Giving Thanks.
The weather has turned into a true Autumn with crisp days, clear blue skies and frosty nights. Anticipation of meaningful holiday experiences with our friends and families are occupying our thoughts - this is also when we need our support communities more than ever.
During the holidays, keeping connected to ward off isolation is important. Autism Connections and Family Empowerment are here to partner with you in navigating services and accessing activities and networks that help you find solutions, and joy!
Remember we are here for you, and we are all in this together, giving thanks for all that we have.
Enjoy the holiday season!
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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY ALLIANCE
Wednesday, 12/1/21, 6:00 p.m.
1st Wednesday of the month, 6:00 p.m. and 3rd Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
This is a group of parents and concerned caregivers who seek to support, educate, and provide resources to each other to improve the quality of their loved ones’ lives and make the journey just a little bit easier!
- This group is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family. Most attendees live in Franklin and Hampshire Counties but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
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Contact Caroline at caroline.wenck@pathlightgroup.org to register and for more information.
- FLYER & REGISTER
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AUTISM FRIENDS AND FAMILY FORUM Wednesday, 12/1/21, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
1st Wednesday of the month
This forum meets in support of family and friends caring for young adults (17+) with an autism/asperger profile. Discussion topics will include managing care as needed while supporting the independence of a young adult.
- The Forum is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family in western Massachusetts, but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
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FLYER, REGISTER
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AUTISM CONNECTIONS' Monthly Clinic: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Thursday, 12/2/21, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The topic for December's Clincic is activities of daily living (ADLs), a term used to collectively describe fundamental skills required to independently care for oneself, such as eating, bathing, and mobility.
- This webinar is for parents, caregivers, friends, family, and professionals.
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Contact Rhonda for more information and to hold your place at the webinar: rhonda.setkewich@pathlightgroup.org
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AUTISM FAMILY SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF PIONEER VALLEY
Wednesday, 12/8/21, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
2nd Wednesday of the month
This group of parents and concerned caregivers meets with facilitator Linda Manning to make connections and share experiences.
- The group is for parents, caregivers, friends and family of children with autism in the Pioneer Valley, but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
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Contact Kansas at kansas.brown@pathlightgroup.org for more information.
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Request to join private FB group
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Additional December Webinars from Family Empowerment and Autism Connections
Recreational Opportunities
Family Empowerment
December 14, Noon webinar, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
- Barrier-Free Recreation from Center for Human Development
- Springfield JCC's Kehillah Special Needs Activities
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For more information and to hold your place at the webinar, email Michelle at Family Empowerment: michelle.mendes@pathlightgroup.org.
Challenging Behaviors
Autism Connections
December 15, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
December 16, 10:00 a.m.
Family Empowerment
December 21, Noon webinar, 12:00 - 12:45
The Easterseals' College Navigator program provides individualized services to college students with disabilities based on their goals, strengths, and needs to help them build lifelong skills. Services can be delivered in person, virtually, or through a hybrid model to best meet the student's needs.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION FORUM
December 27, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Last Wednesday of the month
This popular forum is for parents, and meets to share information/experiences and receive insight from an education advocate (Nancy Farnsworth).
- This group is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family in western Massachusetts, but participants with the same profile from other areas are welcome to join.
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Contact Nancy at nancy.farnsworth@pathlightgroup.org for more information.
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More information: Register, Flyer
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THE 2022 AUTISM CONFERENCE, from Autism Connections |
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Save the date for our Autism Conference on April 28, 2022! The Conference will be virtual, with a selection of Speakers, Breakout Sessions and Exhibitors.
Join us!
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This is Me, Portraits of Pathlight 2022 Calendar
The new calendar has arrived! Order site will be ready soon.
Call 413-585-8010 to enquire about getting your copy.
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Franklin County Fairground
Greenfield
November 26-27, December 3-5, December 10-12
Starts at 5:00 p.m. and last car admitted in at 9:00 p.m.
Cost is $5.00 per carload.
HOLIDAY POPS, SENSORY FRIENDLY CONCERT
Symphony Hall, Boston
December 5, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Doors open at 9:00 a.m., concert length is one hour
The show is designed for all families with children or adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities. This is a shortened 60-minute version of our standard Holiday Pops concert, with a flexible, non-judgmental environment. Modifications include relaxed house rules, reduced volume and lighting levels, extra space for movement, available noise-reduction headphones, a designated quiet room and support spaces, modified food concessions, and credentialed autism therapist volunteers on site.
Look Park Holiday Lights
Look Park, Northampton
November 26 - January 2, 4:00 -9:00 p.m.
Free admission, donations welcome
Winter Wonderland and the Festival of Illumination
Southwick Zoo, Southwick, MA
November 26 - January 2
There is a fee per carload for this event and also an optional Santa's workshop. Review the registration site for fees, hours, closed days of the week, and all other information.
A Virtual Santa Experience
Yankee Candle Village
October 13 - December 23
Sparkle Event
West Stockbridge
In front of Congregational Church
December 5, 4:00 p.m.
Drive Up Sensitive Santa
JERICHO Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults
(back parking lot)
Holyoke
December 11, 9:00-2:15 p.m.
Call 413-538-7450 to register for a time slot.
Hanukkah First Light
JCC, Springfield
Starts November 28
Celebrate the light and miracle of the first night of Hanukkah! Join us outdoors for a community candle lighting and singing as we light the largest outdoor menorah in Western Massachusetts. More Information.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Rebecca M. Johnson School, Springfield
Start December 27 at noon
New Year's Eve Party
JCC, Springfield
Springfield JCC, January 6th, 2022
For ages 14+ with all abilities, a Rocking New Year's Eve. This event is also for any family and friends wishing to come along and dance the night away. Includes a DJ, refreshments and more. Hosted by Kehillah, the JCC Special Needs Program, which is open to people of all faiths, ethnicities and beliefs.
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Activities for Individuals |
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UPDATES TO PCA PROGRAM
PCA PROGRAM CHANGES
Beginning January 1, 2022, Tempus Unlimited will become the only Fiscal Intermediary (FI) serving the MassHealth Personal Care Attendant (PCA) and MFP Self-Directed Waiver programs. All Consumer-employers and PCAs who do not currently use Tempus Unlimited as their FI must complete and return paperwork to Tempus Unlimited FI immediately. Find more information on Tempus Unlimited.
WEBINARS
FAMILY ACTIVITES
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Resources and family supports |
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HEALTH RELATED
PCA PROGRAM CHANGES
Beginning January 1, 2022, Tempus Unlimited will become the only Fiscal Intermediary (FI) serving the MassHealth Personal Care Attendant (PCA) and MFP Self-Directed Waiver programs. All Consumer-employers and PCAs who do not currently use Tempus Unlimited as their FI must complete and return paperwork to Tempus Unlimited FI immediately. Find more information on Tempus Unlimited.
EMPLOYMENT
Basketball Hall of Fame
December 13, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Basketball Hall of Fame. join Pathlight at the Basketball Hall of Fame Hiring Event: For Direct Care Professionals, Rn’s, LPN’s, and Admin coordinators Interviews and IMMEDIATE JOB OFFERS.
FINANCIAL
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Financial literacy resources
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Find a food bank or food distribution site near you HERE, or contact the Food Bank of Western MA at 413- 247-9738.
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GENERAL COVID RESOURCE SITES
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UPDATES
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OMICRON variant, New York Times, based on World Health Organization (WHO) report; November 26, 2021
VACCINE INFORMATION
- BOOSTER SHOTS
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Mass.gov information about booster eligibility and FAQs, including "What should people who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine do?" and "Do I need to get the same brand of vaccine for my booster"?
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