Networking groups for families of kids with disabilities
Dakota County families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities can find resources, support and connections at networking groups and Sibshops from The Arc Greater Twin Cities.
The General Support Group in Rosemount is for parents of children with any intellectual or developmental disability. It meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Rosemount United Methodist Church, Choir Room (in basement), 14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount. Meeting dates for 2012 are Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Meeting dates for 2013 are Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14. Child care is available for $3 per family per meeting.
The South of the River Group for Parents of Children with Down Syndrome meets on the third Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. Meeting dates for 2012 are Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 (no December meeting). Meeting dates for 2013 are Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17 and Aug. 19 (no July meeting).
Sibshops are for children ages 6 to 12 who have brothers and sisters with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They meet on the third Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church. Meeting dates for 2012 are Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Meeting dates for 2013 are Jan. 14 (date change), Feb. 11 (date change), March 18, April 15 and May 20. Sibshops are free for members of The Arc Greater Twin Cities and $10 per session per child for others. Parents do not need to attend the networking group in order for their children to participate in Sibshops.
The Arc Greater Twin Cities’ networking groups are free, but participants should register in advance. For registration or more information, call The Arc at (952) 920-0855.
