Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Peer-To-Peer Workshop (via Zoom)
In this unique 5-session workshop series, you will learn from peer instructors who are living on their own.
You must register in advance to attend this workshop, and your registration fee covers all 5 sessions.
This round of the Peer to Peer workshop will meet every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 8:00pm from May 7th-June 4th, 2024
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
May Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Understanding Benefits with Michele Leahy
You have the waivers, the special needs trust, the benefits, Now What?
In this presentation, our guest presenter Michele Leahy will will talk about SSI/SSDI to DAC transition, how to revise ISP plans, how to organize all the information in one place and, importantly, how pass the baton to the next generation.
Her presentation will cover how to navigate services when life changes and how to deal with the stumbling blocks of changes in benefit status. She’ll also explain how to organize your plan and bring the next generation "up to speed" to start the succession now.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
June Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our June meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Winter 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Empowering Independence Workshop (via Zoom)
What does Independence look like for you? Spend some time with us to identify your strengths and work on your plan for the future! Our results-oriented framework will help you create an action plan, understand what independence means for you, and start crafting a vision for the future. You must register in advance to attend this 5-session workshop, and your registration fee covers all sessions.
Throughout our 5 weeks together, you can expect to meet other families, learn concrete skills, and solidify your independence vision! This cohort will meet every Thursday from 7:00-8:15pm from July 11th-August 8th, 2024.
Special Early bird enrollment discount available now through 6/27!
July Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our July meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Peer-To-Peer Workshop (via Zoom)
In this unique 5-session workshop series, you will learn from peer instructors who are living on their own.
You must register in advance to attend this workshop, and your registration fee covers all 5 sessions.
This round of the Peer to Peer workshop will meet every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 8:00pm from September 10th-October 8th, 2024
September Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our September meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Winter 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Fall 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
October Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our October meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
November Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our November meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
December Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our December meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
April Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Supported Decision Making with SDMPA
Are you confused about what legal terms like guardianship, power of attorney, or health care representative mean? Are you looking for a way to create a network of support for yourself or your loved one without sacrificing legal rights? Join us for our April Resource Meeting. Our guests will be representatives from Supported Decision-Making Pennsylvania (SDMPA), a team from the Lehigh Valley that has been working on a project to share information about Supported Decision Making.
From our presenters:
“Recent data indicates young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) ages 18-22 are being funneled into guardianship because of school districts primarily advising parents of this option without explaining the potential lasting implications. Guardianship is a “legal process where a court removes some or many of the legal and decision-making rights from an individual and transfers them to another person called a guardian.”As a result, overbroad and undue guardianships occur, taking away more rights than necessary, denying self-determination of individuals with disabilities and in turn significantly impacting quality of life. Supported Decision-Making, an alternative to guardianship, allows people with disabilities to establish a circle of support that empowers them to make decisions to achieve and maintain independence.
Supported Decision-Making Pennsylvania (SDMPA), created through a partnership with Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) and Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley (JFSLV) will serve transition age youth with disabilities and their families. While both organizations provide services and programs in the Lehigh Valley, SDMPA will allow the agencies to expand their reach and serve individuals and organizations throughout the Commonwealth. This grant is funded by PADDC. “
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, please use the button below.
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, please use the button below.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Community Event: 17th Annual Gwynedd Mercy Autism Conference
Join Families CCAN and many other presenters at the 17th Annual Autism Conference at Gwynedd Mercy University. The conference is free to attend, and provides over 20 workshops covering a wide variety of topics by leading professionals.
Visit their website to learn more and to register: Gmercyu.edu/autism-institute/#conference
Delaware County Meet-up (In person!)
Calling all Delaware County residents!
If you are an Individual with disabilities or a family member of an individual with disabilities and you live in (or close to) Delaware County, join us for an opportunity to:
Make new, local connections
Share resources and information on supports, services and employment opportunities
Find others who are looking for solutions for planning, building community and housing
Our Spring DelCo meetup will take place In Person in Springfield, PA.
In addition to our regular discussion, we will spend time getting to know each other over table-top games.
Please feel free to bring your favorite table-top game to share with the group!
Click below for more info and to RSVP:
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
March Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join us to learn about Housing from Self Advocates United as One (SAU1) Power Coaches!
For the past several months, Families CCAN and SAU1 have been working on a grant project . This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. To learn more about this project, click here.
This presentation will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to explain why those myths are not true. This will be an informative and interactive presentation geared towards older teens and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, and the professionals who support them.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Winter 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Register below to let us know you’re coming.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Community Event: Housing in the Special Needs Community
Sara will be presenting at this upcoming Community Event, hosted by Empowered Financial Strategies and Cypress Support. Click here to learn more and to register.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Register below to let us know you’re coming.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
January Resource Meeting: Planning for Financial Security (via Zoom)
Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of financial planning for yourself and your loved one? Join guests Brian and Sean Sykes of Sykes Financial Solutions to learn about new tools and strategies to make sure that you can continue to live your best lives in the future. They will bring their presentation, “Special Plans for a Special Life”, which covers:
3 Key Resources for Financial Security
4 Crucial Financial Areas of Focus in Special Needs Planning
Special Needs Trust Overview
The Living Balance Sheet: a new Tool in the Financial Planning Process.
About our presenter: Brian Sykes, CFP®, ChFC®, ChSNC®, CExP™; is a financial professional with more than 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. He specializes in providing financial planning and business consulting services, focusing on a holistic approach that addresses clients’ entire financial pictures, from their current circumstances to their long-term goals. His clients include individuals, families, executives, and owners of closely held businesses. Wherever they are in life or the financial planning process, he believes it is critical to educate clients on their opportunities and explain the reasoning behind his recommendations. By doing so, he strives to help clients feel confident in their future and more empowered to make decisions and take an active role in their financial strategies.
This meeting is free to attend and all are welcome. Registration is required.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Spring 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Fall 2023, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
November Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Creating Community-Based Housing
Community-based housing opportunities for adults with disabilities can be hard to find. Join us on November 20th as we discuss community-based housing solutions. Our guest, Bill Meltzer, will share lessons he has learned as a member of The Housing Initiative, a parent-driven initiative to create an affordable and inclusive housing solution for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Allentown, PA. The Housing Initiative has created a plan for an inclusive apartment building. Their building project is now underway, and will offer affordable community-based housing opportunities to adults with and without disabilities. Check out news about the project here and here.
About our presenter:
Bill and his wife of 39 years, Anne Marie Dolinish-Meltzer, have three adult children and a grandson. Their oldest son has Down syndrome. Bill has been engaged in advocacy activities for people with disabilities since 1999, when he co-founded the Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center (EPDSC), a non-profit 501(c)3, whose mission is to provide medical evaluations for individuals with Down syndrome in a family centered environment.
Bill also has experience as a Special Olympics basketball coach, Pantry manager and Board member for the Whitehall Coplay Huger Initiative, and Board member for Alliance for Building Communities (ABC), a local non-profit whose mission is to create community partnerships dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods by developing safe and affordable housing that fosters independent living and enhances quality of life for seniors and families.
Bill provided this background on the Housing Initiative:
“As with many grass roots initiatives, it began when our children were born. As you are likely aware, advocacy does not come without obstacles. We advocated for their education in a classroom with their peers. We helped develop a three-year post-secondary education program at East Stroudsburg University. We advocated for their inclusion in the community, and we advocated for competitive employment. But have you ever wondered where your son or daughter would live when they become an adult? These issues and questions are hard enough for our “typical” children. But what about those that have an intellectual disability?
In September of 2014, the Eastern Pa Down Syndrome Center charged a small group of parents to come up with a creative living option that would allow our adults with intellectual disabilities to live independently in their community. This group along with others from the autism community came to be known as The Housing Initiative or THI.”
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
One Stop Workshop: Building Community Connections (via Zoom)
Our new One Stop Workshop Series provides focused instruction on small but important topics. These topics will help you on your journey to greater independence.
Join us for our second session: Building Community Connections
What a dream it would be if we could all have a place in our community where "Everybody knows your name." As we've all experienced, building these connections in our community involves more than just showing up.
Join this 75-minute Zoom session to map out the community routines, roles and relationships that can help you become a more connected member of your community. We look forward to exploring new strategies to help encourage your relationships to blossom.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.