Family Support Hosts ‘Meet and Greet’ for Denver Options' Families

Denver Options families recently enjoyed an opportunity to network with and learn from Denver Options staff and other families at a get-together hosted by the Family Support Services Program (FSSP).  Jean Heath, Program Manager for FSSP, hosted the event on Oct. 28th to help families make connections with Family Support Coordinators, Family Support Council members and each other, as well as to provide a setting for families to share their experiences and concerns in a supportive environment.

“It was an opportunity for the parents to ask questions of staff and each other in order to gather information and support from their Denver Options community,” Jean said of the ‘Meet and Greet.’

This was the first time that FSSP has hosted a ‘Meet and Greet’ like this, and families and customers of all ages attended.  Each family had their own reasons for attending, and many had positive feedback about the experience.

Becky Moore, whose daughter Nicole will be celebrating her 19th birthday in January, enjoyed the opportunity to see old acquaintances in FSSP and to hear from new families with younger children in the program.

“I thought the event went well, and I always enjoy the feeling you get at Denver Options whenever you walk in the door.  The reason I attended was to hear other families’ perspectives.  As a parent of an older child, I like to sit back and listen to other parents’ stories and their experiences.  Things have changed so much, in education as well as in the services and supports available to our children.  I hope this event becomes an annual event.  No matter how young or old our children are, we know we have a common goal—to insure our children's success.”

Marian Mason, whose son Oliver will be 5 years old in December, chose to attend the ‘Meet and Greet’ to learn more about FSSP and Denver Options and to network with other families.

“Denver Options has played a very important role in the life of my son and our entire family for almost 5 years now.  Attending the ‘Meet and Greet’ gave me a chance to come to your home for a change.  It was important for me to understand your infrastructure, and meeting the staff was one of my favorite parts of the evening.  In addition, it was great to have the [DD system] hierarchy explained.  I am pleased to have connected with other families, and I hope to develop some new relationships.  I look forward to being more involved with Denver Options in the future.”

At the end of the evening, Jean encouraged all the parents and family members at the ‘Meet and Greet’ to consider joining the Family Support Council as a way to continue networking with other families and become more involved with Denver Options.  If a family member is interested in joining the Family Support Council, they can contact Jean Heath at (303) 636-5709 for more information.

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Thank you to Schlotzsky’s Deli and Thai Spice, who donated dinner for the event.