Winter - Families Helping Families

T he Capital Area Quarterly
Families
Baton Rouge
Rouge
Families Helping
Helping Families
Families of
of Greater
Greater Baton
Winter
Newsletter—January thru
thruMarch
March 2014
2014
Winter Newsletter—January
Happy Holidays
from your friends and family at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge
Plan ahead...celebrate Mardi Gras with us!
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge will be participating
in the Krewe of Orion Mardi Gras Parade February 22nd, 2014. Help us
out and donate your extra Mardi Gras beads, small plush animals and
more to toss during our ride! Drop-off at FHFGBR M-F, 9am—4pm.
With every visit to FHFGBR’s office, don’t forget to enter the drawing
for a chance to be FHFGBR’s King and Queen of the float!
Read this newsletter online,
share it with friends or save
the pdf for future reading.
Page 2
T he Capital Area Quarterly
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jamie S. Tindle
jamietindle@fhfgbr.org
OFFICE MANAGER
Kayley Williams
kwilliams@fhfgbr.org
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Heather Otten
hotten@fhfgbr.org
CHILDREN’S SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES
Kay Lewis-Caron, CSHS Parent Liaison and Ability
Awareness Coordinator
klewis@fhfgbr.org
INFORMATION, RESOURCE AND REFERRAL
Kimberly Brown, Information, Resource and Referral
Specialist & Lending Library Organizer
kbrown@fhfgbr.org
Natasha -Jackson, Information, Resource and Referral
Specialist & Lending Library Organizer
njackson@fhfgbr.org
OUR MISSION
To provide the individualized
services, information, resources
and support needed to positively
enhance the independence,
productivity and integration of
persons with disabilities into the
community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRPERSON
Brian Esteve, PhD
VICE CHAIR
Tanja Foil
TREASURER
Kasey Henry
SECRETARY
Emily Boudreaux
DIRECTORS
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Cynthia Chesterfield, Program Director
cchesterfield@fhfgbr.org
Kara Shupe, Educational Support Specialist
kshupe@fhfgbr.org
EARLYSTEPS
HonaBea Cavalier, Community Outreach Specialist
hcavalier@fhfgbr.org
RESOURCE CENTER FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Penni Cedotal, Autism Resource Specialist
pcedotal@fhfgbr.org
Laticia Espinoza, Family and Cultural Support Specialist
& Autism Resource Specialist
lespinoza@fhfgbr.org
Sandra Trammell, Autism Resource Specialist
strammell@fhfgbr.org
Jill Boudreaux
Alvin Mack
Katrina Coots
Juliana Rome
Carly Dickson
Thomas Sellers
Kathy Edmonston
Kim Stricker
Belynda Gauthier
Sharon Whitlow
Lyn Hassenboehler
Upcoming Meetings:
11:30am - 1:00pm @ FHFGBR Office
January 15 & March 19
**Board Meetings are open to the
public. Please Join Us! **
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 3
From the desk of the Executive Director
Greetings!
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Holiday and a spectacular New Year! Like
so many families, this time of year brings all of us at Families Helping Families of
Greater Baton Rouge great joy.
Spending time with family and friends, enjoying delicious food and just watching the
excitement of being together magically brings us all closer together. Through the
festivities and gatherings, the holiday season can oftentimes feel rushed with too many
commitments made: now is actually the perfect time to just take a deep breath and
appreciate the successes that often come from struggles from the year past.
Some of those struggles, I have realized over a long year of reflection, come from
traditional New Year’s resolutions I have unrealistically set, only ending with
disappointment in myself in the long-run. This year, I have decided to set realistic goals
for myself that include realistic deadlines. As the parent of a child with disabilities—
and I would venture to say with any child—things come up and plans change more often
than not. So now is the time that I think about what I would want my life to reflect this
time next year, set a few of realistic goals and continue striving towards success.
I would like to share with you one of my goals. For me and my family, giving,
supporting and serving others is the most fulfilling experience we can share together.
And yes, there are times when we too need the support of others. That is why I am so
very passionate about Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge and why I will
continue to serve FHFGBR with the utmost integrity and passionate commitment every
single day.
I encourage you to pass along our information to
anyone you think may need to connect to other
individuals with a disability and their family members.
If you are already connected and looking for a place to
offer your time, talents or financial support, we’d love
to be the place you choose.
May you have the most blessed and balanced winter
yet!
Warmest Wishes,
Jamie Tindle
Page 4
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Thanks to our recent donors and supporters!
Academic Distinction Fund
American Red Cross
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
Barnes & Noble
Baton Rouge 1st Church of the Nazarene
Bayou Rose Photography
Charles and Frances Bennett
Berean Ministries
BREC
California Pizza Kitchen
Capital One Bank
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Tony Chachere’s
Cortana Mall
Dodge City Farm Supply
Flowers Bakery
Give with Liberty
Barbara Howard
Jimmy John’s
In Memory of Yvonne Martin Kyle
Cyd Lapour
LANO
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Marino, Jr.
The Moreland Family
The Ory Family
PF Changs
Raising Cane’s - Drusilla
Sam’s Club
Southern University Student
Rehabilitation Association (SUSRA)
Starbucks
Star Hill Church
Walmart
Wilson Photography
FHFGBR does not endorse or promote any legislation, institutions, individuals or methods of treatment or therapy.
WHY DONATE TO FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES OF GREATER BATON ROUGE?
 Donations help us provide new & innovative programs that our existing funding sources do not cover.
 With constant budget cuts FHFGBR contracts are in jeopardy of being reduced.
WHERE DO DONATIONS GO?


To fulfill our mission of providing resources and the integration of person with disabilities.
Donations support program events such as our Sunshine Socials, Annual Thanksgiving Celebrations and
more.
Click the “Donate Now” button on our website at www.fhfgbr.org or call our office to donate. Every
amount is big to us & helps us to fulfill our mission and make a difference in promoting inclusion.
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 5
Check out these popular titles in our Lending Library!!
SETTING LIMITS WITH YOUR STONG-WILLED CHILD
By: Robert J. Mackenzie, ED.D.
Does your child constantly misbehave and ignore or refuse your requests? Is
your relationship with your child based on conflict instead of mutual respect
and cooperation? With the help of this groundbreaking book, you can create a
positive, respectful, and rewarding relationship with your child. Inside are
proven techniques and procedures that provide a refreshing alternative to the
ineffective extremes of Punishment and permissiveness. Parents and teachers
alike will discover how to effectively motivate the strong-willed child and
achieve cooperation.
YARDSTICKS: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14
A Resource for Parents and Teachers, By: Chip Wood
YARDSTICKS is written with warmth, humor, and deep reverence for Children.
Author Chip Wood draws upon his many years of experience as an educator,
parent, and researcher to over clear and concise descriptions of the universal
characteristics of children at different ages. Teachers will use these
“yardsticks” to shape curriculum and parents will use them to determine
whether their child’s developmental needs are being met at school.
FLY AWAY is a powerful film directed by Emmy Award Winner Janet Grillo
(Autism: The Musical), FLY AWAY narrated the story of Jeanne and her teenage
daughter Mandy diagnosed with autism. Jeanne has cared for Mandy since the
day she was born, growing closer everyday to a child who is charmingly offbeat
one moment and nearly impossible to manage the next. In the dog park Jeanne
encounters Tom, an easygoing and accepting neighbor who sparks a romantic
interest, but she finds juggling Mandy’s care and her own career leaves little
room for a new man. As the pressures of work and her child’s needs increase,
she must decide whether or not to enroll Mandy in a therapeutic residential
facility. Over the course of a few weeks, Jeanne is confronted with the most
difficult decision a parent can make: to let go, allowing her child to grow, but
also grow apart; or to hold on tight and fall apart together.
For a complete listing of our Lending Library resources, visit our website at
http://fhfgbr.org/lending-library/
Page 6
T he Capital Area Quarterly
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 7
Education Station
ED-vice from C&K
Ed-vice from C & K receives the following questions frequently so we want to share the answers with you
this month!
QUESTION: I think my child may need special education services. Can the school refuse to evaluate him?
ANSWER: Yes, the school can refuse your request to have your child evaluated if they do not think he
has a disability or needs special education. If this is the case, parents can appeal the decision. Please
contact us for more information on the appeal process.
QUESTION: What determines if my child qualifies for special education services?
ANSWER: Children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related services when they
meet IDEA’s (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) definition of a “child with a disability” in
combination with state and local policies. IDEA’s definition of a “child with a disability” list 13 different
disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for special education and related services.
The 13 categories can be found in the BESE Policy Bulletin 1508…Pupil Appraisal Handbook
http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v101/28v101.doc
QUESTION: My child was diagnosed with autism by her doctors but the school says she does not
qualify for special education in the autism category. Why doesn’t the school accept the doctor’s
diagnosis?
ANSWER: The medical diagnosis of autism is different from the educational diagnosis. Doctors base
the diagnosis on all aspects of the child’s life. The educational diagnosis only focuses on what effects the
child’s performance in the classroom and school environment. A child with autism who is keeping up with
or excelling at grade level expectations and can function without special services in a typical classroom
might not qualify for the autism classification by the educational definition.
We are pleased to announce that our 2014 Annual Parent/Educator Conference has been set and the topic is
bullying. Our speakers will cover the current laws in place in our schools and what procedures parents and
professionals should take when they become aware that a special education I child is being bullied. Attendees
will also be made aware of what actions are considered bullying as well as being introduced to cyber bullying
and all that it entails.
The conference will be held on Saturday, February 8th at the Instructional Resource Center on Foster Drive in
Baton Rouge from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Call Kara or Cynthia at 225-216-7474 to register and save your spot
today.
Page 8
T he Capital Area Quarterly
What Active for Autism means to me!
For me, being a part of the Annual Active for Autism Walk means coming
together as a community and supporting one another for a cause very close
to my heart and to so many people's hearts.
Personally, I am honoring my child who has Autism, and who has worked
so hard his entire life to overcome many challenges. Working together as a
community to raise money for the AFA walk is incredibly gratifying, as the
funds help the growing community of families affected by Autism. Being a
part of the AFA Walk pulls us all together and is an opportunity for us all to
look around and see just how many people in our community alone are
walking this path together, loving our children unconditionally, and
doing everything in our power to give them the brightest future possible.
Megan Crater
Active for Autism Committee Chair
Registration opens in January
www.fhfgbr.org
Resource Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Resource Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (RCASD) is a program of Families Helping Families of
Greater Baton Rouge. We are a family-driven resource center for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
and their families.
RCASD can help you and your family! We offer three core services to individuals with Autism and their families:
One, information and referral; two, education and training; and three, family-to-family support.
To best serve you, we have a variety of in-house resources, workshops and trainings. At the Families Helping
Families of Greater Baton Rouge center, we have a lending library chock-full of books, DVDs, CDs and local
community resource information specifically targeted towards assisting those with Autism Spectrum
Disorders and their families. Our very popular Boardmaker software program enables families to create
unlimited communication and educational materials using Picture Communication Symbols (PCS).
Most importantly, the staff at FHFGBR offers ongoing peer-support from other family members who share the
unique understanding of caring for a loved one with a disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorders.
To find out about all of our workshops and trainings we are having in the next few months, make sure to
register for our eblasts at www.fhfgbr.org and check out the calendar of events at the end of this newsletter.
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 9
Page 10
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Children’s Special Health Services
Children’s Special Health Services (CSHS) is a program for children in Louisiana with special health care needs.
A child with special needs is:
 A child with a health problem that affects how the child grows, moves and acts, AND
 A child who needs more health services than most other children.
CSHS gives a child with special needs health care that is sensitive to his or her family and culture. They hold clinics
around the state at health units where specialists come to see the children. Within CSHS the family will have access
to the doctors’ nurse, a social worker, a nutritionist and a parent liaison that has a child with special health care
needs.
Our regions parent liaison is Kay Lewis-Caron and she can be reached at klcaron@la.gov
or 225-242-4890 x 295 .
Who can get help from CSHS? A child can get help from CSHS if he or she:
 Lives in Louisiana
 Is less than 21 years old
 Has a health problem that CSHS covers
 Has Medicaid OR meets CSHS income rules
To get help from CSHS, a parent can apply at a local health unit, ask their pediatrician or get an application on line.
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=256
State wide number is 504-568-5055 or our local Region 2 number is 225-242-4890
Your Chance to Make a Difference ~ Members Needed!
What is RAC? Regional Advisory Committee for Capital Area Human
Services District . The bylaws of the Capital Area Human Services
District is to have this committee made up of individuals with
disabilities, family members and providers.
Why? To ensure public comment in an advisory capacity in the
development and implementation of Office for Citizens with
Developmental Disabilities.
When? They meet every other month on the first Tuesday from
9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Capitol Area Human Services District Bldg. 1
conference room 136.The next meetings are January 7th and March
4th, 2014 at CAHSD from 9:30am to 12:30 pm and it is always open to the public.
We are still in need of several voting members. They can be a parent, consumer or provider. If you or someone
you know is interested they can contact the Vice Chair, Tracy Barker at 225-485-0455 for an application or more
information.
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 11
Page 12
T he Capital Area Quarterly
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 13
Thanksgiving Celebration Recap
Thank you for joining us for our 7th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration! With over 500 individuals attending, this was
our biggest and best Thanksgiving Celebration yet.
Without our wonderful sponsors, this event would not have been possible! Thanks to Baton Rouge First Church of
the Nazarene, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Capital One Bank, Flowers Bakery, Dodge City Farm Supply, and Tony
Chachere’s.
To view more pictures from the event, visit the photo gallery at: www.fhfgbr.org/photogallery
Page 14
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Fun In Service— Walmart Employees Volunteer at the Thanksgiving Celebration
Would you like to know
more about gathering a
group of your friends or
coworkers to volunteer
at fun Families Helping
Families of Greater
Baton Rouge events?
Email
us
at
volunteers@fhfgbr.org
We Need You In April!
With crowds over 5000 the past couple years, our upcoming Active for Autism is bound
to be even bigger this year. With larger crowds and more happenings at the event, we
will need a stronger turnout now more than ever from our wonderful volunteers!
The 5th Annual Active for Autism 5K Walk/Run and Fun Fest on Saturday, April 5,
2014—our biggest fundraiser of the year—needs volunteers! Start serving now by
joining the Active for Autism Committee or sign-up for an event-day volunteer role.
Email Kayley Williams, Office Manager, at kwilliams@fhfgbr.org.
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 15
Inside Story Headline
We LOVE our
This story can fit 150-200 words.
One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is
that you can reuse content from
other marketing materials, such
as press releases, market studies,
and reports.
While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to
sell your product or service, the
key to a successful newsletter is
making it useful to your readers.
You can also research articles or
find “filler” articles by accessing
the World Wide Web. You can
write about a variety of topics
but try to keep your articles
short.
Volunteers!
A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to
develop and write your own
articles, or include a calendar of
upcoming events or a special
offer that promotes a new product.
Inside Story Headline
Much of the content you put in
your newsletter can also be used
for your Web site. Microsoft
Publisher offers a simple way to
convert your newsletter to a
Web publication. So, when
you’re finished writing your
newsletter, convert it to a Web
site and post it.
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of
people with disabilities, please consider volunteering
Caption describing picture or
graphic.
with FHFGBR.
provements we
to the business.
No matterThisyour
story can fittalent
100-150 words.
or skills,
appreciate your
Sales figures or earnings will
The subject matter that appears
show how your business is
in newsletters is donation
virtually endless.
of time.
growing.
You can include stories that
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting
sentence or quote from the story here.”
focus on current technologies or
innovations in your field.
You may also want to note busi-
Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue,
for instance, an advice column, a
book review, a letter from the
president, or an editorial. You
can also profile new employees
or top customers or vendors.
trends, or
Please goness
toor economic
fhfgbr.org/Volunteers
and fill out our
make predictions for your customers or clients.
online application.
If the newsletter is distributed
internally, you might comment
upon new procedures or imInside Story Headline
Caption describing picture or
graphic.
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is
an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask
yourself if the picture supports
or enhances the message you’re
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
images that appear to be out of
context.
Microsoft Publisher includes
thousands of clip art images from
which you can choose and im-
port into your newsletter. There
are also several tools you can
use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image,
place it close to the article. Be
sure to place the caption of the
image near the image.
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 16
FHFGBR Christmas Assistance
It’s that time of year again!!! Tis the season to be jolly! The Holidays is a wonderful
time for giving, being thankful, spending quality time with family and friends,
enjoying tasteful dishes and sharing.
We were blessed with the opportunity to assist families that are in need of Christmas
assistance. Pastor Kenny Kepper and his wife Kara with Berean Ministries reached
out to us again this year to participate in their Christmas for Challenged Children program. This program
sponsored 135 children with special needs and their siblings that were in need of Christmas assistance.
With the parents help, we were able to get a wish list for their children with special needs and their
siblings. We were able to give gifts to 135 children! The smiles on the children’s faces on Christmas day
will be so rewarding for the parents. Life can sometimes be hard, but as a community coming together
for a great cause, many of the hardtimes will be lessened due to the generosity of many.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the agencies and families that were able to adopt a
family or donate to those in need. From our family to yours, have a safe and Happy Holiday and Happy
New Year!!!
Pictured left to right: Kimberly Brown (FHFGBR), Kayley Williams (FHFGBR), Pastor Kenny Kepper and wife Kara Kepper (Berean Ministries),
Jamie Tindle (FHFGBR), and Laticia Espinoza FHFGBR).
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 17
Sensory Santa Recap
Santa was busy Sunday, November 24th as he greeted the many special families for the 2nd Annual Sensory Santa
Day at Cortana Mall. The families were greeted by our Families Helping Families staff and offered an opportunity to
visit the vendor booths to create special Christmas crafts. Our friends at Sears generously provided a television
and dvd player for the quiet room. We would like to thank Santa, The Mall of Cortana, Wilson Photography and all
the vendors for making this day special.
To view more pictures from the event, visit the photo gallery at: www.fhfgbr.org/photogallery
Page 18
T he Capital Area Quarterly
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 19
Early Steps
What is the EarlySteps Program?
Earlysteps is Louisiana’s Early Intervention System for children
with disabilities and developmental delays ages birth to three
and their families. By providing resources and support during
those critical years, Earlysteps helps children get off to a great
start.
Anyone can refer a child to EarlySteps
If you know of a child
that would benefit from
receiving services from
EarlySteps please call
225-925-2426. It’s never
too soon to ask questions about your baby’s
development.
Who is eligible?
Children with medical conditions likely to cause disability or
developmental delay , or with delays in the following areas,
may be eligible: physical development, cognitive development,
social and emotional development, adaptive development and/or communication.
Services Provided by Early Steps:




Audiology
Speech-Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy




Special Instruction
Assistive Technology
Service Coordination
Nutrition services




Health Services
Nursing Services
Vision Services
Medical Evaluations




Family Training
Transportation
Psychological Services
Social Work services
We would like to invite you to our RICC and SICC meetings.
State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC)
The mission of the SICC is to work in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of
Health and Hospitals, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, in an
advisory capacity, to design and oversee the implementation of a family-centered,
community-based, comprehensive, interagency service delivery system for infants
and toddlers (birth through two) who are eligible for Part C services, and their families.
The SICC meets quarterly on the second Wednesday of the month. All meetings are
open to the public and held in accordance with the Louisiana Open Meeting Laws. The
Next Meeting will be held on March 12, 2014, 1pm to 3pm in the Claiborne Building at
1201 North Third Street in the LA Purchase Room. Parking is available in front.
Regional Interagency Coordinating Council (RICC)
The Regional Interagency Coordinating Council (RICC) is an essential component of
the Part C early intervention system at the local level. The group’s membership
includes family members of children with disabilities, as well as service providers,
community leaders, and agency representatives. The RICC meets quarterly on the last Thursday of September, and
the second Thursday in December. All meetings are open to the public and are held in accordance with the
Louisiana Open Meeting Laws. The next RICC meeting is March 27, 2014, 1pm to 3pm at the Capital Area Human
Services District Building. 4615 Government St. Building 2 Rm 200A.
Questions? Contact HonaBea Cavalier, Community Outreach Specialist, at 225-216-7474 or hcavalier@fhfgbr.org
Earlysteps is currently recruiting Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Sing Language
Interpreters. For more information, contact Valencia Allen at Valencia.Allen@la.gov or 225-925-7090.
Page 20
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Letter from DaVita
Davita gifting FHFGBR $12,000. pictured l to r: Kristine Britton Barr (Davita), Jamie Tindle (FHFGBR), Darren Coates (Davita) and Marcie Rutland (Davita)
At DaVita, we consider ourselves a community first and a company second. No matter how small or large of a
community, there are common interests that exist. The name DaVita is an adaptation of an Italian phrase
meaning, “giving life.” Every day, in all of our clinics, we believe our name reflects our purpose. We work
together, sharing a common purpose, a common culture and common goals. We genuinely care for and support,
not only those to whom we provide care, but those with whom we work shoulder-to-shoulder. We work together
to pursue achieving our Mission.
We make a difference. We feel rewarded — personally and as a team — because what we do in our jobs is
consistent with our goals and dreams. We believe “You must be the change you wish to see in the
world.” (Mahatma Gandhi). And, when you are the change, that’s fulfilling! Each DaVita facility has the honor of
choosing a non-profit organization to donate to once a year which we refer to as “DaVita Way of Giving”.
Having researched your organization, it was apparent that Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge
impacts so many lives on a daily basis. You give hope where all hope seems to be lost through education and
programs as well as selflessly giving your time to others. You are a true blessing to our community. We came
together as a Region to give to your organization knowing you will reach more families. Thank you for
everything you do!
May all the days of your life be blessed!
DaVita Team Region 3
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 21
OCDD AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITALS
WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Let Your Voice Be Heard and Help Guide
Systems Change for Waiver and Other Services!
Louisiana has embarked on two initiatives to restructure services for individuals with disabilities and the
elderly. Both of these initiatives are taking commentary on a continual and ongoing basis.
If you are the caretaker/family member of someone with a disability or someone with a disability that may
receive any of these services, NOW is the time to speak up.
Changes could affect services provided under the NOW, ROW, Supports and Children’s Choice Waivers, Individual and Family Support Program, Medicaid services, Flexible Family Funds (formerly Cash
Subsidy), Community Choices Waiver (formerly EDA Waiver) , health care services, durable medical
equipment, pharmacy, mental health services, nursing home, ICF/DD and other services.
TELL THEM WHAT SERVICES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU, WHAT YOU NEED, WHAT WORKS AND
WHAT WILL NOT WORK FOR YOU.
The first initiative is a project from the Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities—System Transformation. OCDD has conducted several large stakeholder meetings and developed a smaller work
group with family representation to gather input and guidance on how they can make improvements in
waiver and other service delivery.
Find out More: http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/1731
Send comments via Email to: ocddsystemtransformation@la.gov
Complete the Stakeholder survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OCDDSurveyST121613
The second initiative is from the Department of Health and Hospitals which is seeking to explore the possibility of successfully moving all long-term supports and services into managed care. Long-term supports and services include services provided to individuals under the state’s various Medicaid Waiver programs (NOW, ROW,Supports, Children’s Choice, etc). It could (and probably will) include services such as
Medicaid provided health care, mental health care, durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals as
well. It could include state-run nursing care, institutional care for individuals with developmental disabilities and group homes.
Find out More: Visit http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/1684/n/379
Send Comments to: dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page 1684/n/379.
The above was prepared by Karen Scallan, Parent Advocate and representative of families on
both the MLTSS and OCDD System Transformation Work Group. For more information on either
initiative, contact Karen Scallan kcscallan@gmail.com.
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 22
FHFGBR WINTER CALENDAR
Date and Time
Event
Location
Tuesday, January 7
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Regional Advisory Committee (RAC)
for Capital Area Human Services Dist
CAHSD
4615 Government St, Bldg 1
Tuesday, January 7
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Active for Autism Committee Meeting
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Thursday, January 9
10 am - 12 pm
SBLC? School Building Level
Committee Meeting: What is it?
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Friday, January 10
6:30 - 9:00 pm
Parent's Night Out
St. Jean Vianney
Fr. Engels Hall
Tuesday, January 14
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Walk-Ons Fundraiser
Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar
3838 Burbank Drive
Wednesday, January 15
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
IEP Boot Camp I
Cabela's
2200 West Cabela's Pkwy
Wednesday, January 15
11:30 am - 1 pm
FHFGBR Board Meeting
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Friday, January 17
6 - 9:00 pm
Sunshine Social
BREC Womack Ballroom
6201 Florida Blvd
Saturday, January 18
9:30 - 11:30 am
Verbal Expressions
The Chesney Center
5422 Superior Drive
Saturday, January 25
10am - 12pm
IEP Transition Planning
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Wednesday, January 29
10:00am - 2:00 pm
LaCAN Stakeholder Meeting
American Red Cross
4655 Sherwood Commons Blvd
Saturday, February 8
8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Parent/Educator Conference: Bullying Instructional Resource Cntr
Students w/ Disabilities
1022 S. Foster Drive
Tuesday, February 11
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Active for Autism Committee Meeting
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Wednesday, February 12
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
IEP Boot Camp II
Cabela's
2200 West Cabela's Pkwy
Friday, February 21
6 - 9:00 pm
Sunshine Social
BREC Womack Ballroom
6201 Florida Blvd
Friday, February 21
6:30 - 9:00 pm
Parent's Night Out
St. Jean Vianney
Fr. Engels Hall
Friday thru Sunday
February 21, 22 & 23
Inner Wheel
2014 Attic Trash & Treasure Sale
Mervyn’s building at
Cortana Mall
T he Capital Area Quarterly
Page 23
FHFGBR WINTER CALENDAR
Date and Time
Event
Location
Saturday, February 22
6:30 pm
Krewe of Orion Mardi Gras Parade
Featuring the FHFGBR King & Queen
Baton Rouge, LA
Tuesday, March 4
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Regional Advisory Committee (RAC)
for Capital Area Human Services Dist
CAHSD
4615 Government St, Bldg 1
Thursday, March 6
9 am - 1:00 pm
Resource Information Workshop (RIW)
Cabela's
2200 West Cabela's Pkwy
Tuesday, March 11
5:30 - 6:30pm
Active for Autism Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 12
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Saturday, March 15
9:30 - 11:30 am
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Claiborne Building
State Interagency Coordinating Council
12010 North 3rd St
(SICC) Meeting
LA Purchase Room
The Chesney Center
Verbal Expressions
5422 Superior Drive
Saturday, March 15
10am - 12pm
Workshop on Acronyms
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Tuesday, March 18
5:30 - 6:30pm
Active for Autism Committee Meeting
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Wednesday, March 19
11:30am - 1pm
FHFGBR Board Meeting
FHFGBR
2356 Drusilla Lane
Friday, March 21
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Sunshine Social
BREC Womack Ballroom
6201 Florida Blvd
Friday, March 21
6:30 - 9:30 pm
Parent's Night Out
Thursday, March 27
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Regional Interagency Coordinating
Council (RICC) Meeting
St. Jean Vianney
Fr. Engels Hall
CAHSD
4615 Government St
Building 2, Room 200A
View the Details Online!!
Don’t forget to view all of our detailed event info and stay up-to-date
with all of our events by registering for our eblasts!
www.fhfgbr.org
“It’s who we are. It’s what we do.”
FHFGBR receives partial funding from the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, Capital Area
Human Services District, Louisiana Department of Education and the Louisiana Department of Health and
Hospitals as well as generous donations from families and our community.
FHFGBR does not endorse or promote any legislation, institutions, individuals or methods of treatment or
therapy.
2356 Drusilla Lane
Baton Rouge | LA | 70809
225-216-7474
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
In celebration and observance of
the holidays this winter and
early spring, the staff at Families
Helping Families of Greater
Baton Rouge will be at home
with their families and our office
will be closed on the following
days…
12/23 thru 1/3
Christmas & New Year’s
Holidays
1/20
Martin Luther King Day
3/3 thru 3/4
Mardi Gras
DONATE NOW @ www.fhfgbr.org