The kick-off was a success and now the first actual meeting of the Caregivers Count support group has been scheduled.
Any parent, guardian, grandparent or foster parent of a special-needs child is encouraged to attend the gathering from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5 at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St.
Sunflower Diversified Services, the non-profit agency that sponsors the group, serves infants, toddlers and adults with developmental delays and disabilities.
“The launch of our new group attracted almost 50 people,” said Debbie McCormick, steering committee member. “We were able to put some faces with the names of people we knew were interested in this new support group. We didn’t really know what to expect but we were very pleased with the turnout.
“Those who attended are strongly encouraged to plan on coming to the Sept. 5 meeting and suggest it to other families. We hope families will be in contact with one another outside of regular meetings too.”
McCormick noted that the steering committee was a bit surprised that three generations of a Reno County family attended the kickoff.
“They are concerned about a 1-year-old child who has cerebral palsy and other issues. They need support from their peers but don’t know about a group closer to home,” McCormick explained.
Although Sunflower’s service territory includes Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties, Caregivers Count is open to any family with a special-needs child from birth to age 21.
“We don’t want distance to be a barrier,” McCormick commented. “Even though we encourage people to be there in person, we might be able to tele-conference with them if they cannot attend.”
Feedback from families at the kickoff indicated they are relieved to be able to talk with others who share their concerns.
They also learned about the steering committee’s “passion for this group and developing relationships with more families,” McCormick noted. “Since we don’t have all the answers, we will be listening to the group.”
Contributions to the Aug. 5 kickoff included: the use of the Hoisington Activity Center; hamburgers and hot dogs donated and grilled by Tim and Christi Herber; donation for other food items from Straub International; a bounce house from Chris and Vicki Batchman; cookies from Dillons; backpacks from Children with Special Health Care Needs; and games from Ellinwood Baptist Church.
“We appreciate this strong community support,” McCormick said. “And we trust it will grow in the months to come.”
At this point, regular meetings are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month. A separate fun activity will be planned quarterly.
For more information, contact McCormick by calling 620-792-1325. Sunflower is in its 52nd year.
