You Are Not Alone 2010

A conference for mothers of children with special needs

Three years ago two ladies in our church had a vision of bringing mothers of special needs children together from all over Central Ohio. Their goal was for each mother to leave feeling cared for, loved and not alone in their journey.

On Saturday, May 1, over 140 mothers, grandmothers and caregivers gathered at Northwest, for this one-day conference. These women were able to meet other women on their same journey. “Before today I always felt like I was all alone…” was heard repeatedly. While new friendships were being formed, these women were able to sit back and relax while over 40 volunteers from Northwest served them.

There were times of laughter and tears as the women shared their experiences of raising children with special needs. But most importantly the ladies were told of a relationship they could have with Jesus Christ—a relationship that would allow them to never be alone again.

Thank you to all of the wonderful mothers and grandmothers who attended…and a huge thank you to all the women and men who volunteered their time to make this conference a huge success.

We're offering notes and audio from some of the breakout sessions. Feel free to listen online or download to your iPod.

Learn how to access services for your child’s education (birth through school age). We will define and explain terms relating to evaluation tools and education plans and provide a list of resources.

Download: notes

As a parent of a special needs child you may have wrestled or are wrestling with the question, “Why?” Why would God allow this to happen?” Not only is this question normal, it is one that has been asked by every generation. The intent of this session is to provide answers to this question.

Caregiving for a child with chronic and intense needs means your abilities to care are maxed out and then more is required. We will talk about small but important ways you can be strengthened daily and your cup of compassion renewed.

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Have you ever wondered how you are going to help your child accept their disabilities and become confident in who they are? In this session, we will answer that question. We will explore the various emotions a mother and might experience when facing the demands, sorrows, and joys of growing up with unique and special needs.

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Have you ever wondered what your other children are thinking in regards to your special needs child? Come join this group in a round table discussion with women who grew up with a special needs sibling.

Download: notes