Support, education and caring connections
As the primary outreach program of The Centers for Exceptional Children, Family Support Network of Greater Forsyth (FSN) is dedicated to strengthening families and enhancing the lives of children with special needs, from birth to age 21, in and around Forsyth County.
Our families draw strength and guidance from our staff and the other families they meet through our programs. FSN is rooted in the belief that the best support for families comes from other families with similar stories. With FSN, you get support, guidance and connections – in fact, you get a community.
FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK PROGRAMS
Exceptional Families
Be a part of this monthly group that’s open to any parent who has a child with a special need. These meetings are currently being held virtually from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month. Check Events for details.
Parent-to-Parent Matching
Sign up for our Parent-to-Parent Matching program, which provides assistance and encouragement to families of children with special needs. Experienced parents are matched with families to share knowledge and provide one-on-one emotional support, advice and resources.
Mentor Parent Training
Attend our annual Mentor Parent Training to assist families who have children with special needs. Training is available on an individual or group basis, and covers topics such as communication skills, the adjustment process, confidentiality and community resources.
El Grupo de Esperanza
Join our bilingual coordinator for a discussion and activity group for Spanish-speaking families. (Nuestro coordinador bilingue ayuda a nuestras familias que hablan español. El grupo se reúne el segundo lunes de cada mes.
Sibshops
Bring the siblings of children with special needs to our Sibshops for dinner, games, crafts and discussions. Our events are open to children in K-8th Grade to help them connect with other kids who understand the joys and challenges of having a brother or sister with a special need.
Special Family Groups
Meet up all year long with other parents and family members who may be experiencing similar experiences as you and your own family. Our Special Family Groups provide social and emotional support, information and skills training, and leadership opportunities for families. To date, we have the following established groups: Cerebral Palsy (CP) Family Group, Trach Ties and Mom2Mom. Check out our monthly calendar for detailed information about upcoming group gatherings.
NICU Outreach
Connect with other NICU parents at Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. NICU Groups are facilitated by one of our family support coordinators who is also a former NICU parent. Craft activities and a light snack are offered. Our Chat & Snacks are monthly meet ups with parents whose children are patients at Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center or Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. Parents can connect with other families and enjoy a light dinner. Volunteers are always needed to help.
Stepping Stones
Gain confidence in parenting through the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) curriculum. Single-session seminars and multi-session institutes offer tailored strategies. Our program is for Forsyth County residents with children up to 5 years of age with a disability. Limited slots are also available to families who have children up to 12 years old and reside in counties surrounding Forsyth County.
Click Here for more information.
RESOURCES & REFERRALS
Stay Connected
Our monthly e-newsletter connects families and the community with FSN by sharing important information and highlighting upcoming events. Sign up today!
Want to know more about one of our Family Support Network programs? Feel free to give us a call and speak with one of our coordinators at 336-703-4289.
FSN Newsletter Signup Form
FSN Referral Form
Anyone can make a referral to FSN. If you know someone who could benefit from family support programming, please complete the form below and someone from our team will contact the family. Would you prefer to print out the form? CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE FILE.
FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK TEAM
Amy Hooker
Family Support CoordinatorChris Gentry
Director, Family Support NetworkErin Evans
Family Support CoordinatorLakeisha Williams
Family Support CoordinatorPhanice Hunter
Family Support CoordinatorRosa Sanchez
Family Support CoordinatorCONTACT US
The CFEC Main Office
2315 Coliseum Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Phone: (336) 727-2440
Fax: (336) 727-2873
Hours
Monday – Friday:
7:30am – 5:30pm
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Make a difference in the lives of children with special needs by volunteering at The CFEC. Opportunities include working with children, performing clerical tasks, landscaping and building maintenance, and assisting with special events.