Family Support :: Siblings Group
One of Gateways Community Services' most important goals is to provide opportunities and choices for families with special needs children to strengthen their families. One of the experiences lacking in the lives of non-disabled siblings of special needs children is the opportunity to talk with peers and other kids who have the same fears, questions and mixed feelings about their disabled brother or sister.
The Siblings Groups provide the opportunity for siblings of children with disabilities to spend time together in an informal setting, making new friends and discovering that they are not alone in their feelings or experiences in growing up in a family with a special needs sister or brother.
The Siblings program is designed:
- To provide the opportunity for siblings of special needs individuals to meet each other, share feelings and experiences and learn new coping skills for everyday life.
- To provide siblings of special needs individuals with understanding, validation and support of their feelings.
- To learn how others handle daily situations related to their brother or sister with special needs.
- To empower them to speak about their own needs to their parents and others.
- To have fun and build friendships.
For more information on siblings groups for children, teens and adults, please contact the Siblings program, at (603)459-2774.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How many groups do you have?
We currently have four groups:
- Grades 1-5
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 9-12
- Adults over 18
How often do groups meet?
- The young sibs group meets once a month.
- The middle schoolers meet three times within two months.
- The high school group meet at least twice a month.
- The Adult group meets three to four times a year.
What happens at a Siblings meeting?
We have several different types of meetings. Some are onsite Sibshops full of games about life with a sib, teambuilding games, and games that are just for fun!!
We also go on field trips like haunted hay rides, bowling, mini-golf and out to the movies. The High School and Middle School have in-house meetings where we chat and plan and talk about life with a sib over dinner. The adults meet three to four times a year for trainings and socializing.
Do parents stay?
No. Parents are encouraged to let their children be on their own. The child attending the siblings program needs to be able to share and discuss whatever they need to without worrying about upsetting their parents. Exceptions can be made if it is a child's first trip to the Siblings program.
Is there a fee?
No, at this time the Siblings Program is funded through Gateways Community Services Family Support Council as well as grants and fundraising. There are times where we ask participants to bring a few dollars on a field trip, but other arrangements can always be made.
Does the program follow any sort of curriculum?
Yes, our Sibshop program is based on the work of Don Myer, Director of Sibling Support Project, creator of Sibshops, and author of four books on siblings with special needs.
Does the child with the disability also attend?
No, this program is just for the siblings.
How do I qualify?
In order to participate in the Siblings Program, an individual must have a brother or sister with a developmental disability or chronic health condition who is receiving services through Gateways Community Services.
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144 Canal Street ~ Nashua, NH 03064 ~ 603-882-6333 ~