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PIER of Wisconsin
(Parents Information and Education Resource)



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Parent/Social Net Groups  
*Please check "Training" PIER Calendar for specific meeting info - or call/e-mail "contact" people listed!   Please call and confirm time/locations - listed below.... 

Please "Contact" us
       ................if you know of other great Social Networks- we should list.  

Caregiving versus parenting: https://centerforfamilyinvolvementblog.org/2019/11/22/caregiving-and-parenting-are-not-the-same/

And here is the link to the Access Crisis Card web page, which includes a PDF you can download: https://children.wi.gov/Pages/Integrate/Youth-Mental-Health-Crisis-Plan-Card.aspx
        
***A reminder to check with local libraries, as they often have opportunities         
      for families!

Local -  Opportunities

PIER “Coffee” IS a VERY casual opportunity for families with 
 individuals who have a special need to network, share stratigies and resource.  Perhaps you have a concern or opportunity you would like addressed.  Lets Talk! 
                           See PIER Calendar

In Nekoosa –  Contact Mary 715-886-4149
Wisconsin Rapids – Contact Pam - 715-423-7182

In Marshfield - Becky - Gettin Down-715-305-6580
                           Laura - Learning DisAbilities -715-207-7785
                           Pam - Hearing Loss group -  715-423-7182

Check Parent Coffee tab or call Pam 715-423-7182 - to schedule
a "coffee" that works for  you!
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Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP)
https://gwaar.org/grandparents-and-relative-caregivers
Resources and information for those of you  who are or are supporting Family Caregivers!
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Medically Fragile

Courageous Parents Network is about helping build parents’ resiliency when faced with a life-threatening diagnosis or condition for their chil. It is about:
* building a community of parents who support each other, despite the specific diagnosis
* lessening parents’ dread of their child’s end-of-life through story and example, and giving parents the confidence and hope that they have the courage to endure.
* bringing parents therapeutic resources to work through the anticipatory grief.
* helping families understand the value of pediatric palliative care, so that they seek it out.
* educating doctors about the needs of families and the value of palliative care to families’ well-being, and survival.
https://www.facebook.com/courageousparentsnetwork/
Thank you Allison Lourash - CYSHCN for helping find this site for Families Supporting Medically Fragile children!
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Support group for parents of children with special needs  (children are welcome) Where: Spring Valley Elementary

Spring Valley Wisconsin, Sabin Avenue
When: Every other Thursday beginning 02/16/2017 at 6:00 p.m.
**What to expect:
          Every meeting will have a fun sensory activity for children to enjoy while parents hang out, talk, listen to a guest speaker.       
         At least once a month, as a group, we will plan a family day activity/outing

Living is rural Wisconsin has many benefits; fresh air, endless opportunities to explore and enjoy nature, no hustle, bustle, and noise accompanied with city life . . . But when you have a child with special needs, rural life comes with one incredible deficiency in support, resources, and understanding that we so desperately need!

This is why I have set up a group for parents with children with special needs. There are many more of "us" than it seems, life shouldn't be isolating - and it doesn't have to be!
If you live in the Spring Valley area and are looking for a place where others "get it", a place where your child(ren)  can be themselves, a place where there will be support and understanding in place of judgement, looks, and whispers ... then come spend your Thursday evenings with myself and other parents and children on a similar walk of life as you!

**Donations will be accepted and will be used to benefit the group and local special needs community

Please, contact Amie Bednar at mcbake71114@gmail.com with your: contact information, home school district, anything you want me to know, and what you want to get out of this group.
THIS IS OUR GROUP do not hesitate to contact me with any suggestions you have to make this group the best it can be
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Debra   - (Stevens Point area family) is coordinating
an ADHD support group for parents and caregivers.
Please see their FB page...Central Wisconsin ADHD Support Group for more information. Please spread the word...thank you.

Central Wisconsin ADHD Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/261590180599051
/permalink/335629323195136/#!/groups/141998132607013/

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Special  Parents in Stevens Point  is a group of parents trying to create a better  community for our  children. Join  us on Face Book by Contacting Sandi Walkush at  715-824-5080   sandra.gimpigirl.walkush@gmail.com                        
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"Autism” Support Group Wisconsin Rapids.  Focus is on :
"information on biomedical research and treatment" Please contact Julie Powell at 715-213-2855, jpowell_jadj@yahoo.com

"Autism Society of Central Wisconsin" - Wausau,
Contact - Mike for more info 715-359-0886  or   autismsocietycw@gmail.com  Membership
scholarships available – go to www.autism-society.org/join

" Central Wisconsin Autism Support  
Join us on Face Book by e-mailing  autismcws@gmail.com.       
OR - JOIN us at the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum
on the 1st Monday of the month from 5:30-7 pm!
Bring your  kids!
     
The museum is free for our children and families
on the Autism Spectrum First Monday of every
month.  Contact Lori  715-344-4524   
autismcws@gmail.com. 
The Children's Museum is located at  Center Point Market 1100 Main Street Stevens Point
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Autism Parent’s Support Group - Achieve Center (2600
Stewart Ave, Suite 38   in Wausau.) the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30  p.m.  For more information call 715-845-4900.  Katie 
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AUsome Social Group would like to invite children, going
into 6th grade or above, to join!  The AUsome Group was developed by a group of  special education teachers and parents to provide social and recreational  activities for  individuals on the Autism Spectrum, entering grade 6 or There is  no membership Fee or dues required to become a part of this AUsome experience. 
Events are planned for the entire family to attend.  Call Mike for more info 715-359-0886  or   autismsocietycw@gmail.com 
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Gettin DOWN of Central WI -  a parent networking
opportunity for families who have children, youth or adults with DOWN Syndrome - For the whole family!  This group is actively participating  in community outings!   
http://www.gettindowncentralwi.org                    715-305-3657
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Parents of Children Youth or Adults with Physical Disabilities – WR ~ For any one or everyone in the family!  This group also meets in different locations.  Please come and  help  shape this into something that works for you!  Locations of this meeting vary -   Please call Pam 423-7182 for more information. 
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  Parkinson's Support Group - Marshfield 
  Marshfield Area Respite Care Center, Marshfield, WI 
  Contact Mahala at 715-389-3446 for information.
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Tomorrow  River Advocates for Community Education & Support  (T.R.A.C.E.S) - Parent Support Group Meeting!
Topics of  Discussion will Include: Problem solving current needs, Christmas Gift ideas Celebrations of successes, Other as determined by the group All caregivers of children with special needs are invited to this monthly meeting. 

Amherst Elementary School Library, 357 North Main Street, Amherst, WI 54406
For additional questions or to get more information, please contact

Susan or Kim at (715) 824-5523, ext. 423. Or Jackie Karch (715)345-5668 
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Support groups and Trainings for: Teens,  Birth Parents and Adoptive parents:
Catholic Charites  – Post Adoption Resources Center
http://cclse.org/post-adoption-events

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Northern Wisconsin Local Support Groups

Support group for parents of children with special health care needs meets in Rhinelander the 2nd Tuesday during school year; Call Heidi for information 715.362.9286 or email: Heidi.Lehman@clublehman.com.

Parent Network & Support Group, Hurley school, elementary library, 5503 West Rangeview Dr, Hurley, WI 54534, School # 715.561.4900, first Monday night of each month, Facilitator Phone # 715.561.2356.

If you are looking for support for children on the Autism Spectrum, the Blazing a New Trail Autism Support Group call Lenelle @ 715.493.3534, Kelly Labno @ 715.409.0930, for meetings in Winchester, WI; and/or contact Shawn Richardson https://www.facebook.com/MinocquaMoms, or email minocquamoms@gmail.com; this is not limited to the Minocqua area.
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The NAMI support group for persons and for Families experiencing major anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia,  other mental health  diagnosis.   Meetings in Marshfield /Wisconsin Rapids/  Stevens Point call 2-1-1 or go to www.getconnected211.org.for  current meeting dates and locations.
                  (800) 236-2988   nami@namiwisconsin.org or web site
www.lnamiwisconsin.org
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Stevens Point Consumer Support Group meets the first and
third Thursdays at 6:30 pm at ROCC Point, 2040 Jefferson Ave., Stevens Point.
For information call 498-2809 or 824-7276. 

The Wisconsin Rapids Consumer Support Group has been cancelled until further notice.

·   The Marshfield Consumer Support Group meets second
Thursdays 7:00 p.m. at 604 S. Chestnut St.,   arshfield.  For information call 384-6790.

·   The  Marshfield Family Support Group meets second Saturdays, 604 S. Chestnut,  Marshfield. (387-1016)
·   Ministry Medical’s  Emotional Support Group meets the fourth Monday of each month at 2501 Main  Street, Stevens Point (Oak Room) from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Mark your calendars for this year’s NAMI   

Conference,  namiwisconsin.org
 

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ROCC Point - Midstate Independent Living  Consultants 'mental health recovery center,     (Resources, Opportunities, Choices and Connections. ROCC Point is a goal driven recovery center for people experiencing mental health/illness
issues.  On site peers are available to share their experiences and recovery processes to help support recovery for
participants. 

Call 715-344-4210 or 800-382-8484 ext. 28 
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Survivors of Suicide Group – Will meet the 1st Monday of
every month @ St. Michael’s  Hospital.
        Contact Michelle 715-346-5401 
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MS  Support Group “ Mingle  & Share” ~ will meet at the Choices for  Independent Living Model Accessible Home
        in Wausau –   2nd Tues. of each month…. Call Carole 715-359-2022 or
cjkober@charter.net
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Epilepsy Support Group meets at McMillan Library on the 3rd  Wednesday of the month at 10:00am. 
Ann Hubbard's group - so contact her for more specifics (
ahubbard@epilepsywisconsin.org).
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Celiac Support Group – call Lori at 421-7446 meets 3rd Tuesday of the month in  Wisconsin Rapids

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Pain Support Group – WR Chapter of the American Chronic Pain  Association Support Group – Meets the 3rd Tuesday  of the   month (except  June/July/Aug/Dec.) at the  Riverview      
                     
   Hospital – 410Dewey Street.  For more info – call 421-7500

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Child/Youth - Opportunities

Gracie's Place: 
Offers  OT, PT & ST in an appropriate and welcoming setting
´We want  kids to have fun and have friends!
´Create Community and spaces for siblings of kids with disabilities
´Speakers / Connections for advice and mentorship to parents

Deb715-966-6474 Email: deb@gracies-place.org
103 Elm Street, Woodruff, WI in the Lakeside Plaza, corner of J and 51 in Wood

AUsome Social Group
would like to invite children, going  
into 6th grade or above, to join!  The AUsome Group was developed by a group of  special education teachers and parents to provide social and recreational  activities for  individuals on the Autism Spectrum, entering grade 6 or There is no membership Fee or dues required to become a part of this AUsome experience. 

Events are planned for the entire family to attend.  Call Dana –
715-675-5632 or  Amanda - 715-241-6766 e-mail cwAUsome@yahoo.com 
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Sibshops are for brothers and sisters - age 5-12 for
brothers and sisters of children with special needs
. This 
gives our children a chance to see they are NOT alone…
there are other kids like them!  This is an opportunity        
for them to connect, share common  joys and concerns ~ learn about the implications of the siblings’ disability- in a lively,
recreational setting.

Hayley @ 715-221-7419 Child Life Specialist, Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic 
  www.stjosephs-marshfield.org/childlife -  
Marshfield YMCA -The cost of the program is $5, for t-shirt and snack. 
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Teen Parenting Classes - St. Joseph's hospital/Clinic has a  
program called Healthy Birth.    It is specifically for teenage moms.   Patti  Heller at 387-9778 
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Play and Learn  -  Marshfield  
          Tuesdays - 9:30am – 11:00am
          Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 502 W. McMillan St.,
          Marshfield,  WI 54449 
Early learning activities that enhances your child's development and promotes school readiness. Sponsored by Marshfield Family 
Resource Center.  Church
                    Phone: 715-387-2731   Phone:715-387-2326
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Books for Babes and Circle
Time
- Mead Elementary in Wisconsin
Rapids. 9:30am-11am every Monday and
       
Wednesday
.  Both of these preschool based programs are free
for families and there is no obligation to be here every week.  What a great way for you and your young children to meet other families!  You are expected to stay with your child (ren) during these times.  I will be reading to the children, teaching calendar, doing art projects, and we will be having a light snack.  Any questions please contact Katie at 422-6137.

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NEWSLETTER Resource

Birth to 6 EVENTS.  This newsletter out of Waisman Center share a lot of information that impacts our families!  Please take time to connect with this resource.  It has -- changes in the law and
changes in early intervention practice and also shares
some valuable resources and ideas.  
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Statewide Support Opportunities:
Wisconsin Family Ties is a  statewide, parent-run organization whose mission is to bring hope to families  that include children with mental, emotional or behavioral  disorders.  WFT promotes access to comprehensive, coordinated and
individualized care    that is child-centered, family-focused and
strength-based.  WFT’s stated mission is to provide “greater understanding,  respectful acceptance, and support in the community of families” that have  children who may be “healthy on the outside, but hurting on the inside.” 

WFT’s publication family ties is free for the asking.  Toll-free help line is 1-800-422-7145.  
 
E-mail WFT at: info@wifamilyties.org. 
            Visit the web site at www.wifamilyties.org. 
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 United We Stand WI – Dedicated to people who lived
experiences of mental illness and recovery.
        http://groups.google.com/group/united-we-stand-wi 
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Parent to Parent of Wisconsin – Is a statewide network of
families who support each other on the journey of  parenting children with special health care needs. It offers parents and
caregivers the opportunity to connect one-to-one with a
parent of a child with similar special needs.  A parent coordinator facilitates the match with a trained support parent. For
information and connections, call 888-266-0028 or see www.p2pwi.org  .
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Parent  Resource Center of Taylor County-133 W. State Street -Medford,     715-748-5363-  parentrc@tds.net 
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Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones

Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones (A.L.A.S.) mission is to
promote the independence of  persons with disabilities by providing  information and support to them, their  families, and their service providers in the areas related to but not limited to
education and health.  Read their newsletter online at:  http://www.alianzalatinawi.org.
Please feel free to copy and share items within your newsletters as outreach to others!       
PIER is an informational site.  It is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation.  Any information contained on this site is not intended as legal or medical advice but only as an informational resource.   This web site was created to inform and educate. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, recommendations, diagnosis or treatment.

You are encouraged to confirm all information with other sources and a physician. If you have health concerns, please call or see a qualified health care provider without delay. . 

We do not endorse any treatments, providers, or product information in this site.    

As with any program - we strongly encourage you to thoroughly check out references. 

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