ALLEGHENY COUNTY
AIM—Support for Families of Adults with Special Needs
Linda Marino
AIM is a collaboration of Jewish Family Children Service and Jewish Residential Services. We meet every other month offering, support and information in the form of a training or discussion on a certain topic relevant to family members/adults with disabilities. Previous topics have been on housing, employment issues, Social Security Disability payments, incentives to work while on Social Security, etc. We alternate locations of the meetings between the two agencies. We meet from 6-8 PM and provide a light kosher meal at 6-6:30. We usually meet on Monday evenings but the dates vary. All meetings are open to the public. We post our meeting dates, time, and location, in the Autism Connection Friday e-blast.
Autism Urban Connections Parent Support Group
Jamie Upshaw
Michelle Walker, Founder and Lead Instructor of ASL-Lend An Ear Consultant did a presentation for our families regarding American Sign Language and how it can transform an individual on the spectrum. She discussed how ASL has been significant in enhancing communication and interpersonal skills. She also discussed that her curriculums and sessions are based upon the individual and the family needs. She taught us some basic sign language and is looking forward to working with more families. There will be a second Autism Urban Connection at the Homewood YMCA. Email for more details.
FBR Family, Social & Play Group
Noelle Wian
nwian@familybehaviralresources.com
412-881-2400
4th Tuesday of the month at the Brentwood office, 101 Towne Square Way, Suite 239, Pittsburgh, PA15227, from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Child care is available, but please call ahead.
SIBSHOPS
Rebecca Tyers Brown
sibshopspgh@achieva.info
Disabilities, illness, and mental health issues affect the lives of all family members. Sibshops Pittsburgh is working to increase the peer support and information opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special needs. Sibshops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a highly recreational context. They reflect a commitment to the well-being of the family member most likely to have the longest-lasting relationship with the person with special needs.
TGIF Airport Area Adult Social Group AS/HF
Terry Doughty
724-457-1088
TGIF is a social group for high functioning adults, ages 18 – 40’s that has been meeting Friday nights for the past two years at the Sharon Community Presbyterian Church Youth Community Center (YCC) located in Moon Township from 7 – 9 PM. The meetings provide casual fun, food and fellowship, for free, in a friendly setting. Individuals can choose between video, board and card games, optional gym time or doing a personal arts and crafts project. The purpose of TGIF is to provide a place for individuals to go and hang out with peers in a stress free environment.
Support Group Happenings
To have your group listed, or if you have questions regarding a support group in your area, please contact Marie at 412-781-4116 or marie@autismofpa.org