Previous Meetings
- June 10th 2008 – A Special Summer Party!
From 6:30-8:30PM we enjoyed delicious dinner and refreshments and then Limbo Rocked the night away at Christ's Church @ Whitewater, 1577 Highway 85 South, Fayetteville, GA 30215.
Special Thanks to our volunteers and sponsors: Wings and Things in Tyrone and Janet Goodman, Kedron Kroger in Peachtree City, The Fun Stuff for providing slushies, Stevie B's Pizza in Fayetteville, Doug Mickey and The Dwarfhouse Chick-fil-A in Fayetteville and our dedicated volunteers from Professor Pam Rundle's Sociology Class at Georgia Military College, Hands for Hire Helpers, Kaye and Harvey Fogg, Amor Kok, Terry Whitlock and all the guests who stayed late to help clean up and especially to Christ's Church at Whitewater who so graciously hosted our event!
- May 13th 2008 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Benefits Navigator – Sally Atwell presented information. We learned how to navigate the very complicated social security system and how income may affect your SSI eligibility. Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) is a cooperative agreement between the Social Security Administration and Shepherd Center's WIPA Program to provide accurate work incentive information to people between the ages of 14 and 65 who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or both which is based on a medical condition. This service provides comprehensive Benefits Counseling in order to assist the receipent or beneficiary make informed decisions on their road to economic self sufficiency. Shepherd Center in Atlanta in a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration applied for and received an opportunity to work cooperatively to provide Work Incentive Planning and Assistance to 50 Counties in Georgia. For more detailed information click here: http://www.bpaoga.com/
- April 15th 2008 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Guardianship: The Pros and Cons of a very important question. Once our loved ones with Developmental Disabilities reach age 18 we must consider whether or not to establish guardianship to protect them. Attorney Greg Rogers and Judge Bob Ruppenthal's office presented information about Guardianship and Supplemental Security Income.
- March 11th 2008 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Information was provided regarding a multitude of summer camps and programs, both day and sleep away; locally and out of town. A panel discussion involving folks who have attended these camps or who serve as administrators of these camps was presented. Among the programs presenting was be the FCBOE SPOT/Splash Program and Kool Kidz day camp programs. Additionally find out about sleep away camps such as Camp Big Heart, Camp Hawkins, Camp Glisson, and Camp Sparrowwood.
- February 12th 2008 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Dr. Peter Scire presented information about an exciting new achievement center; Brain Balance. The Brain Balance Program integrates physical (sensory and motor) activities with effective educational and behavioral methods as well as supportive nutritional initiatives to achieve optimum brain and body function. Brain Balance is located in Peachtree City, Ga. To contact call 770-631-3033 or visit www.brainbalancecenters.com/atlanta
- January 8th 2008 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Medicaid waiver 101. Avril Bryant and Deborah Cook from the Department of Human Resources Region Three office presented information about the Medicaid waiver process. How to apply, what to expect during the application process and how to advocate for your loved one to be placed on the waiting list for services.
2007 Previous Meetings
- April 17th 2007 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
How to prepare for independence in living. Dr. Richard Davis and Francis Stokes of DDM, Inc. discussed the things we need to consider to transition our loved ones with DD to independent living. Nancy Cato, Director of The Center For Housing Alternatives will be made a presentation on what her agency offers in housing options.
Under scheduled meetings remove April and May 2007 and add:
- March 13 th 2007 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Administrators from various programs provided information about the various Summer Camps (Day and Sleep Away) available and the possible scholarship funding available to help send your child to camp this summer. See Summary notes under Meeting Materials.
- February 16 th 2007 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Various participants who have navigated the complicated process of applying for Medicaid waivers, SSI, and Katie Becket services provided small group discussions to assist people in understanding what's out there and how to go about getting services you need for your loved ones. Once you get that Medicaid waiver….how can you spend it? See Summary notes under Meeting Materials.
- January 16th , 2007 – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Mary Lynn Kirby and Vicki Farrell, both Special Needs Trust Attorneys from Fayette Law Group, presented information about Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning for families of children with Special Needs. Included in their presentation was information about how to provide for your special needs child before and after you're gone. Information was provided about the different kinds of Trusts and how they affect government assistance in the future. Vicki Farrell is an expert on Guardianship issues as well.
2006 Previous Meetings
- December 1 st , 2006 – Christmas Party
ExceptionalOPS celebrated Christmas with 140 of their members and friends at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church 's Youth Center . Entertainment was provided by Telenovela who entertained us by performing Christmas carols and assorted familiar tunes. Special thanks to Aberdeen Woods Conference Center , Kroger, Mike Holmes of Chick-fil-A in Peachtree City , Partners Pizza in Tyrone.
- November 14th, 2006 - Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Curt Harrison of Columbus Community Services and Deborah Cook of Georgia MHDDAD Region 3 presented information about applying for Medicaid waiver funding and services. They explained what happens to the Medicaid waiver application after you send it in and offered insight to dealing with the agencies handling this process. For more information visit our Meeting Support Materials page and click on November 13 th 's materials.
- 10 October, Tuesday – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Ms. Sally Atwell, Director of the Benefits Navigator Program at the Shepherd Center will present an overview of the Benefits Navigator project. This project is a Social Security benefits planning, assistance and outreach cooperative agreement that provides benefits counseling and information on Social Security's work incentive programs to people with disabilities.
- 12 September, Tuesday – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Mr. Chris Horton, Director of Exceptional Children's Services presented information about Transition and the Reach Program for Fayette County Schools. Discussion about how Transition fits into a student's IEP and how the REACH Program is best utilized in a student's progression following high school. Topics on what kind of transitions a parent should be looking for and how and when to prepare for those transitions to best meet the needs of your individual student will be presented. Linda Williams and Rosie Gwinn assisted Mr. Horton.
- 13 June, Tuesday – Summer Luau
More than 100 guests attended our annual summer luau at the Fayette County Rec Center in the Kiwanis building located on Redwine Road in Fayetteville. Thank you to Debbie Parish and the Fayette County Rec Department for you assistance. A big thank you to Papa John's Pizza, Kedron Kroger, Chic-fil-A Town Centre and all of our wonderful volunteers for providing a fabulous party.
- 9 May, Tuesday – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Georgia Lutheran Services presented information about support services available to persons with Developmental Disabilities through their organization. Visit http://www.lsga.org/Programs/disability.htm for more information.
- 11 April, Tuesday – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Judge Martha Stephenson guided us though the pros and cons of establishing guardianship for our loved ones with disabilities once they've reached age 18. We also held our elections for the upcoming year. Linda Dukes will serve as President, John Allen as Vice President, Terry Whitlock as Treasurer and Colleen Romano as Secretary.
- 14 March, Tuesday – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Dottie Adams from the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities provided a Person Centered Planning overview. The Division of MHDDAD values individually created person centered plans for people with disabilities as a tool to help create the life they want and choose. People with disabilities and their families succeed when they are knowledgeable about Person Centered Planning and the important role it can play in shaping their futures. This overview provided an introduction to Person Centered Planning, and helped participants think outside the box to create a meaningful life in the community. Handouts from this session are available on this web site under the Meeting Support Materials on the About Us page.
- 10 January, Tuesday – Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Dottie Adams from the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities provided a Medicaid Waiver 101 overview. Though the meeting was slated to provide information about Person Centered Planning, the more than 30 people in attendance shared that they had little or no knowledge of the Medicaid Waiver program. Sensing that this information should precede the Person Centered Planning presentation, Dottie graciously switched gears. Handouts from this meeting will be available on line at our web site soon. Look for subtitles under About Us to lead you to the corresponding information in written form.
- 16 December, Friday – Christmas Party
More than 75 members and guests gathered at Peachtree City 's First United Methodist Church 's Youth Lounge for a buffet and live entertainment. Telenovela entertained guests with familiar rock tunes and Christmas Carols. Special thanks to Partners Pizza, Zaxby's Chicken, Kroger, and Aberdeen Woods Conference Center for providing a fabulous buffet. See our photo section for a look at the action!
-1 November, Tuesday - McIntosh High School Auditorium – Special Membership Meeting
Dr. Steve Hall and Dr. Darlene Meador of Georgia 's Dept. of Developmental Disabilities presented a forum for Georgia 's new Medicaid Waivers for citizens with developmental disabilities. The new Medicaid Waiver program is scheduled to launch July 1, 2006 Focus of the new waiver program is person centered planning, designed to enable people with developmental disabilities more choice in the services they require. For more information visit www.mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov and place “new Medicaid waivers” in the search box.
-11 October, Tuesday, 1279 Medical Building , Regular Meeting 7PM
Karen Lynn, President of Hands For Hire, presented a detailed program outlining her work training tracks. Great care and study goes into the design of the Hands For Hire curriculum tracks which are focused on helping to meet a person's individual success plan and to build on each person's unique skills, learning pace and desire. From the Pro Track to the Champion Track, every part of their curriculum features and exploits their one-of-a-kind learning environment to help accomplish the goals of the people they serve. For more information visit www.handsforhire.cc
-13 September, Tuesday, New Hope Baptist Church Special Meeting 6:30-8:30 PM
An overview of the vision of Dr. Stephen Hall a Ph.D. in Disability Policy/Adult Education from Virginia Commonwealth University was presented. Dr. Hall also has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Indiana University. He has been a school teacher, school administrator, and has taught classes at the University of Colorado, Indiana University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Before being Georgia's first Director of the Office of Developmental Disabilities, Dr. Hall was the Executive Director of a large private organization in Colorado for ten years and was Executive Director of a three county agency that included the city of Indianapolis for five years. He is widely published and has received recognition and awards for his work by Governors, other government leaders, and most importantly families and people with disabilities themselves. Dr. Hall is best known for developing services, supports, and funding mechanisms that encourage family and personal choices that lead to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities having a real life in the community alongside other citizens.
When: June 12th, 2005
Where: Kiwanis Fair Grounds, Redwine Road, Fayettville Georgia
About: Kickoff-to-Summer Luau
Who: Open to all RSVP's necessary
-8 March 2005 , Tuesday, Special Meeting, 7 PM
. We conducted a special program on Tues, 8 MAR, 7 PM , to discuss and seek housing and related service possibilities for Fayette's DD community. Our presentation included rep's from various agencies interested in providing more housing options in Fayette County . If you or someone you know has a housing need now or in the next 5 years and is looking for a housing solution other than Medicaid Waivers that have long waiting lists OR you are a church or other group with a heart to serve unmet housing needs, then you needed to be there.
-8 February 2005 , Tuesday, General Meeting, 7PM :
Our Tuesday, 8 February 2005 , meeting was postponed due to a schedule conflict.
-Challenger Baseball Registration:
Regular registration for Challenger Baseball has closed, but Players interested in Registering for the 2005 Spring season Challenger League should contact Nick Harris As Soon as Possible at parentme@bellsouth.net or telephone (770) 486-9277 for more information. So far there are six teams registered for the 2005 season. The regular registration dates were as follows:
Sunday, January 9, 2005 1-5pm at Velocity Sports Performance on Paschall Drive in PTC
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 6:30-8:30pm at Velocity Sports Performance on Paschall Drive in PTC
Saturday, January 22, 2005 12-4pm at Velocity Sports Performance on Paschall Drive in PTC
Friday, March 25 2005 , 6PM - Opening game at the Fayette Field of Hope on Highway 74
The Challenger Baseball League is designed for boys and girls with mental and physical disabilties. The Peachtree City Little League (PTCLL) Challenger Division serves residents of Fayette and neighboring counties. Registration fee is $55 and includes uniform (except shoes). No player will be excluded from PTCLL at any time due to an inability to pay. Any player in need of a fee waiver should contact Challenger Division Player Agent Nick Harris (770) 486-9277.
11 January 2005 Monthly Meeting ; Tuesday at 7 PM : our first meeting of the New Year. Our program featured information about 'Fun & Fitness' for the Special Needs population .
2004 Previous Meetings
11 December 2004 Christmas Party:
We had a great time on Saturday, 11 DEC 2004, from 6: 30 - 8:30 PM , at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church Youth Ministry Center with our Second Annual Christmas Party . Over 70 persons attended! Have a great Christmas!
9 November 2004 Monthly Meeting:
Our speaker was MaryLynn Kirby, a local attorney who has been in practice since 1978 and has specialized in estate planning since 1991. MaryLynn often helps families with Special Needs trusts, wills, and guardianship issues. After her presentation, she was available to answer general questions from the audience. The meeting was held at Fayette Community Hospital in the Community Room from 7-9PM .
12 October 2004 Monthly Meeting:
A presentation on the new Transitions program being implemented by the Fayette County school system was presented by a panel of teachers and administrators from the Fayette County Schools. Over 35 Parents of children in middle and high school, advocates and interested citizens attended .
Saturday, 2 OCT 2004 We helped celebrate with Fayette's Challenger Little League players at the opening of the Fayette Field of Hope on , which began at 10 AM . Go by and see this fantastic facility located at the Highway 74 South Baseball & Soccer Complex in Peachtree City !
14 September 2004 Public Forum for Fayette residents:
A public forum was conducted beginning at 7 PM on Tuesday, 14 September 2004 , at the Fayette County Commissioner's Chambers in Fayetteville . This forum was chaired by the Director of the West Central Georgia Regional MHDDAD office located in Columbus , GA. The purpose of this forum was to give an opportunity for Fayette residents to provide input and voice concerns regarding Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse adult services. Approximately 40 residents, parents, advocates and educators attended the forum. The forum was conducted at the Stonewall Administrative Complex, 140 Stonewall Avenue , Fayetteville . This forum was held in place of the regular SPFC monthly meeting.
August 2004 Monthly Meeting and News:
With Summer and school vacations almost over we helped prepare for the future by becoming informed about issues that affect Fayette residents with Developmental Disabilities. Our meeting on Tuesday, 10 August 2004 , 7PM , was held at the Community Room of the Fayette Community Hospital on Highway 54 just west of downtown Fayetteville . Our featured speaker was Beth Tumlin, President of the Arc – Georgia . Beth presented an informative program titled “Unlocking the Waiting Lists”, a Georgia campaign which began in 1998 to advocate for services for those Georgians with Developmental Disabilities. There are almost five thousand people on waiting lists for services in Georgia alone. Come to future meetings to find out about this issue and what you can do to ensure services are there when you, a member of your family or a neighbor need them! Refreshments were served. .
In addition to the presentation about Georgia waiting lists, information will be presented regarding the Market Assessment and Feasibility Study that has been conducted by Georgia State University over the past few months. This month is also the first month of our fiscal year: come prepared to renew or begin your membership in SPFC. Dues are only $10 and help defray the cost of preparing and sending informational materials. A renewal letter will be sent this weekend to last year's membership.
July 2004 Update:
Due to summer vacations and other events this month, the Special People of Fayette County did not have its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 13 July. Instead, we urged all members and friends of SPFC to attend one or more of the political forums being conducted in Fayette County and to vote in the upcoming primary on July 20th. Become informed about the issues of the day and ask questions of the political hopefuls particularly where they stand on improving the level of services offered to adults with developmental disabilities.
Special People of Fayette County Hosted A Summertime Party - Tuesday, 8 June:
The Special People of Fayette County threw a Summertime Party on Tuesday, 8 June from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Rec Center , Kiwanis Park on Redwine Road in Fayetteville , and you were invited. We celebrated the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. Enjoy dinner, music, entertainment, games and other refreshments. Over 70 people attended the party and had a great time! Special thanks to Shenanigans Toys at The Avenue of PTC for donating the Cotton Candy and Snow Cone machine !
Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, 11 May 2004 :
The May meeting of the Special People of Fayette County was held at 7PM , Tuesday, 11 May 2004 at Fayette Community Hospital Community Room, in Fayetteville . Following introductions and a few business items, a special program was presented by Ms. Amor Kok, regarding Relationships and Sexuality for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities . Ms. Amor Kok is a Special Education Counselor with the Fayette County School System. Amor has been presenting a workshop to students in Fayette high schools focusing on relationships in regard to 'safe and unsafe' people, touches, advances etc. She will go over the program with us so we can reinforce these approaches at home. There will be a handout we can take with us. This program would be appropriate for you to bring your children ages 12 and up if you feel they will enjoy the entire evening (about 2 hours).
Other Business items addressed included:
- Annual elections information and solicitation of nominations for one vacant position on the SPFC board.
- Announcement of two vacant positions on the McIntosh Trail Community Service Board and one vacant position on the West Central Georgia Planning Commission. These volunteer positions represent the interests of the residents of Fayette County . Information will be presented about these important opportunities.
April 2004 Meeting of the Special People of Fayette County :
SPFC MOVED TO FAYETTE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL THIS MONTH ON TUESDAY, APRIL 13TH AT 7 PM . WE HAD REFRESHMENTS AND TALKED ABOUT HOW TO ACCESS SERVICES THAT ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE, AND HOW TO PLAN FOR THOSE YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE FOR THE FUTURE. WE EVEN HELPED FILL OUT THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK .
Monthly Meeting of Special People of Fayette County : Tues., 9 March 2004 @ 7 PM :
The March meeting of the Special People of Fayette County was held at 7PM , Tuesday, 9 March 2004 at Bldg D. LaFayette Educational Center , in Fayetteville .
Following introductions, a special program regarding Summer Recreation Programs and Opportunities was presented. Information was also provided regarding the upcoming market assessment and feasibility study in Fayette County . Focus groups were conducted on Thursday and Friday, 25 & 26 March at the Holiday Inn Express in Fayetteville .
If you are a parent, sibling, educator, neighbor or friend of a person with disabilities, you owe it to yourself to attend. Please join us as together we help make a positive difference in our community!
Parents of younger children with developmental disabilities were urged to attend this meeting so they can be better prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. Come take advantage of the experiences of other families in Fayette County !
Monthly Meeting of Special People of Fayette County : Tues., 10 FEB 2004 @ 7 PM :
This meeting of the Special People of Fayette County was held at 7PM , Tuesday, 10 February 2004 at Bldg D. LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville . Childcare was available.
Following introductions and an overview of SPFC's goals for 2004, a special program regarding Guardianship and other legal issues was presented. Judge Martha Stephenson , Probate Court of Fayette County provided information that helped inform parents, caregivers and friends of persons with Developmental Disabilities.