In Our Words - KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center
Family & Children’s Center
Michael is seven and has enjoyed SARAH programs through KIDSTEPS since he was a toddler. Today, the Center is bridging an important gap according to his mom, Tracy Inorio. Michael has four siblings and he is the youngest. Tracy first heard about SARAH from a neighbor. When he began school at age three, the family wanted additional services that would enhance his peer relationships and more.
“SARAH’s KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center was the missing link in Michael’s life,” Tracy said. “Their programs boost his self confidence and social skills and his knowledge about a lot of things. He wouldn’t be doing as well as he is without KIDSTEPS.” The KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center, a division of SARAH, Inc., provides supports and services for children and families. They offer a quarterly schedule of small low- to no-fee classes, as well as workshops, support groups and consultations that address all sorts of topics and skills.
So, what does a seven-year-old do at KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center?
Tracy has a long list. “For example, Michael has taken an art class with a visiting teacher from the Guilford Arts Center and enjoyed a workshop called ‘Talk to the Animals’,” she said.
“Michael constantly surprises me with what he has learned. I just can’t say enough about SARAH,” Tracy said.
Involving the Whole Family
The programs are beneficial to the rest of the family, too. Michael’s eight-year-old sister attends sibling workshops, designed to help siblings understand the additional and special support their brothers and sisters might need and receive. She was also able to enjoy the art workshop with her brother.
Like Michael, Phyllis Quinn’s son Elliot enjoys KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center programs. Her daughter attended a sibling class that the 12-year-old found helpful for understanding her brother’s special challenges. Phyllis and her husband enjoyed a night out with other KIDSTEPS parents.
Sessions at the Family and Children’s Center include such offerings as: social skills groups, baby sign language, group guitar, and music, art and theater classes. Some parents have found yoga useful in providing a calming experience for their children. Other parent discussion opportunities are available, such as: parent workshops to help children who are teased or bullied, parent chat discussion groups, and parent coaching. Family and Children Center professional staff offer consultation services to schools and community agencies, as well.
“Our donor-supported Family and Children’s Center is filling a critical need,” said Patricia Bourne, Executive Director of SARAH Inc. “KIDSTEPS has more and more inquiries about how we might fill the gap for parents of children with special challenges ranging in age from about birth to age 12. The Family & Children’s Center small-group programs, led by professional staff, help children and families enhance their skills in a safe and positive environment.”
Michael is seven and has enjoyed SARAH programs through KIDSTEPS since he was a toddler. Today, the Center is bridging an important gap according to his mom, Tracy Inorio. Michael has four siblings and he is the youngest. Tracy first heard about SARAH from a neighbor. When he began school at age three, the family wanted additional services that would enhance his peer relationships and more.
“SARAH’s KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center was the missing link in Michael’s life,” Tracy said. “Their programs boost his self confidence and social skills and his knowledge about a lot of things. He wouldn’t be doing as well as he is without KIDSTEPS.” The KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center, a division of SARAH, Inc., provides supports and services for children and families. They offer a quarterly schedule of small low- to no-fee classes, as well as workshops, support groups and consultations that address all sorts of topics and skills.
So, what does a seven-year-old do at KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center?
“Michael constantly surprises me with what he has learned. I just can’t say enough about SARAH,” Tracy said.
Involving the Whole Family
The programs are beneficial to the rest of the family, too. Michael’s eight-year-old sister attends sibling workshops, designed to help siblings understand the additional and special support their brothers and sisters might need and receive. She was also able to enjoy the art workshop with her brother.
Like Michael, Phyllis Quinn’s son Elliot enjoys KIDSTEPS Family & Children’s Center programs. Her daughter attended a sibling class that the 12-year-old found helpful for understanding her brother’s special challenges. Phyllis and her husband enjoyed a night out with other KIDSTEPS parents.
Sessions at the Family and Children’s Center include such offerings as: social skills groups, baby sign language, group guitar, and music, art and theater classes. Some parents have found yoga useful in providing a calming experience for their children. Other parent discussion opportunities are available, such as: parent workshops to help children who are teased or bullied, parent chat discussion groups, and parent coaching. Family and Children Center professional staff offer consultation services to schools and community agencies, as well.
“Our donor-supported Family and Children’s Center is filling a critical need,” said Patricia Bourne, Executive Director of SARAH Inc. “KIDSTEPS has more and more inquiries about how we might fill the gap for parents of children with special challenges ranging in age from about birth to age 12. The Family & Children’s Center small-group programs, led by professional staff, help children and families enhance their skills in a safe and positive environment.”
Thanks to Puffer Public Relations Strategies for helping us tell our story.