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Family Support Network
Support, education, and caring connections.
As the primary outreach program of The Centers for Exceptional Children, the Family Support Network of Greater Forsyth (FSN) is dedicated to strengthening families and enhancing the lives of children with special needs, from birth to age 21, in Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties.
Our program is founded on families helping families. Our core belief is that the greatest asset for a child with disabilities is a strong family. This support system may be needed across their lifespan. Each program staff member has personal experience caring for a child with special healthcare needs. With FSN, you get support, guidance, and connections—in fact, you get a community.
All services are free to families and include benefits such as one-on-one parent support, information on specific conditions, resources and community referral services, workshops, support groups, and social events for families. Our bilingual coordinator is available to assist Spanish-speaking families.
Call us at 336-703-4289
Family Support Network Programs
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Be a part of this monthly group that’s open to any parent who has a child with a special need. These meetings are currently being held virtually from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month. Check out our latest newsletter for our upcoming events.
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Sign up for our Parent-to-Parent Matching program, which provides assistance and encouragement to families of children with special needs. Experienced parents are matched with families to share knowledge and provide one-on-one emotional support and resources.
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Attend our annual Mentor Parent Training and use your experience to support families who have children with special needs. Training is available on an individual or group basis and covers topics such as communication skills, the adjustment process, confidentiality and community resources.
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Join our bilingual coordinator for a discussion and activity group for Spanish-speaking families. (Nuestro coordinador bilingue ayuda a nuestras familias que hablan español. El grupo se reúne el segundo lunes de cada mes.
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Bring the siblings of children with special needs to our Sibshops for dinner, games, crafts, and discussions. We host 6 events each year that are open to children in K-8th Grade to help them connect with other kids who understand the joys and challenges of having a brother or sister with a special need. Call our office for an application at 336-703-4289.
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Meet with other parents and family members who may have similar experiences as you and your family. Our Special Family Groups provide social and emotional support, information and skills training, and leadership opportunities for families. We have the following established groups: Cerebral Palsy (CP) Family Group, Trach Ties, Mom2Mom, Fella-ship Dad’s group, and The Black Parent Support Group. Check out our latest newsletter for detailed information about upcoming group gatherings.
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Our FSN Hospital coordinators, also former NICU parents, are on-site to connect with parents at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Forsyth Medical Center. Activities and a light snack are offered monthly at each location during our parent meetings. Parents can connect with other families and enjoy a light meal at our monthly Chat & nack events.
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Gain confidence in parenting through the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) curriculum. Single-session seminars and multi-session institutes offer tailored strategies. Our program is for Forsyth County residents with children up to 5 years of age with a disability. Limited slots are also available to families who have children up to 12 years old and reside in counties surrounding Forsyth County.
Click Here for more information.
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Our Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class is offered annually, in 6 consecutive sessions, once per week. Specifically designed for parents raising children with disabilities, this class gives you the skills to take care of yourself while providing care for your loved one. You become a better caregiver by caring for your health and well-being. Participants will receive the Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the class and additional caregiver resources. Participants who complete the entire program will receive a gift card incentive. The class is limited to 10 participants.
This class will provide tools to help:
-Reduce Stress
-Improve Self-Confidence
-Manage Time, Set Goals, and Solve Problems
-Better Communicate Your Feelings
-Make Tough Decisions
-Locate Helpful ResourcesTo register or for more info, please contact Chris Gentry at 336-703-4289 or ChrisFSN@theCFEC.org.
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Family Support Network Team
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Chris Gentry
Director, Family Support Network
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Erin Evans
Family Support Coordinator
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Amy Hooker
Family Support Coordinator
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Phanice Hunter
Family Support Coordinator
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Rosa Sanchez
Bilingual Family Support Coordinator
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Get connected to FSN.
Our monthly Family Support Network e-newsletter connects families and the community with FSN by sharing important information and highlighting upcoming events. Sign up today!
Want to know more about one of our Family Support Network programs? Feel free to give us a call and speak with one of our coordinators at 336-703-4289.
Click the icon to join our FSN Community Corner (a closed group) on Facebook.
Make a referral.
Anyone can make a referral to FSN. If you know someone who could benefit from family support programming, please complete the form below and someone from our team will contact the family. Would you prefer to print out the form? CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE FILE.