Advocacy and Support Groups

SOAR Fox Cities Advocacy Program is designed to provide information and community resources to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers through:

    • Individual advocacy support and information to individuals who call, email or visit SOAR offices.
    • People First chapters that are hosted by SOAR Fox Cities.
    • Brain Injury Support Group
    • Seminars and informational sessions on disability-related topics that will help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families advocate for themselves.

People First is a national organization with the mission to encourage and train adults with developmental disabilities in self-advocacy, identifying community resources, teaching problem-solving skills, and researching and addressing disability-related issues on the local, state and national levels. 

Each chapter hosted by SOAR Fox Cities has a staff member who provides oversight and advice to the participants.  Each chapter also has a vote at the state level and is involved in making changes and advocating for issues affecting their lives and the lives of all individuals with developmental disabilities.

People First Fox Cities

A self-advocacy group in the Fox Cities. People First Fox Cities encourages and trains individuals to speak up and advocate for themselves. It meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. at the SOAR building.

Please note: the time and date may fluctuate from month to month. See calendar for dates, times and group locations.

Skills gained through People First: Communication, Self-Advocacy, Self-Confidence, Negotiation, Public Speaking, Leadership, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution.

Please contact, Director of Adult Services, LeeAnn Stein at 920-731-9831 x112.

Brain Injury Support Group

The Brain Injury Support Group is dedicated to providing a comfortable and safe environment for conversation and support for individuals who have survived a Brain Injury, as well as family members and caregivers. The group is diverse with survivors of many different backgrounds and ages.

The meeting format varies from month to month. Some meetings involve separating into groups for conversation and support, with survivors in one group and family members and caregivers in another group. Other meetings focus on specific topics, feature guest speakers or involve social activities. 

We currently offer three support groups. Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to holidays and inclement weather:

  • Virtual: Second Wednesday of every month from 5:30-6:30pm
  • Neuroscience (445 W Calumet St. Appleton): Third Thursday of every month from 5:00-6:00pm
  • St. Elizabeth Hospital (1506 S. Oneida St. Appleton): Last Monday of every month from 6:00-7:00pm, 2nd story Conference Room 1&2

Please contact Traumatic Brain Injury Support Program Navigator, Clare Buckley for an up-to-date meeting schedule.

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