Family Empowerment hosts Transition Resource Fair

Almost forty organizations and a large crowd of families attended the Transition Resource Fair in April at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton.

Family Empowerment hosts the Transition Resource Fair yearly. The fair focuses on future options for high school students as they and their families plan their transition from Department of Developmental Services (DDS) children’s services to adult services. The event provided an opportunity for families to meet with representatives of many organizations.

ServiceNet Communications Specialist Joanne Lucey planned the event and said, “One of the things we try to accomplish with the Transition Fair is to get exhibitors talking with each other to think about ideas for collaboration, which ultimately create closer ties with us and more options for our families.”

Exhibitors connected with the many families in attendance and with each other to think about opportunities for collaboration, increasing planning options for families. DDS team members presented “Transition 101” to attendees, reviewing the eligibility process for adults and different adult service models. Many different organizations, including several ServiceNet programs, were at the fair:

Prospect Meadow Farm is a therapeutic, vocational farming program in Hatfield and Pittsfield that provides meaningful employment and daily activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, many of whom also have mental health challenges.

Whole Children™ and Milestones provides recreational, social, skill-building and enrichment classes for people of all ages, specifically designed for those with disabilities and/or autism. They’ve successfully provided this service for two decades, creating a place where the people we serve are welcomed and respected.

Family Empowerment is a Family Support Center for Hampshire and Franklin Counties. They help families find local and state resources to develop a unique plan of action to meet a family’s needs.

ServiceNet Adult Family Care (AFC) pays family and non-family caregivers for their care of eligible adults with physical, cognitive, or medical disabilities.

Autism Connections provides information, resources, and practical help for children, teens and adults with autism, as well as their families, caretakers, friends and professionals. As children grow and make transitions to preschool, kindergarten, high school and adulthood, Autism Connections and continues to provide information and support through these life changes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the different exhibitors and their services, view the exhibitor guide.