Pioneer Center offers workshop for special needs caregivers

Pioneer Center for Human Services' Family Connections Group will host an Abilities Workshop entitled "Don't Lose Yourself in the Shuffle" from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

The free workshop, will help parents and caregivers do a "self-check" on keeping their well-being in the forefront so they can be at their best when caring for others.

There will be three informational sessions, designed especially for family, sibs and caregivers. It will be provided by experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Speakers include Karla Chandler, parent of a child with a developmental disability; Cindy Sullivan, executive director of Options & Advocacy; Sherri Schneider with Family Benefit Solutions Inc.; Bryan Bode, Pioneer Center's wellness coordinator; Mary Jo Napolitano from the Illinois Nutrition Education Program - a University of Illinois Extension; Rebecca Ortman, Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association regional coordinator; Erin Newport, Pioneer Center's Respite Program coordinator; and Lisa Neuhaus, Pioneer Center's Special Olympics and recreation facilitator.

The first two sessions remind attendees to find opportunities for both play and rest, as well as achieving results through eating healthy, exercising and getting plenty of sleep.

The final session is focused on individual, family and community as supportive roles. It also discusses the process of enabling people to increase control and strategize for benefits, and navigating services and resources available for individuals with developmental disabilities.

At the end of each session, a short Q&A session will take place.

The workshop will take place at Pioneer Center's McHenry Campus at 4031 W. Dayton St.

Individuals should preregister to attend by contacting Barb Swanson at (815) 759-7128 or bswanson@pioneercenter.org by Monday, April 23.

To learn more about the workshop and view the full speaker schedule, visit www.pioneercenter.org.