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Support for Parents and Caregivers

Support Groups

Greater MetroWest ABLE coordinates support groups for family members of individuals with disabilities. The combined expertise of the facilitators and the personal experiences of the participants provide resources, networking, strategies, therapy options, emotional support and community.

Parent & Caregiver Support Groups

Offered at both JFS MetroWest and JFS of Central NJ. The Parent & Caregiver Groups offer support and guidance, networking with other parents and caregivers, advocacy strategies, services and resources available in your community.

Sibling Support Groups

Offered at both JFS MetroWest and JFS of Central NJ. Greater MetroWest ABLE offers support groups for siblings of children with special needs who may find it difficult to understand and express their feelings. In our Sibling Support Groups, children have the opportunity to connect with other siblings of children with special needs as well. These support groups allow siblings to express their feelings and thoughts in an open and understanding environment, while forming bonds with other children in similar situations.

MetroWest Mentors

MetroWest Mentors is a program that connects parents of a child with a disability with “experienced” parents or mentors, who have been through similar experiences. The mentor parents offer emotional support and information to others on a volunteer basis. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or receiving supports from one of our mentors, contact rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.

Workshops

These Continuing the Journey Workshops are designed for family members of individuals with disabilities. These workshops connect family members with service providers to share resources, make connections and allow families to support one another in their efforts to provide for their family member with a disability.

Special Education — Your Child’s Rights and District’s Obligations Under IDEA and NJ Law View video presentation Part 1 and Part 2

While You Wait for Residential Services… How do You Maximize the Resources Available? View video presentation Part 1 and Part 2

Future Planning: What You Need to Know to Ensure Your Child’s Care

Building a Team as an Investment in Your Child’s Future

Creative Alternatives to Supervised and Supportive Residential Options

Navigating the Bureaucracy — How to Get Efficient and Effective Services for Your Family Member with Special Needs

PJ Library

PJ Library is a free program that mails your child a wonderful, age-appropriate Jewish children’s book or CD every month. PJ Library is available to any family raising Jewish children from 6 months through 8 years old, whether affiliated, unaffiliated, interfaith, or non-traditional. Children with special needs who are older than 8 who would benefit from our books are also welcome to receive a PJ Library subscription. For more information about PJ Library, click here.