Parent/Caregiver Support and Discussion Groups

Through our rich history partnering with families with children with developmental disabilities, CITE (Community Integrated Training and Education) staff has witnessed the need for formal and informal family support systems to enhance relationships and to foster families' well-being and development.  Having heard families' frustrations about the lack of support systems within our community, CITE Services started the Parent/Caregiver Support and Discussion Groups in 2004, funded through the Spaulding Foundation.

These groups offer parents and other caregivers regular opportunities to:

• Share their stories and experiences
• Learn from and support each other
• Network
• Learn about community services and opportunities
• Discuss topics helpful to their own experiences

The discussion groups are designed and hosted by and for parents/caregivers who also have children with disabilities, with CITE staff assistance as needed.  The meetings provide opportunities for group discussion and support on topics that are relevant and of interest to the particpants.  Each meeting features an identified topic, such as:

• Coping with family stress
• Addressing your child's behavior
• Juggling the family's daily schedule
• Advocating for your child

The topics presented provides a flexible framework for the ensuing discussion.  With support from the the group's facilitator(s), the participants direct the discussion to fit each group's interests and needs.  It is anticipated that the participants experience personal support, receive useful information, and learn from the experience of others while also allowing others to learn and receive support from them

The CITE Parent/Caregiver Support and Discussion Group meets two times each month at various locations throughout the community, please see the calendar for details. 

For additional information including directions, please feel free to contact Sally Kilcoyne, CITE Intake Coordinator, as (513) 619-2945 or at skilcoyne@rhcorp.org.