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Share Groups (support groups) are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program
ever offered. FOCUS now offers ‘general’ share group in
9 different locations around metro Atlanta and several ‘specialty’
share groups for parents of different ages and stages: 5 & Under
Group for parents of young children; Bereavement Group; Dad’s
Group; Parents of Teens Group; and Grandparents Group. FOCUS Share Groups are
facilitated by parent volunteers trained to
lead the groups - we thank them for their time and for their dedication
to helping other families. Share Groups are an informal time to share the joys, the 'how-to's' and even the heartache of parenting a child with multiple disabilities. Share Groups
are meant to be positive, constructive and uplifting.
For Share Group dates and locations, see our
calendar.
Kathryn Chambless has two children, Abby, 6 and Zachary,
4. She is married to a wonderfully supportive husband and amazing father,
Larry. Her youngest child, Zachary, is developmentally delayed with
no diagnosis at the present time; Abby is an active and typical kindergartner.
Kathryn has just become the parent coordinator of the 5 & Under
Share Group. While Kathryn and her family have been involved in a number
of FOCUS activities, the Share Groups hold a special place in her heart.
"Parents need the support of other parents who KNOW what it is
like to have a child with special needs. This kind of support has gotten
me through some tough times and it is a wonderful feeling not to feel
alone."
Debra Foster McElhaney, M.Ed. is a licensed marriage and family
therapist; she leads the monthly dad’s group at counseling office.
Debra and her husband, Marc, have two children. Amie has cerebral palsy
and has just graduated from high school. Debra is devoted to helping
families of children with special needs both through her practice and
through her work with the FOCUS dads.
Juanita
Rowe has coordinated the Conyers Share Group for the past three
years. She and husband Tyson have one son, Mitchell, who is 6 years
old and Tyson has a 15-year-old daughter going on 24. Mitchell has a
diagnosis of lobar holoprosencephaly and terminal cuteness. Juanita
is also very active in her community as the chair/co-chair of the Newton/Rockdale
Interagency Coordinating Council. Juanita volunteers as a coordinator
because she wanted to give back to FOCUS and to the families all the
things they had given to her. The support of FOCUS was just what she
needed to get out of her “Where do I go from here stage”
and back to just being a mom but with ‘extras.’ The ‘extras’
don’t get her down anymore because she is surrounded by other
parents who have ‘extras’ too!!
FOCUS Executive Director and parent
Lucy Cusick coordinates the Dekalb Share Group at Old Hickory
House. Lucy first attended this share group as the mother Josh when
he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age two. She calls this group
“the alumni association” because of the diversity of ages,
disabilities, and cultures who attend. Lucy likes to talk about the
‘real life problems’ that often don’t have easy solutions;
she feels share groups are a good way to combine experiences and help
find answers that work. She continues this group because she loves the
breakfast at Old Hickory House...oh, and because she wants to help other
parents, just as she was helped.
Jeaunett Schnupp and her husband Jim have three children,
the youngest of whom is Greg, 20, who had a brain stem injury at birth.
Greg walks with canes, has had multiple surgeries, mostly on his jaw,
and has his own way of communicating - very definitely!!! Jeaunett loves
‘her moms’ and loves helping them find solutions to the
issues that they face daily. This group especially wants to check-in
with each other at every meeting - but they’ll welcome new members!!!
Northside United Methodist Church
is partnering with FOCUS to offer an evening
Share Group for parents. No childcare will be offered at this
time. Please register by calling FOCUS or emailing
angie@focus-ga.org . We
will send specific directions so you will know where to park and
which door to enter.
Melanie Durity and husband Sean have two beautiful children who they consider gifts from God. Aidan is 4 years old and Gwendolyn is 2. Gwendolyn has mitochondrial disease, which has caused daily seizures, global developmental delay, and neurological vision impairment. Melanie says, "I am thankful for the small things in Gwendolyn's days - her enjoyment of being held, reading, singing, and kisses." Melanie leads the Mableton/South Cobb share group as a way to get to know others in the area going through similar circumstances and to provide a safe environment to share triumphs, accomplishments, and hurts.
FOCUS staff member
Angie Weiland coordinates this group in East Cobb. Angie and her husband Skip have three children; Bret, their youngest, is developmentally delayed with no official diagnosis. Angie feels that information is the key to helping your child reach his or her potential.
FOCUS staff members
Joy Trotti and Karen Greenfield
lead this group at the FOCUS office. After losing a child who is medically fragile, parents have such an empty place in their hearts and lives; this group listens, cries, laughs, and remembers.
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