Kids don't come with a manual, but there is a class!

Roundup Fellowship serves people with developmental disabilities, recognizing their worth, affirming their ability to contribute, and striving to promote dignity in all relationships. As a nonprofit organization, Roundup Fellowship has been serving people with developmental disabilities since 1973. Roundup developed the In-Home Training and Family Support Program (IHT) approximately twenty years later. This program delays or prevents out of home placement of children with developmental disabilities by equipping families with tools necessary to become better parents. In June 2006, IHT ventured into providing classes (Parenting for Parents with Developmental Disabilities) to discuss, teach and model some basic issues that parents face in raising their children. These classes include Children's Basic Needs, Expectations of children (development/limits), Behavior Intervention, Health Care, Nutrition, Hygiene, Daily Activities, Daily Routines and Time Concept Skills, and Family Interaction (play).

This 12 week course not only tackles these important issues, but opens the door for new relationships that offer support and realization that you are not alone in the worries and frustrations that all parents face. Families have the opportunity to make connections with other families that deal with raising children with developmental disabilities. In some cases, both parent and child have developmental disabilities. Each class is comprised of a small group of 6 to 8 families, 2 instructors, and other positive staff. It is held in a comfortable and fun setting. The small group tackles specific, individual issues that each family may be experiencing.

Although Roundup Fellowship has just begun this journey, we have already seen the positive impact it has made. This is what an alumni had to say about the class, "...Hearing the stories from other parents helped because I was reminded that I wasn't the only person with concerns and problems about being a parent. I found that talking one-on-one with some of the other mothers and trainers was especially enjoyable and helpful. I specifically learned new information regarding my son's age group, as well as information regarding topics such as nutrition and safety." She also enjoyed the fundamental aspect of having somewhere to go to be with other people. The next session is scheduled to begin May 21, 2007. This $1,000.00 scholarship would provide for approximately 20 families to attend this parenting course. To find out more about Roundup Fellowship, you can visit www.rup.org.