Family Services
SOAR Fox Cities Family Services programs feature a wide variety of specialized events, forums, activities, outings, celebrations and collaborative initiatives which provide opportunities for families to have recreational, educational, and supportive and fun experiences together! Some of the purposes of this program include:
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Fostering healthy and happy relationships for families caring for a child with a developmental disability.
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Providing family members/caregivers opportunities to share concerns, address questions, and network with others who share similar challenges.
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Offering a safe, accepting and inclusive atmosphere for parents, siblings, relatives, friends, caregivers, and participants as they interact in meaningful community-based activities.
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Offering assistance with activity fees so there are no financial obstacles for involvement.
Programs for Parents and Caregivers
Mini but Mighty SOARers Support Group
Last Tuesday of the month I 9:00-11:00am I Sensory Club (Neenah)
Mini but Mighty SOARers is a support/play group for caregivers of children with disabilities five years old and younger! Join us each month for a story and related sensory activity, networking opportunities, and information on community resources! This is a great opportunity to meet, mingle, and support other caregivers on a similar journey. Hosted at the Sensory Club in Neenah, this support group is designed to allow your differently-abled child (5 and under) and siblings to come with you and engage in sensory-regulating fun while they create connections of their own. Let’s learn, grow, and empower together!
This is a free program, but registration is required. Register online or contact Angie Petit.
Coffee Connections – Networking and Support Group
First Wednesday of the month I 10:30-11:30am I SOAR building lower level (Appleton)
Coffee Connections is a daytime support group for parents, guardians, or caregivers of adults with disabilities looking to connect to other caregivers in the community. Coffee Connections offers peer-to-peer support and explores topics related to future planning and long-term care options. Coffee and pastries are provided!
Registration not required- drop in to a group any time!
Lunch and Learn – Virtual Support Group
Second Thursday of the month I 11:30-12:30pm I Zoom
Lunch and Learn is a virtual support group for parents, guardians, or caregivers looking to connect to other caregivers in the community. Lunch and Learn offers peer-to-peer support and explores topics related to all aspects of caregiving and loving someone with disabilities.
Contact Angie Petit to receive Zoom Link each month.
SOAR Together – Social Educational Nights
SOAR Together Social Education Nights are hosted by SOAR Fox Cities throughout the year around topics of interest to parents, caregivers, and professionals who care for or work with individuals with developmental disabilities, and other members of the community who are interested in increasing their awareness or knowledge on topics related to disabilities and inclusion. Past topics have included Social and Recreational Opportunities, Guardianship, Financial Planning, and Social Security Related Programs.
This is a free program, but registration is requested at least one day prior to the meeting.
For questions, topic requests, or help registering, please contact Angie Petit via email or (920) 731-9831 x111
Annual Family Programs
K.I.T.E Conference: Knowledge. Independence. Togetherness. Empowerment.
The KITE Conference is for parents, family members, self-advocates and professionals, and features disability-related topics and an opportunity to connect with local community resources. Past breakout sessions have included, Speech, Behavior, Self-care for Caregivers, Respite, Advocacy and Future Planning.
Fall Family Event
Fall Family Event is an evening full of activities for the whole family held in October. The event varies each year, but may feature crafts, games, hayrides, picking pumpkins, and trick-or-treating!
Corn Roast
The biggest family social event of the year! Bring your whole family to Pierce Park in August for games, music, dinner and delicious roasted corn!
Holiday Party
What better way to wrap up the year with the SOAR Holiday Party in December! Enjoy food, music, crafts and an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Ho, ho, ho!
Skills gained through Annual Family Program participation include: Emotional Regulation, Building Relationships, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Community Navigation, Following Directions, Time Management, Sharing, Cooperation, Resource Referrals, Fine Motor Skills, Decision Making, Reading/Comprehension, and Collaboration.
