WisconSibs and St. Francis Children’s Center present a two-part series for parents on how to support our typically developing children.
Parents want to do their best for all of their children, but sometimes they are uncertain how when they have a child with disabilities and also “typical” children. This two-part Zoom meeting will provide parents with insights and ideas for raising children who are growing up with their siblings with disabilities. What’s fair? What’s right? What about Me?
Part 1 – Sept 29 – Harriet Redman, founder and Executive Director of WisconSibs will share her personal experiences and insights working with siblings for over 20 years.
Part 2 – October 6 – A panel of adults who have siblings with disabilities will reflect on growing up with a sibling with disabilities and their advice to parents.
WisconSibs and St. Francis Children’s Center present a two-part series for parents on how to support our typically developing children.
Parents want to do their best for all of their children, but sometimes they are uncertain how when they have a child with disabilities and also “typical” children. This two-part Zoom meeting will provide parents with insights and ideas for raising children who are growing up with their siblings with disabilities. What’s fair? What’s right? What about Me?
Part 2 – October 6 – A panel of adults who have siblings with disabilities will reflect on growing up with a sibling with disabilities and their advice to parents.
(Part 1 held September 29. You can attend Part 2 even if you missed Part 1.)
Learn how autism plays a role in the lives of siblings through this interactive workshop which provides insights and strategies for meeting the needs of brothers and sisters growing up with a sibling who has autism. Led by Harriet Redman, Executive Director of WisconSibs, this workshop will leave you with ideas on how to best meet the needs of all members of your family.
Part of the Week of Community Autism Programming organized by the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center during January 11-16.
WisconSibs, Inc Welcomes Bill Grennell as New Executive Director
The WisconSibs Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Bill Grennell of Oshkosh, WI, has been chosen as the next Executive Director of WisconSibs, Inc. In this role, Bill will advance WisconSibs’ mission to foster a community of support for sisters
and brothers of individuals with disabilities and expand the organization’s reach to serve more siblings throughout Wisconsin.
Bill comes to the organization with many years of experience in nonprofit development, leadership, and growing teams that make
a difference.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the talented and passionate WisconSibs staff, Board, and volunteers. I feel grateful for this chance to help make a difference across Wisconsin for youth and adult siblings and their families.”
Grennell began his career with the Boy Scouts of America as a Camp Director, then Field Director in Minnesota, Missouri, and California. He then served as Chapter Development Director with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. Later, he became Executive Director of The American Red Cross-Mountain Empire Chapter in Virginia. He found his way to back to his Midwest roots as Executive Director of The Literacy Council of Rockford, IL. Most recently, he was a major gifts officer with the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.
Introducing Emily Askri as WisconSibs Adult Sibling Program Coordinator
WisconSibs also welcomes Emily Askri as Adult Sibling Program Coordinator to develop and coordinate adult sibling programs, including workshops, conferences, social events, and communication with adults throughout Wisconsin who have siblings with disabilities.
For over fifteen years, Emily has been helping various non-profits, both local and national, develop programs to help people reach their fullest potential. In addition to working at WisconSibs, Emily also helps caregivers return to the workforce after taking a career break for caregiving responsibilities. Emily is a graduate of University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of WisconSibs’ mission of fostering a community of support for siblings of individuals with special needs. While each person’s situation and life experiences are unique, I have seen how impactful community, and the support that comes from shared understanding, can have in people’s lives.”
When not working, you’ll find Emily with her family, enjoying hiking, biking and going “up north.”
For siblings ages 9-16, Sib Camp is an opportunity for some respite for siblings and kick back, experience the freedom and thrill of adventure, and share a great time with peers who truly understand the ups and downs of life with siblings who have special needs.
Activities include biking, hiking, swimming, paddling, zip lining, stargazing, camp cooking, campfires, ecology, photography, and much more!
Sib Camp guided by experienced Team Leadership Center (out of Door County) staff who are certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid. It is open to Sibs from across the state.
There are multiple date options and locations for Sib Camp.
June 20-23, ages 13-16 at Devil’s Lake in Baraboo, WI. The children will stay in tents provided by Team Leadership Center.
June 27-30, ages 9-12, at Peninsula State Park in Door County. They will stay in tents provided by Team Leadership Center.
July 7-10, ages 9-16; July 21-24, ages 13-16; August 4-7, ages 9-12: at Wagon Trail Resort in Door County. For ages 9-16 years old, they will stay in Yurts, but they begin and end camp at the Team Leadership Center.
SibDays of Summer (not over night camp) – July 15-19, 2024
Looking for a summer program for your sibling child ages 6-12? SibDays is for children ages 6-12 who have siblings with disabilities, long-term illness, or mental health conditions. This high energy day-camp is packed with games, arts and crafts, hikes and scavenger hunts, a carnival, playground fun, swimming and lots of other exciting outdoor fun. PLUS . . . siblings make new friends and have the opportunity to share and celebrate the challenges and joys of being a sibling.
SibDays of Summer directors are trained WisconSibs Sibshop facilitators. Campers especially enjoy their teen and young adult small group leaders, many of whom also have siblings with special needs. If you have a child 13-17 interested in volunteering, watch your email an invite will be sent in a few weeks, we also highly encourage them to join us for Teen Sib Leadership Day in June.
When selecting your registration “ticket” remember to use promo code COUNTY if you will be using county funds to cover camp. Then when entering your child’s information, please let us know what county. Thank you!
Want to connect with fellow sibs in-person? Join us on 2/1 from 6:30-8pm for an adult sibling game night at the WisconSibs office. Enjoy a few snacks, fun games, and great conversation with other adults who have a sibling with a disability.
Join us on 1/22 at 7pm for this exciting, free virtual workshop. During the 1-hour session, specifically designed for adult siblings, you will learn tips and healthy strategies for self-care and stress management. You will also have the chance to meet and network with other sibs, as well as share ideas and ask for advice from sibs throughout Wisconsin.
That’s right it’s a Sibshop in June! This Sibshop will be a part of a training event WisconSibs is hosting for new Sibshop Facilitators.
Lead by Emily Holl, the Director of the Sibling Support Project, we have a fun filled day planned, for children 7-13 years old, to participate in this extra special Sibshop. Lunch will be provided. There will be time to play, laugh, and talk with other children who get it, while simultaneously helping us teach the trainees what Sibshops are all about.
Space is limited, save your spot and sign up today!
LOCATION: West Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay311 S Oneida St Green Bay, WI 54303
Wondering about the annual K.I.T.E. Conference? Wonder no more. We’re moving it to Zoom and offering it as a FREE four-part learning series focusing on emerging from COVID-19 with Knowledge, Independence, Togetherness, and Empowerment.
Each session features experts discussing everything from self-care to staying connected, to what needs to be in your“transition suitcase” to embracing resilience & acceptance of “what is” and being hopeful of “what can be.”
What About Me? – Tips for Raising Siblings of Children with Disabilities
