying prevention.” But our old Bullying Prevention Workshop (geared toward fifth through eighth graders) was in desperate need of an overhaul. It had last been performed before the pandemic, and so much had changed in the intervening years. Cyberbullying has become a huge issue, as has conflict management and even learning how to interact with other people.



During the spring of 2023, we wrote a grant proposal for work on an updated Bullying Prevention Workshop. Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation generously funded the writing of the new workshop and its performance at two Vermont schools who have shown critical need.


After several months of research, discussion, and digging, we are pleased to announce that our new Bullying Prevention Workshop will debut on January 4th at Wells Village School. The pre-K through third graders will receive our Bullying Prevention puppet presentation, and the new workshop will be performed for the fourth through sixth grade students.


We will be talking about the definitions of bullying, harassment, and cyberbullying. We’ll also go over some strategies for dealing with bullying behavior, and how to tell the difference between bullying behavior and conflict.


The puppets are so excited to debut our new workshop! Thank you, Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation, for helping us help kids have a safer school.

Inclusive Schools

The Vermont State Board of Education passed Rule 4500 in 2011 to reduce the use of restraints and seclusions on children, and to promote more inclusionary school environments through the use of positive behavior interventions. Restraint and seclusion should only be used as a last resort and under specific circumstances. Schools must follow rules and reporting requirements when they use restraints and seclusions and the staff that are responsible must be trained using approved programs. This VFN fact sheet and Rule 4500 Guidance provide further information.


If you have any questions regarding your child’s behavior in school or the school’s response to behavior, please contact the VFN helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.

Have you Ever Wondered About Being a

Trained Support Parent?

Are you looking for a way to volunteer and meet other parents in 2024?


Here is a flexible and rewarding opportunity to consider!

Our next training is coming up soon. There is still time to register! (Deadline January 12th)



We have two options for the Support Parent training:

  • Wednesday, January 17,12-2 pm
  • Tuesday, January 23, 6-8 pm

The 2- Part training is short and easy (A 2 hour Zoom training and a self-guided PowerPoint)


Parent matches do not require much time. The average trained support parent sends texts and emails a few times with the referred parent and speaks on the phone once or twice. Requests to serve as a trained support parent are sporadic, and can be infrequent to a few times a year, depending on the specific diagnosis or condition that is requested. A trained support parent always has the option to say, “I am too busy to take this on right now.”


You do not have to be an expert. Being able to listen with compassion and maintain confidentiality are the most important skills.You are never alone. VFN match facilitators are available to support any questions that arise.


Volunteering as a trained support parent makes a huge difference to a parent who is experiencing a new diagnosis, bump in the road, or transition, etc. Referred parents report that just being able to connect with another parent “who gets it” reduces their stress and anxiety.


Please consider being a trained support parent. As one parent to another, your listening ear can make a huge difference. To register for the upcoming training, contact marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org by January 12th.

Genetics Corner

Happy January! Here are two fantastic resources for families and individuals navigating a genetic diagnosis. Please reach out to VFN if you want to speak with a genetic navigator!



Wellness Window!
A heart made of snow

Winter thoughts...





Snow was falling,

so much like stars

filling the dark trees

that one could easily imagine

its reason for being was nothing more than prettiness. 

   

- Mary Oliver, Snowy Night

Upcoming Events - Register today!

Free Workshops


January 18 at 2:00 p.m. Register for "Transition Tips for Families"

Transition to adulthood can be a challenging process for all young people, but for students with disabilities, there are both additional challenges but also resources that can help the youth and their family in this process. VFN family support consultants have supported thousands of families through the special education process for their children, from birth through transition to adulthood. Join us as we share transition tips for families on how to maximize available resources and support to ensure a smooth transition into post-secondary life for their children with disabilities!

Presenters: Karen Price - Co-Director of Family Support - Education and Martha Frank - Family Support Consultant - Education, both at Vermont Family Network


January 25 at 1:00 p.m. Register for "Supports and Services for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss and Their Families: An Overview of the New England Consortium on Deafblindness (NEC)"

In this workshop presenters will: 1. Describe the population of children with combined sensory support needs, 2. Detail supports and services available to families and their educational teams in Vermont through the New England Consortium on Deafblindness (NEC,) and 3. Present learning strategies for home and in the community.

Presenters: Tracy Luiselli - Director, Helene Gallagher - Vermont Education Consultant, and Brenda Allair - Lead Educational Consultant all at NEC


February 12 at 10:30 a.m. Register for "What Parents, Families & Caregivers Need to Know About Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports"

This workshop is focused on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the crucial role of family engagement in creating thriving schools. PBIS, a framework implemented in 170 schools in Vermont, prioritizes a safe and supportive learning atmosphere for all students. PBIS is a proactive, school-wide system to nurture the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students. Learn how students, teachers, administrators, counselors, and families collaborate to provide support in various school settings, including lunchrooms and playgrounds. Gain insights into PBIS levels of support, opportunities for family involvement, and valuable resources to deepen your understanding.

Presenter: Amy Wheeler-Sutton - Co-Director of BEST and VTPBIS Project at the University of Vermont


If you are unable to attend, you can still register and we’ll send you a

recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time.


Registrations are also posted under Upcoming Events on the landing page of our website. In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Stay tuned as we add more workshops to our schedule!


We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.



Upcoming Events


April 2, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VFN 2024 Annual Conference "Change Begins with You - Using Your Voice to Make a Difference"

Our featured presenter, Amy Shollenberger from Action Circles, will provide a full day, in-depth interactive training on advocacy. Topics include:

  • Legislative Process 101
  • Strategic Thinking for the Legislative Process
  • Telling Your Story to Share in a Way That Is Heard

Amy has more than 20 years of experience developing political strategy, grassroots organizing, influencing policy, and running political issue campaigns. She has worked on a variety of campaigns, ranging in scope from local community issues to state and national issues. She started Action Circles in 2010 and along with the Action Circles Team has served clients and offered training ever since.


There will also be an opportunity for attendees to chat and network over breakfast and lunch.

Register Today!

VFN Workshop Topics/Speakers Survey

We want to hear your ideas for our upcoming online workshops. What topics interest you? Are there presenters you would recommend?
Let us know your thoughts.
Complete our survey!
Contact Us. We Will Listen!
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600 Blair Park Rd, Ste 240,
Williston, VT 05495