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Pictured left to right are NJFEHUB team members Jeannette Mejias, Jamie Betances, Alexix Pratt, Kim Rivers, and Faith Victor. |
NJ FE HUB Hosts Serving on Groups and Leading by Convening Summit
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, SPAN's NJ Family Engagement Hub (NJ FE HUB) proudly hosted the "Serving on Groups and Leading by Convening Summit," bringing together an inspiring assembly of parent leaders, professionals, and youth advocates. This dynamic event focused on empowering participants with tools and strategies to collaborate effectively, amplify voices, and strengthen partnerships across communities. The summit highlighted the importance of leadership and the vital role of family and youth engagement in driving meaningful change.
To learn more about the NJ FE HUB, visit our website here.
| Pictured left to right are Jane Hampton (CPAC), Diana Autin and Jamie Betances (SPAN), Katie Contin and Sue Donovan (RIPIN), Kio Sotillo (CPAC), and Peg Kinsell (SPAN). |
Building Support for Military-Connected Families with E-PATH
The three Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) from Connecticut (CT Parent Advocacy Center), New Jersey (SPAN Parent Advocacy Network), and Rhode Island (RIPIN) are working with the University of Connecticut and the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on a Model Demonstration Project - E-PATH - funded by the US Department of Education to improve the capacity of schools to work effectively with military-connected families of children with disabilities.
Members of the E-PATH team from all three states participated in SPAN's Family Engagement Hub, Serving on Groups train-the-trainer and Leading by Convening Summit on March 25 and walked away with valuable skills to apply to their project.
| Pictured left to right are Joy Hogge, Families As Allies; SPAN's own Diana Autin; and Henry Moore, Families As Allies |
Diana Autin Presented with Award for Excellence
Early in March, SPAN's Organizational Capacity Building Program Director, Diana Autin was presented with the Award for Excellence from Mississippi Families As Allies, Mississippi's Family to Family Health Information Center and National Federation of Families State Affiliate.
Autin provides Technical Assistance (TA) to Families As Allies in her additional role as Co-Director of the Family Voices' Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care TA center, and also worked with them, as well as other Mississippi advocacy groups, in establishing the Mississippi Special Education Coalition.
Congratulations Diana!
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Law and Disability Conference
Upcoming
June 10, 2025
9:20 - 1:00 PM
NJ Law Center, New Brunswick, NJ
In-person or virtual
The Law and Disability Conference, sponsored and hosted by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, is held each year at the New Jersey Law Center and is cosponsored with the Community Health Law Project. This year’s conference will cover key issues, including housing, immigration, juvenile justice and domestic violence.
This free and informative event addresses issues related to the disabled community and their caregivers.
For more information and to register to attend in-person or virtually, click here.
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Child Welfare Information Gateway
The Child Welfare Information Gateway is your connection to trusted resources on the child welfare continuum. This resource provides publications, research, and learning tools selected by experts to support thriving children, youth, families, and communities.
Check it out here.
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Upcoming Events
SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.
Highlighted Event This Week
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Empower Tomorrow:
Youth Advocacy Summit 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025
8:30 - 3:30 PM ET
Mercer County College
Conference Center
In-person
Breakfast & lunch provided
Keynote Speaker: Paul Aronsohn – New Jersey’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
This FREE conference is for youth and their parents/caregivers and brings together young changemakers, community leaders, and advocates to drive social change. This inspiring event equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to amplify their voices and take meaningful action on issues that matter most. Join us in person as we build a future to empower young leaders and make a difference in their transition to adulthood.
The Summit will help families and youth/young adults to gain strategies and resources to navigate:
- Transition Planning: Understanding the transition process, developing self-advocacy skills, and preparing for education, employment, and independent living.
- Healthcare Access: Learning the importance of self-care, mental wellness, navigating health insurance, and transitioning to adult healthcare
To learn more and register, click here.
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