The Parent Coalition Newsletter The E-newsletter of The Arc of Whatcom County
January 12, 2009

Greetings!

in this issue
  • Upcoming Events
  • Raise national awareness of the Waiver waitlist
  • Advocacy Days in Olympia
  • Project Homeless Connect
  • ADVOCATE
  • Conferences coming up in the spring
  • Thanks for reading...

  • Raise national awareness of the Waiver waitlist

    Cast your vote in the Change in America poll.

    Ideas for Change in America is a nationwide competition to identify the best ideas for change in America.
    The top 10 ideas will be presented to the Obama administration just before inauguration day and will form the basis of a nationwide advocacy campaign to turn each idea into actual policy.

    One of the ideas that made it to the final round of voting was to eliminate the wait lists for waivers.

    Follow the link below to learn more about the competition and to vote for ideas that you think are the most important.


    Advocacy Days in Olympia

    Join other advocates from around the state each Wednesday the Legislature is in session.

    Each Wednesday a different issue is highlighted in the morning during a briefing session.
    The afternoon is spent advocating in the Legislature.

    The Arc of Washington State's website has a schedule of dates and the highlighted issues at the link below.


    Project Homeless Connect

    A national initiative that creates a one stop event to provide needed services for people who are experiencing homelessness.

    Access will be provided to:

    • medical and dental care
    • education, employment and housing resources
    • benefits processes
    • assistance with photo identification
    • veteran services
    • haircuts
    • legal services
    • mental health care
    • chemical dependency treatment
    • veterinary care

    Thursday, January 29
    Downtown Bellingham at the Majestic
    corner North Forest and East Maple Street


    ADVOCATE

    The Legislature in Olympia convenes today.

    The link below is for the State Legislature. Some of the information available there includes

    • legislators' contact information
    • committee assignments and schedules
    • how bills are moving through committees
    • state budget information


    Conferences coming up in the spring

    For Early Planning

    2009 Family Support Conference
    April 18
    Spokane, WA.
    For registration information, call
    509-328-6326 ext. 211
    On-line registration
    www.spokaneparentcoalition.org

    Infant and Early Childhood Conference 2009
    May 7 & 8 (May 6 Preconference) at the
    Greater Tacoma Convention Center
    For more information: contact
    Tracy Ulrich at (360) 629-8181
    www.ieccwa.org

    You Are the Expert Conference
    "Celebrating Families and Professionals:
    The Heart of Success"
    May 29 - 30, Yakima, WA.
    Contact PAVE for more information at
    1-800-572-7368 or e-mail
    wapave9@washingtonpave.com


    Thanks for reading...
    Logo

    Upcoming Events
    Friends

    Enjoying the sun at the Buddy Walk

    Knowing Your
    Personal Boundaries~
    Safety Awareness
    Register now
    Groups are now forming for sessions
    that will begin this month!
    Here is an opportunity to learn all about personal safety and awareness.
    Presented by
    John Davis, Ph.D. and
    Jan Jung, M.Ed.
    Bellingham, WA
    Registration required
    please call 360-715-0170 X 304

    Wednesdays- Starting January 14
    Parent and Family Care Giver Support Group

    Learn Self-Nurturing Techniques
    Weekly Group Meetings for parents and other family members who are primary care providers.
    Facilitated by
    John Davis, Ph.D. and
    Jan Jung, M.Ed.
    Bellingham, WA
    No fees
    Registration required, please call
    360-715-0170 X 304

    January 12
    Parent to Parent Support Meeting

    7:00-8:30 p.m.
    2001 H Street
    Childcare available please call ahead
    Contact Christine at 360-255-2056 X 1

    January 25
    Parent to Parent Lego Connections

    2:00-4:00 p.m.
    Lecture Room in the Bellingham Public Library
    210 Central Avenue
    (downstairs across from the Children's Library)
    Join us to create new friendships and have fun.
    All ages are welcome.
    Legos and Duplos are available to use on-site For information contact Christine at
    360-255-2056 X 1

    January 26
    Whatcom County
    Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board

    4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
    St Luke's Health Education Center
    3333 Squalicum Pkwy
    Information contact: Jessica
    360-676-6724 X 32014

    January 28
    Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception

    5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Pritchard Library Cafeteria
    Capitol Campus
    Olympia

    February 7
    Youth Self Advocacy Group
    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    The Arc's
    Dan Godwin Community Center
    2602 McLeod Rd.
    Bellingham, WA
    Contact: Maureen at
    360-715-0170 X 302

    Know Of An Event ?
    Want One Published?
    Contact Us at parentcoalition@arcwhatcom.org



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