Parent's First Call
On April 1st, we hosted 13 incredible parents for a Parent's First Call training at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. They spent the entire day learning how to be Support Parents to new and expectant parents, and are ready to pay it forward through friendship, advice, and a listening ear. These parents will change the world.
A special thank you to Robin Mathea and Parent to Parent of Wisconsin for their continued partnership in making this program a success. And thank you to Emily Moe, geneticist from Children's Hospital and member of the DSAW Medical Outreach Committee, for leading us through the Prenatal Diagnosis section of our training.
We are very excited to see the incredible results of our Parent's First Call Program since its "official" launch this spring. Over the last year, DSAW has received an average of two referrals per month. In April, due to the amazing support of the community and our billboard in Milwaukee, we were contacted by 8 new/expectant parents looking for support!!
Finally, we are hoping to enable more members to "give back" to new and expectant parents through a book drive. If you have gently used baby books that you would like to donate to a new family, please mail them to the DSAW office (11709 W Cleveland Ave, Suite 2, West Allis, WI 53227). You are welcome to write encouraging and hopeful notes in the books.
Milwaukee
Young Leaders Bootcamp
Self-Advocates joined us for a fun month of Young Leaders Bootcamp. This month's topic was planting and gardening. We planted food and other plants in the beds behind the DSAW Office. We'll be tending these beds all summer, and will (hopefully!) be eating the harvest this fall. Consider signing up for our FREE May Bootcamp on Storytelling.
Cooking with the Kiddos
We had a great time at Cooking with the Kiddos in April! This class is a great time of family bonding, plus a free meal... what could be better? This month we cooked up some delicious sliders. Join us next month.
Motor Skills Playgroup
Three new families joined us for Motor Skills Playgroup at the State Office this month! This group is a fun chance for children to learn occupational therapy skills in a free environment, while parents enjoy coffee and each other's company. Consider joining us next month!
Young Leaders Academy
Self-Advocates joined us for Young Leaders Academy twice in April. Every class involves a respite activity such as kickball or yoga, and then ends with an hour of employment-readiness curriculum. Self-Advocates are invited to join our class anytime. Consider joining us in May!
Family Zumba
We had an AMAZING time at Zumba in April. We have a volunteer Zumba instructor who makes the class fun for individuals of all ages and ability levels. Join us in May!
Family Activity Day
We had a great time painting pottery at Family Activity Day. We had two new families join us! Consider signing up for May's Family Activity Day.
Family Movie Night
We had a blast watching Toy Story together at our April Family Movie Night. We brought sleeping bags and snuggled in for this family-favorite. Join us in May for Minion Movie!
Club DSAW
Self-Advocates had a great time at Club DSAW Mexican Fiesta this month! We had a taco bar, virgin margaritas, Mexican pastries, and a make-your-own Guacamole station. Join us the last Saturday in May for a Club DSAW nature day!
Chippewa Valley
DSAW-Chippewa Valley hosted a Family Bowling Event on April 23rd. More than 50 people attended!! We had a great time bowling, eating pizza, and hanging out with other area families.
Green Bay
DSAW-Green Bay hosted their monthly playgroup at Kidz Town at the beginning of the month. Families had a great time enjoying the Kidz Town amenities and each other's company.
We also hosted our monthly Mom's Night Out at Legends in Howard. 5 moms attended and 2 were new to Mom's Night Out. We enjoyed a fun night of laughter and conversation!
La Crosse
On April 15, Tai Hanna (Sally Davis, mom), Haley Hellerud (Megan Hellerud, sister), Jenny Levendoski (volunteer) and Jamie Frausto (volunteer) saw the movie Beauty and the Beast at Marcus Theaters in La Crosse. After getting our soda and snacks, the group was amazed to find the recliner seating. Haley and the gang loved the chairs. After the movie, we walked to Pizza Hut for pizza. We were joined by our friend, Aaron Hulse (Teresa Hulse, mom). The Self-Advocates sat in one area of the restaurant, while the parents and caregivers were banished to another part of the restaurant. After the event Haley said, "My favorite part was the movie! It was a good movie. I liked hanging out with the boys and would like to do that again!" If you have a great idea for a Self Advocate Outing or would like to be on the Self Advocate Committee contact Morgan Brzank at morganbrzank@gmail.com.
We also hosted our monthly Music Group. Consider joining us for this FREE group in May!
Sheboygan
DSAW-Sheboygan hosted a Parent's Night Out on April 21st at the Green Dragon. 7 parents with kids of all ages attended and had a great time getting to know one another. Thank you to everyone who came!
Wausau
DSAW-Wausau hosted an Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch on April 8th. Thank you to the Raschka Family for hosting us on your beautiful farm! More than 10 families attended this new event.
Join us next month for a Mom's Coffee Date on May 4th. Meet other area moms and discuss upcoming events.
