Save the date for this Sibshop for children ages 6-12 who have siblings with disabilities. More information soon.

Workshop #2 of Journey Forward

This is the part 2 of the 2-part Journey Forward program. It is open to adult Sibs and their guests who attended Workshop #1 or would like a refresher after having attended any Journey Forward workshop in the past.

Topics will include:

• Letter of Intent progress and how to use it to get what you and your sibling with disabilities need and want.
• Housing for people with disabilities – Assessing needs and interests, options and challenges
• Employment Options or Day Program options – Assessing skills, interests, and navigating local options.

Who benefits from Journey Forward workshops? Directed at adults who have a sibling with developmental disabilities or long-term illnesses, the journey ultimately benefits you AND your sibling with disabilities AND others in your family, even your community. You may already be in a care giving role or expect to in the future. This program helps you clarify your role as a sibling, get the planning tools to move forward, and connect with other siblings and local resources that will impact your future.

Journey Forward has one main goal— to help you as an adult sibling move forward with peace of mind. 

When you are finished with both workshop sessions, you will have a written document which describes your sibling’s desired future living arrangement, community role, and lifestyle preferences.  You will have a plan that includes practical directions and information for maintaining continuity in your sibling’s daily life and needed supports to achieve these outcomes.  Some call this peace of mind. 

This is the second session of a two-session program.  Adult siblings are encouraged to invite parents, siblings (including any with disabilities), and other family members as their guests. The program includes all materials and lunch for adult siblings and their guests (spouse, other siblings, parents, and any other significant members of their family or team) for both sessions.

If you wish to register yourself, your sibling, or your parents or you have questions about Journey Forward in general, contact us at the WisconSibs office.

It may be April Fool’s Day…

…But having fun at this Sibshop is No Joke! We’re serious about having fun and making friends with other kids that have brothers or sisters with disabilities.

Join us!

Cost: $15/child
Registration required in advance. To register, CLICK HERE!

FREE!  FAMILY-FRIENDLY!  ACCESSIBLE!

Visit our WisconSibs display and vote for your favorite Sibs Are My Peeps display.

More information about Kidz Expo

Sibshop for ages 8-12 at Circles of Life conference

Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual conference for families who have children with disabilities. This event brings together families and the providers who support them to learn, connect, and become more knowledgeable about programs and services for their children.

This year’s conference will be held on May 11-12, 2023. WisconSibs will be offering a Sibshop on Thursday, May 11 from 9 am – noon.

To learn more about the conference go to CirclesofLifeConference.com

Sibshop Facilitator Training (First Generation)

Who benefits from attending WisconSibs training?

Adult Sibs
Service providers
School and child care personnel
Therapists, health professionals
Current Sibshop facilitators looking to refresh their knowledge/skills
Teen Sib Leaders age 16 and older

This two-day Sibshop Facilitator training includes:

• Review of sibling concerns across the life span and strategies that work to address them.
• Panel discussion with adult siblings
• Goals and operation of WisconSibs Sibshop
• Sibshop basics, facilitator agreement
• Demonstration Sibshop
• and more

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

Questions?  contact us

*Note: This is first-generation Sibshop training that allows trainees to start Sibshops in their own community or join the troupe of WisconSibs facilitators that will help expand the number of WisconSibs Sibshops offered throughout Wisconsin. Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project, will be the trainer.

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 Bay   311 S Oneida St  Green Bay, WI 54303

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

Sib Camp June 22-25 for Ages 12-16 at Devil’s Lake State Park*, Baraboo WI (sleeping in tents)

This Sib Camp is  4 days, 3 nights of hiking, swimming, and much more. Guided by experienced Door County Adventure Center staff certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid.  Siblings get to kick back and experience the freedom and thrill of adventure while sharing a great time with other Sibs who “get it”. This camp session features tent sleeping and is limited to 10 campers.

Health and Consent Forms will be sent to you after Registration is received. Enrollment is complete once all paperwork and payment have been received.

NOTE: Campers will meet at 3pm on June 22 at the lower Ice Age Trail Campground and should be picked up by 12pm on June 25.

Join us for Sibshop at the Henry Vilas Zoo – Madison

What could be more fun than a Sibshop at the Zoo? This Sibshop includes a special live animal program called Animal Encounters.

What’s a Sibshop? Sibshops are for children, ages 6-12 years old, who have a brother or sister with special needs. This Sibshop will be held at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. Children will have the chance to play, and connect with other siblings in discussions about the challenges and joys of life with a sibling with disabilities. They meet and have fun with other kids who “get it.”

Along with our regular Sibshop activities and Zoo presentation, there will be a pizza party. Space is limited and registration is required, sign up today to secure your spot!

REGISTER NOW

WisconSibs Sibshop for children ages 6-12
who have siblings with disabilities

Saturday, September 16, 2023
1:00 PM – 4:00 PMInnovative Growth Sensory Gym

Innovative Growth, LLC provides one-on-one therapy for individual with special needs in their sensory gym. This Sibshop will give Sibs of children with disabilities an opportunity to explore and have fun in the gym with other Sibs.

CLICK TO REGISTER NOW

2023 K.I.T.E. Conference

(Knowledge. Independence. Togetherness. Empowerment.)

A mini-conference for parents, young and adult siblings, family members, caregivers, self-advocates, and professionals.

-Parents-
-Siblings-
-Professionals-
-People with disabilities-

Don’t miss this very special K.I.T.E. conference!

“How to Cultivate Resilience and Well-being”

Co-sponsored by:  SOAR Fox Cities, WisconSibs, and Fox Valley Memory Project

Keynote Speaker

Featuring Pelin Kesebir, social psychologist with the Center on Healthy Minds, UW-Madison.

NOW VIRTUAL! Register to attend live Zoom webinar on Saturday, September 23 at 9:00 am or register and get a link to the recording when it becomes available after the webinar.

TO REGISTER, CLICK REGISTER NOW

Great Country Pumpkin Party has new location

The Great Country Pumpkin Party is happening again! Come visit our WisconSibs room and pick up some fun treats!

Teen Sib Leaders who are interested in volunteering at some or all of this event should contact  Tessa.

Bridges to the Future
Fundraiser for WisconSibs
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Bubolz Nature Preserve
4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913

5:00 – 6:00 pm
Social Hour | Cash Bar | Music

6:00 pm – Dinner

7:00 pm – Program and Live Auction
Emcee: Kathryn Brocho, Action 2 News Morning Anchor

9:30 pm – Last Call

Tickets: $75/person or $700/table of 10

Limit of 200 seats available.

More Info and Purchase Tickets

Sibs can feel a little overlooked and loss during this season of the year, but that won’t happen at this Sibshop*. Come have fun, meet other sibs, and discover some great ways to enjoy the holidays.

Sign Up info coming soon.

*Sibshop is for children ages 6-12 who have a sibling with disabilities. Registration form required in advance. Limited to 10 Sibs.

“Santa Celebration” is designed for families who have children with special needs and their siblings of any age. The event takes place from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. 

Families may come/leave any time and also may schedule a specific time slot to visit Santa, helping them avoid long lines and giving children more time to play and parents relax. Volunteer Santa Helpers available to assist with children.

Activities during the event include: Cookie decorating, games, crafts, face painting, breakfast treats, hot and cold beverages, and much, much more!

$10 for adults. Children are free. Registration REQUIRED.

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Join us for Sibshop at  Heckrodt!

Come join us to explore the environment as Spring finds nature waking up after a long winter. Learn about the importance of local wetlands; find fish, frongs, turtles, and all kinds of hands-on activities for kids.

SAVE the DATE

Cost:  $15/Sibshop participant
Registration required in advance.

FREE!  FAMILY-FRIENDLY!  ACCESSIBLE! Oh, and did we mention, FREE?

Visit our WisconSibs display and vote for your favorite Sibs Are My Peeps display.

More information about Kidz Expo

Would your business like to sponsor this event? (over 4000 people attended last year)

Would you like to exhibit?  More information

SAVE THE DATE

Sib Camp June 20-23 for Ages 12-16 at Devil’s Lake State Park*, Baraboo WI (sleeping in tents)

This Sib Camp is  4 days, 3 nights of hiking, swimming, and much more. Guided by experienced Door County Adventure Center staff certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid.  Siblings get to kick back and experience the freedom and thrill of adventure while sharing a great time with other Sibs who “get it”. This camp session features tent sleeping and is limited to 10 campers.

Health and Consent Forms will be sent to you after Registration is received. Enrollment is complete once all paperwork and payment have been received.

NOTE: Campers will meet at 3pm on June 20 at the lower Ice Age Trail Campground and should be picked up by 12pm on June 23.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME

SAVE THE DATE

Sib Camp – June 27-30 Ages TBD  Peninsula State Park, Door County (sleeping in tents)  $TBD/camper

Great adventure for ages ___.  4 days, 3 nights hiking, biking**, swimming, paddling, and camping. Guided by experienced Door County Adventure Center staff certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid.  Siblings get to kick back and experience the freedom and thrill of adventure while sharing a great time with other Sibs who “get it”.

Sib Camp is outfitted and guided by experienced DC Adventure Center staff. The camp session at Peninsula State Park features sleeping in tents and is limited to 10 campers.

Health and Consent Forms will be sent to you after Registration is received. Enrollment is complete once all paperwork and payment have been received.