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One foundation of ParentWISE
is knowing and accepting
that parenting is not always
easy. Add an extra
component-a child with
special needs- and one KNOWS
the parenting will be
difficult. That's why
ParentWISE has established
support and education
programs to help those
families whose child may be
diagnosed with such
conditions as Autism,
Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADD/ADHD), Resilient
Children/Resilient Families,
and Learning Disabilities.
The agency is able to offer
these services because of a
grant received through
Westmoreland County MH/MR.
The grant was initiated in
the fall of 2002 and
continues through 2004. Mary
Ellen Tiberio, a former
volunteer with ParentWISE,
was hired in October 2002 as
Parent Education Instructor,
and she facilitates support
groups in three locations
for families of special
needs children as well as
classes to help those
parents deal with their
particular issues.
Groups are currently meeting
in Greensburg, Murrysville,
and Vandergrift. Each
meeting includes an
educational presentation on
a topic the group has
requested and time for
general discussion.
Parents can find comfort in
talking with others who have
"been there." The challenges
faced by families with
special needs children can
be overwhelming and the
insight and support from
other parents offers a
welcome relief.
In addition to the support
groups, families with
special needs children can
benefit from new education
programs. Ms. Tiberio has
prepared workshop and
classroom presentations on
such topics as Challenging
Behavior, Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder, Childhood Obesity,
and Resilient Children/
Resilient Families.
Perhaps you are the parent
of a special needs child or
know of a family near you
who could find some comfort
in one of these programs.
Contact the ParentWISE
office at 724-8375410 and
enroll in a support group or
upcoming class.
What you gain will benefit
both you AND your child.
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