Our Mission • Range of Family Services • Respite Services • Referral Process • Parents & Friends Association • Resources • Our Staff
Our Mission
The Groden Center Family Services Department strives to provide parents with the latest information and state of the art strategies to assist in the care, and facilitate the development of their children. By fostering the consistency of teaching strategies and interventions across all environments, opportunities for learning are expanded and both parents and professionals benefit from the mutual sharing of knowledge and expertise.
The family members of those individuals involved in The Groden Center programs all receive services through the Family Services Department. Individuals from other programs can also contract for services that can be provided at The Groden Center, in schools, homes, workplaces, and community settings.
Range of Family Services
The Center's Family Services Department provides a wide array of services by a team of professionals including Behavioral Specialists, Clinical Social Workers and Educators. The following services are offered:
- Introductory behavioral development workshops
- Informational workshops
- Family support groups
- Individual and family counseling
- Sibling programs
- Diagnostic and program planning meetings
- Newsletters
- Home visits and home program development
- Center visits for observation and training
- Parent education
- Relaxation and stress management training
- Respite services
- Family library
Respite Services
The Groden Center provides trained respite personnel for families of children with autism or other behavioral disabilities, so that the family may have relief from providing constant care. Such respite care provides parents and families with the opportunity to meet planned and emergency situations, or take a well-deserved break. It may also prevent stressful situations from becoming crises. The services are provided on either a temporary basis, or as part of a regular schedule, depending on the family’s needs. The respite care providers are carefully screened and trained before providing services. The provider’s familiarity with the client and/or relevant behavioral techniques is assured prior to being assigned to a family.
Respite services in Rhode Island are currently funded by the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), DCYF, Department of Human Services (DHS), or through CASSP. For more information, contact Dana Hajj, at (401) 274-6310, extension 1103.
If you are interested in working as a direct support professional (PersonalChoice, PASS or Respite) on a part-time or full-time basis, download the following PDF from the Rhode Island Department of Human Services about Rewarding Work. You can also visit www.rewardingwork.org/ri to complete an application.
Referral Process
A family may be referred to the Family Services Program by Groden Center staff or by inquiring on their own. Families are welcome to visit the Center to discuss needed services and meet with Family Services staff. For families not directly connected to The Groden Center, state and local agencies and families can make referrals directly to the Center's Community Support Services (CSS) or The Family Services departments.
When referral information that includes recent records is received, a meeting will be scheduled with the family and other interested agencies to determine the service needs of the family. Families are welcome to visit the Center to discuss needed services and meet with Family Services staff.
Parents and Friends Association
The Groden Center Parents & Friends Association, commonly known as the “PFA”, is an organization comprised of family members of Groden Center students, as well as Groden Center staff. The group meets monthly, typically on the 3rd Monday of the month. The group focuses on providing support and information in a social atmosphere. Topics presented have included communication, stress management, transition and adult services, SSI, and many more. The PFA is also actively involved in fundraising efforts, with the proceeds directly allocated to enhancing the materials and programs available for classroom use. Candy sales, yard sales, and our annual silent auction, could not take place without the devotion of our parents.
For more information, contact Robin Ringer, (401) 274-6310, ext 1100.
Resources
Resource Manual
A resource manual has been compiled based upon input from families and professionals. The manual lists individuals, agencies and activities that may provide useful information for families.
Click on the following links to download the Resource Manual.
(To view a PDF, you must have Adobe Reader – click here to download.)
(link to Resource Manual PDFs)
Pathways for Families
Pathways for Families is a newsletter published three times per year by the Family Services Department. The newsletter highlights student achievements, staff accomplishments and information about special events.
Download the Pathways for Familes Summer 2008 issue.
(To view a PDF, you must have Adobe Reader – click here to download.)
Autism Society of America, Rhode Island Chapter
www.asa-ri.org
About Families CEDARR Center
www.aboutfamilies.org
Intake: 401-365-6855
Email: info@aboutfamilies.org
203 Concord Street, Suite 335
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-365-6855
1 Cumberland Street, 4th Floor
Woonsocket, RI 02895
401-671-6533
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island
1395 Atwood Avenu - Suite 114
Johnston, RI 02919
Phone: 401-467-6855
FAX: 401-467-6903
If you are interested in working as a direct support professional (PersonalChoice, PASS or Respite) on a part-time or full-time basis, download the following PDF from the Rhode Island Department of Human Services about Rewarding Work. You can also visit www.rewardingwork.org/ri to complete an application.
The Relaxation Station
The Children's Hospital of Michigan has developed a new innovative video to help children relax. The Relaxation Station combines spectacular scenes of wildlife, gentle music and simple exercises in relaxation to teach children the basic techniques of breathing, imagination and meditation.
Dr. June Groden reviewed the video and had the following to say: "What a lovely program. As you know, much of my work focuses on reducing stress and anxiety. I am using The Relaxation Station to supplement the work that I do in relaxation and self-control with children and adults. It can be used in classrooms, at home, and in treatment programs for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. It's so soothing and beautiful. Many, many thanks."
You can learn more about The Relaxation Station by visiting their web site.
MDJunction is an online community of family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Autism, together - www.mdjunction.com/autism
Our Staff
The Family Services Department strives to provide comprehensive services to the families of children enrolled at the Groden Center. Although any Family Service staff can assist you in reaching the person best able to help in a given situation, the following list offers a general guideline:
Robin Ringer, Director of Family Services: Contact Robin, at extension 1100, regarding in-home programming, parent education, Parents & Friends Association, staff training, sibling concerns, support services and funding issues, and any general questions not addressed elsewhere.
Diann Moore, Family Services Coordinator: Contact Diann, at extension 1102, for in-home services, coordination between home and school, IEP Family Objectives.
Ann Millier, Social Services Coordinator: Contact Ann, at extension 1104, for in home support, referrals to community agencies, questions regarding funding sources, medicaid, SSI, psychiatric and counseling services.
Danna Spencer, Transition Coordinator: Danna S., at extension 1101, coordinates all aspects of the transition process to adult services, beginning at age 14. Contact Danna with issues related to guardianship, out of home living arrangements, referrals to DDD and funding levels and adult service provider options.
Dana Hajj, Respite Supervisor: Call Dana H., at extension 1103, for all questions related to respite, including how to access the system, funding sources, scheduling respite, referring providers, and more.
Lisa Rego, Parent Liaison: Contact Lisa, at extension 1111 for information regarding parent support, advocacy, the IEP process and guidance, transition to residential placement and the Parents and Friends Association.