Family Support

Join the Community

Discover that you are not alone. Be acknowledged for your role as a parent caring for a child with extra support needs. Gather and share information, learn about community resources and connect with other families who really understand.

Parent & Family Education:

A variety of educational opportunities are available to parents or family members who are currently being served through the respite or family support program and/or have an active membership with Community Options. Funding may be available to parents or family members to attend relevant workshops, conferences or courses, or to purchase relevant educational material.

Lending Library:

Our Lending Library includes books for all family members.

Connections:

Events are organized for families to socialize, have fun, and make connections with other families.

Sibshops & Sibteen Workshops:

Children aged 5-17 who have a brother or sister with special needs are invited to join this program. SIBSHOPS participants meet other children, share their circumstances, learn more about their own sibling, discuss common concerns and take part in varied recreational activities.

Each session is structured to include high energy, active portions and more relaxed, thoughtful portions to meet the needs of all participants. Sibshops workshops are not group therapy sessions.

Both Sibkids and SibTeens are recreational groups that create room for mutually supportive friendships to form among kids having fun together. They also offer the input of a trained facilitator to guide children in sharing and processing their questions, emotions and experiences around their family member with a disability.

SibKids is held monthly on Saturdays for five hours from 10 am to 3 pm. Participants can attend one, several or all sessions. Each session’s activities and discussion topics will be unique. Participants will bring their own bag lunch, and healthy snacks will be provided by COCF in the morning and afternoon.

Download the SibKids registration form here.

SibTeens meets monthly on Thursday evenings. The activities, crafts and games for this age group are planned with input from the group members. Each month, a shared meal is prepared and then enjoyed together to build a sense of community.

Download the SibTeens registration form here.

Additional information: SibShops brochure, SibKids 2022-23 schedule, SibTeens 2022-23 schedule