To our CARES community, friends, and supporters-
With Halloween over, the clocks set back, and the election fading into the distance (soon!), it’s time for us all to embrace the changing of the seasons and the reflection that comes with the final months of the year. 2020 has been a wild year for all of us, and we can’t wait to enter the holiday season and rituals of year’s end. November is a great month to focus on your family and loved ones and enjoy the fall’s bounty.
What’s Going on at Fred Finch CARES this Month?
Virutal Social Skills
Fred Finch CARES will be starting our first virtual social skills groups on November 17th. Groups will meet for one hour per week, for 6 weeks. We are very excited to offer this much needed service despite the obstacles Covid presents. For more details about upcoming groups please call 858-444-8823.
Fred Finch Youth & Family Services held its virtual Impact Celebration last month, celebrating the staff of Fred Finch and the incredible devotion they have shown to children and families across California this year. You can still watch the event on YouTube here, featuring interviews and presentations by Fred Finch’s CEO, staff members, and participants, as well as a keynote presentation by Fred Finch board member Tosan Boyo on the intersection of COVID and racial injustice. Congratulations to the invaluable staff of Fred Finch for receiving the 2020 Impact Award!
Thanksgiving Approaches!
The holiday season can be really challenging for kiddos with developmental disabilities and autism; routines get altered, sensory experiences may get overwhelming, and kids may pick up on the stress that their parents or family members are feeling. This year will be especially tough, since our typical holiday routines are likely to be altered by the ongoing pandemic. There are some great resources for guiding your child through Thanksgiving here and here, which include things like:
Prepping autism-friendly foods;
Talking through changes to the routine; and
Strategizing around your schedule and how your time will be spent in advance.
With these tips and some careful forethought, every member of the family can have a great Thanksgiving!
Fall Season Sensory Activities
Hopebridge Therapy Centers has some great ideas for fun sensory activities for kids with autism and developmental delays that use the change of the season as inspiration! Get into the autumn mood with the sights, smells, and tastes of the season.
CARES Spotlight of the Week
Did you know that Fred Finch CARES offers early intervention services?
In addition to the array of treatment and services for developmental disabilities in children and young adults, Fred Finch CARES also provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers ages 0-3. Services are aimed at increasing a child's communication skills, attention, play skills, and natural exploration of their environments. In addition, CARES places a focus on parent education, training, and support to teach families how to assess and meet their child’s developmental needs. As with all other Fred Finch CARES services, CARES staff meets each family where they are, employing natural supports and easy, common-sense interventions.
CARES accepts many health insurance providers.
Fred Finch CARES offers services in four counties in Southern California- San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and Orange County. Services include ABA and a variety of Mental Health services.
For more information about Fred Finch CARES, or to inquire about our services, please visit our website: www.fredfinch.org/CARES
