News and Events

Due to the extreme heat yesterday There was no Walking group but a big thank you to Mary Jo for bring Ice Cream sandwiches for the group to eat on and hang out with.

please join us for Coffeehouse at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Raleigh tonight at 7:00 pm

Walking Group was canceled do to weather so next week Mary Jo will take the group to Baskin Robbins bring $5 go get Ice cream.

Thank you to Mary Jo for coming out and doing Walking Group for the Green Level Residents they really enjoy it.

A Big Thank you to Gail and Sandy for coming out and Teaching the Residents how to cook yesterday at Green Level homes Apartments. everyone had a great time

a reminder to All Green Level Residents: Don't forget Walking Group with Mary Jo is Tonight at 6:30pm residents are emcouraged to attend

Thank you Ginny Posten for coming out on Wednesday night and Having a American Idol Finale Celebration for the Green Level Homes Residents.

Don't forget Coffeehouse is Tonight at 7pm at Good Sheperd

for Green Level Residents only: There will be NO Walking Group tonight with Mary Jo

For Green Level Residents only: Tenet Meeting Tonight at 5:30 pm at Green Level Comunity Room Residents are Required to attend.

For Green Level Residents Only: Don't forget that Walking group is tonight at 6:30 pm Sharp, bring $5 with you because the group will walk to Good Berry's

All the Residents finally move into their new Apartments in January 2010 Everyone was so excited to see their new Apartment

Coffeehouse Dinner - Dec. 11, 2009 Over 250 participants enjoyed the evening feasting on a turkey and ham dinner and a Christmas carol sing-along led by Carol Henderson and Rachel Boyce.

COFFEE BREAK at the Coffeehouse at Good Shepherd - Jan. 30, 2009 HEALTH AND WELLNESS ISSUES Carrie Ambrose and Ellen Perry shared their experiences navigating through the health care system. Among the many suggestions they offered, they shared how to advocate for yourself in a health care setting and also how to transition from pediatric to adult care.For more information, please send us an email.

We have begun the application process for future residents at Green Level Homes. Please contact Dale Tutor, 919-795-0287 or dale.tutor@lfscarolinas.org to secure an application. Expected move-in date is April 2009.

Have you ever wanted to know how we can help our loved ones achieve the best possible lifetime healthy choices? Come to the Coffee Break at the Coffeehouse at Good Shepherd and hear two self advocates share their experiences. Jan. 30, 2009 7:15 to 8:45 Questions? Call Anna Cunningham,846-8892

Coffeehouse at Resurrection is temporarily on vacation. Please check back to see when they'll start again in 2009.

COFFEE BREAK Friday, July 25. 7:15 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran. Are you ready for your child to live independently? Come hear a panel talk about their experiences in independence.

See notes below from the January 25 Coffeebreak session. The panel featured adult siblings and was called “Learning from the Past to Prepare for the Future”:

Facilitator: Ann Palmer
Panelists: Beth McCauley, Chuck Lamothe, Katie Honeycutt, Sarah Palmer

Four panelists talked about their experiences growing up with siblings with developmental disabilities, and shared with us what, in their view, helped them prepare for the future.

Their advice to parents and care givers:

• Put marriage first.
• Do not establish a buffer between the child with DD and the other sibling(s), so each can develop a personal relationship.
• Have family discussions about DD.
• Prepare for financial future as much as possible.
• While growing up, many siblings of children with DD felt pressure to overcompensate with high expectations from their parents. Data also shows the following concerns: guilt about not having a disability, embarrassment, fear, anger or jealousy, isolation, concern about the future for their disabled sibling.

However, our adult presenters seemed to reflect the positive aspects acquired in being the sibling of a person with DD, also shown in data: maturity, sense of responsibility, self-confidence, patience, independence, altruism, understanding and sensitivity, greater leadership skills.

• And, as evidenced by the members of our panel, maintain a sense of humor.

The inaugural "Coffee Break" discussion during the October 2007 Coffee House at Good Shepherd launched a series of informal discussions for parents and caregivers. The topic on October 26 was "Understanding Sexuality Issues for Adults with Special Needs." Dr. Lisa Hayutin, a psychologist at Family Psychiatry and Psychology Associates in Cary, moderated the discussion, which was very informative and quite lively. You can download Dr. Hayutin's Powerpoint presentation below. About 30 people attended, eager to share their concerns. Participants were able to ask for or share advice about very delicate and personal matters. We'd be happy for you to continue this discussion on our forum.

Parents of children with special needs face many difficult tasks, and must navigate waters still unknown. It is our hope that this opportunity for parents to compare and share information and experiences is helpful for all involved. We hope you will come to the next Coffee Break discussion, time and date TBA. In the meantime, please feel free to suggest topics for future Coffee Break discussions that would interest you. Post them on the Community Forum, or email us at info@servingcup.org.

The Coffeehouse at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is happy to announce that it will be holding a new series of periodic, topical group meetings during Coffeehouse hours.

These “Coffee Break” meetings will allow the Coffeehouse community of parents, caregivers, and friends of adults with developmental disabilities to come together and discuss specific life issues regarding their friend or family member. Topics may include marriage, sibling relationships, adult sexuality, and safety. We’re also open to your suggestions!

Please join us on Friday October 26 from 7:30 to 8:30 in Underwood Hall at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to inaugurate this new program.

“Understanding Sexuality Issues for Adults with Special Needs” A guided discussion led by Dr. Lisa Hayutin of Family Psychiatry and Psychology Associates

Questions? Contact info@servingcup.org.