Welcome to Sibshop
A Sibling Support Program
YOUTH SIBSHOP is a support program designed for children first through sixth grade who have siblings with special needs. SIBSHOP intersperses information and discussion about sibling issues with unique and fun recreational games and activities.
Sibshop seeks to provide opportunities for peer support and education through activities designed to accomplish five goals:
• Provide brothers and sisters with an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting.
• Provide brothers and sisters with chances to discuss common joys and concerns with other siblings.
• Provide brothers and sisters with an opportunity to learn how others handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of children with special needs.
• Provide siblings with an opportunity to learn more about the implications of their siblings’ special needs
• Provide parents and other professionals with opportunities to learn more about the concerns frequently experienced by brothers and sisters of individuals who have special needs.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Snacks will be provided. For safety reasons, we ask that parents bring their child(ren) into the building and pick them up inside the building. If you know your child will not be attending a Sibshop, we would appreciate a call to the ADD office at 507-451-9769 with a message.
REGISTRATION FOR YOUTH SIBSHOP
Cost is $25.00 per child for Youth Sibshop. Please make your check payable to ADD. Please fill out the Sibshop Registration Form with payment and return to the ADD office at 109 West Rose Street, Owatonna, MN 55060 on or before October 8, 2010. PDF Registration Form
SIBSHOP FACILITATORS
Laurie Running is Director of Advocates for Developmental Disabilities and mother of a special needs daughter. She can be reached at 507-451-9769 or toll free at 866-451-9769.
Wendy Reller is an ADD Board Member and the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator for Owatonna Park and Recreation. She can be reached at 507-774-7360.
If you have any questions, please call Laurie at 451-9769.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT SIBSHOP!
SibShop Testimonials
"I’m emailing you to let you know how much my daughter loves coming to SibShop. She has a hard time understanding her brother and sometimes gets more upset with him than usual. Once she attends the SibShop she is more understanding. I believe it helps her to understand that there are other children that have siblings just like her and that our family is normal. It has been a big help for her. She is so...excited when I tell her she has her Sib Shop" –CW (Medford)
My oldest son was in SibShop from first through ninth grade. He really understands his brother with disabilities and other children in the community and school setting with disabilities. He realizes he is not alone, other people are dealing with similar issues and harder issues. As my oldest son has grown, I am amazed at how well he can help his brother through a temper tantrum, and how his brother will listen to him. He plays wonderfully with him and knows how to keep him calm and in control. I really believe sibshop has been the one who taught him these skills. Sibshop has provided a place to make new friends. My oldest son is comfortable and willing to share ideas on topics for future sibshop sessions. He is quiet so this tells me he likes to be there and does feel welcome. Owatonna has been so lucky to have a program for siblings. They are the ones who can easily be left out without support or someone to talk to about their feelings. –MH (Owatonna)
