Via Sibshops – Registration is Open
Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
July 15, 2009
BETHLEHEM, PA – Brothers and sisters of children with disabilities now have a chance to meet and talk with other children whose brothers and sisters have special needs. At Via Sibshops, the only program of its kind offered in Lehigh and Northampton counties, they’ll have an opportunity to talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a disability. They’ll also have fun!
Via Sibshops are an exciting support, information and recreation opportunity for siblings, ages 8 to 12 (13 to 18 for junior facilitators), offered by Via of the Lehigh Valley and supported by generous contributions from Bastian Foundation, D’Huy Engineering, Fleming Foundation, Just Born and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (Russo Family Fund).
 Through more than fifty years of experience, Via knows that individuals with a disability are part of a family and families share in both the joys and sorrows of their loved one. A sibling relationship is often the longest relationship that many individuals have in their lives, often outlasting parent-child relationships and marital relationships.
Siblings wear many hats and often experience “unusual concerns” such as over identification, embarrassment, guilt, isolation, loneliness and loss, resentment, increased responsibility and the pressure to succeed. On the flip side, siblings often experience “unusual opportunities” such as maturity, self-concept and social competence, insight, tolerance, pride, vocational opportunities, advocacy and loyalty.
Via Sibshops offers a lively celebration of the many contributions siblings make to their brothers and sisters with special needs and supports the well-being of the family member most likely to have the longest-lasting relations hip with the person with special needs.
Besides peer support, Sibshops provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about their sibling’s disability. Most important, Sibshops are fun! Participants play new games and make new friends.
Sibshop Series Saturdays | 10 am – 1 pm
- September 5, 2009
- October 3, 2009
- November 7, 2009
- December 5, 2009
- January 9, 2010
- February 6, 2010
Northampton Community College | Spartan Hall, Gym C101
3835 Green Pond Rd | Bethlehem, PA 18020
A six-day series for children on understanding the special relationships of siblings in families with children of special needs. To register go to www.ViaNet.org/Sibshops or call 484-893-5379. $60 for series (includes lunch). Register by August 15.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.
Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing. Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.
For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390 |
