The Family Seminar Series, Part 1 is an opportunity for caregivers who have received or suspect this diagnosis, to come together and learn about the spectrum of disorders in a supportive and informal setting.  Each evening includes a light supper and conversation time. The nightly topic is presented in lecture format, with time for discussion and questions. The session ends with small group discussion, where participants share their own struggles and successes.  As part of the training, participants receive Hand in Hand, a 3 ring binder with contents that support and expand on the topic presented.  It is an organizational tool that will be started during the Family Seminar Series, and then can follow the affected individual between systems and services.

Our collaborative partner Generations is offering an FASD Social Skills Group for kids age 9-12 and 15-17 and their caregivers. The group will begin on September 16-October 7. Locations to be announced. The primary focus will be on addressing the emotional and behavioral issues related to FASD. Parents will get support from other caregivers; Youth will learn social skills and coping methods to deal with FASD; Caregivers and youth will then integrate their learning together.  A screening/intake process needs to be completed. Contact Molly Harrington  @ 612-767-2858

Week One: FASD the Basics
Week Two: FASD at Home
Week Three: FASD at School
Week Four: Building Strong Families

Dates: Tuesdays, Fall 2008
September 16th, 23rd, 30th and October 7th
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: District Service Center for Intermediate 287
1820 Xenium Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55441
Cost: $40.00/person or $60.00/couple (covers meals, materials, and speakers)
Scholarships available-please check box on registration form. Call Ayesha if you have any questions 651.917.2370

If you have adopted a child from the state of Minnesota and you qualify for an adoption subsidy, then you are eligible to attend this training for free. Please check off on the registration form " I have adopted from the state of Minnesota."

Click here to register.

It's that time of year again, our annual Family Retreat will take place in Brainerd, just 150 miles northwest of the Twin Cities. We have collaborated with Confidence Learning Center to provide a safe and fun weekend experience.  This camp weekend is only open to families with FASD. All activities and experiences are geared/planned with the needs of kids/individuals with FASD in mind. MOFAS will again be providing training to all Learning Center Staff about FASD and what that means to an individual and a family.

Activities include: campfires, networking for parents, a nature center, arts and craft activities, hayrides, animal feeding of the rabbits, potbelly pigs, deer and other sanctuary animals, teen activities, broomball, etc.  All activities are adapted for any level of participation.  No previous camping experience required.

This is a FAMILY experience, so all children must be supervised and attended to by responsible family or outside adults. No children will be allowed to participate without a responsible person present at each activity. Activities are family oriented, noncompetitive team spirited. Families may choose to bring balls, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, games, etc...for cabin activities. This is a great way to foster stronger families, build networks and meet other families.

Upon registering, you and  your family will receive a confirmation packet with full registration, and information that describes the facility, activities, schedule and a thorough list of what to bring. This is no rough camping experience! We will be staying in fully modernized cabins, with kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, ceiling fans, gas fire places, and running water!  Each family will have it's own bathroom, private bedrooms (sleep between 3 and 5 people), with possible sharing of kitchen, dining area, and living space with fire place and outdoor fire pit and barbeque area.

All you need to bring is your enthusiasm, bedding, bathroom supplies, and food for some meals. MOFAS will provide snacks and one group meal per day.

This camp is limited to 15 families. It is important to register soon to reserve your space. For more information contact Ayesha Green at 651.917.2370 or ayesha@mofas.org.

Dates: Mondays, June 23rd & 30, July 7th, 14th & 28th and August 4th
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Location: Children's Home Society and Family Services
1605 Eustis Street
St. Paul, MN 55108
Cost: $25.00/person, this includes the cost of materials.
For More Information and to Register: Please contact Kelly Monson at MOFAS at 651-917-2370 or kelly@mofas.org

Date: TBD - Fall 2008
Time: TBD
Location: TBD - St. Cloud, MN
For More Information and to Register: Please call Karrie Halbur at 320-251-7272.

Description: If you are a PCA and want Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) training please choose one or more of the following:

Family Seminar Series - Please see listings on this page for more information on dates and times.

Online Training – Available through a partnership with Eager To Learn “Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD” is being offered online. Click Here for more information.

All Children Flourishing: The Nurtured Heart Experience - Please see listing on this page for more information.

HaysKids: Pathways to Understanding: Raising Kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - For a free copy of this DVD contact Jenn Feiges at 651-917-2370 or jenn@mofas.org.

Community Trainings – There are community/agency trainings that are sometimes open to the public. For additional information contact MaryAnn Bernard at maryann@mofas.org.

Topics covered include: mental health, behavioral challenges, living with FASD, medications, safety and boundary issues and developing support.

Dates:
Winter 2009
TBD
Time:
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., light supper
6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., speaker
8:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., small group
Location:
Children's Home Society & Family Services
2230 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108

Cost: $40.00/person or $60.00/couple (covers meals, materials, and speakers)
Scholarships available-please check box on registration form. If you adopted a ward of the state from MN, you are eligible to attend the training for free.

Click here to register.

Description: In collaboration with the Native American Community Clinic, MOFAS sponsors a bi-monthly support group for caregivers of children with FASD. MOFAS staff members facilitate this group.
Dates: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month
Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center
1530 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Call Ayesha Green or Kelly Monson at MOFAS if you would like to participate, 651-917-2370.

The series is geared toward 14-18 year olds, along with a parent or concerned adult. The target group is students who do not qualify for Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD) or Developmental Disability (DD) services. Parents who are interested in learning more about transition topics, but do not have teen participating will also be allowed to attend. Teen group size will be limited to 12 boys and 12 girls. Up to 30 parents/caregivers will be accepted.

Dates: Fall 2008, TBD
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (will include a light supper)
Location: TBD
Cost: $60.00 per adult (covers meals, materials, and speakers)
Scholarships available — please check box on registration form.
Questions? Please contact Ayesha at ayesha@mofas.org

Click here to register.

Family Seminar Series - Part 1 in Hutchinson (Tuesdays, October 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, 2008)
Family Seminar Series - Part 1 in St. Cloud (Fall 2008)
Family Seminar Series - Part 2 in St. Cloud (Winter 2008)

Parent/Teen FASD Transition Series in the Metro (Fall 2008)

MOFAS Parent Guide Program
Become a Parent Guide who gives phone support to families with a newly diagnosed child. Call Kelly Monson at MOFAS, 651-917-2370 for more information.

MOFAS Parent Guide Program
Have a trained Parent Guide for phone support during challenging phases of parenting. Call Kelly Monson at MOFAS, 651-917-2370 for more information.

Camp New Hope in McGregor
5 -21 years old
http://www.campnewhopemn.org

MOFAS Camp Options

MOFAS Family Camp, June 27 - 29, 2008 at Camp Confidence in Brainerd
Young Women’s Camp, July 23 - 25, 2008 at Camp Confidence in Brainerd
Young Men’s Camp, August 20 - 22, 2008 at Camp Confidence in Brainerd
MOFAS Family Camp, October 10 - 12, 2008 at Camp Omega in Waterville

Participants will gain a better understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and learn strategies to help affected individuals be more successful in the home and classroom.

Please contact MaryAnn Bernard at MOFAS, maryann@mofas.org, if you would like to host a Parent Advocacy Workshop in your community.

Light dinner and childcare is provided. Parents must pre-register for the childcare program.

Funding is made possible from MOFAS as part of the FASD Statewide Initiative.

Dates: Spring 2009- TBD

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location:Anoka City Hall (Community Room)
2015 First Avenue North
Anoka, MN

Contact: Mary Walker, 4Keeps Director mneebwalker@yahoo.com, or Kelly Monson at MOFAS kelly@mofas.org or 651-917-2370.

Week One: FASD Meets Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Week Two: Updates on IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Week Three: Anger & Stress Effects on Families
Week Four: Spiritual Resiliency

You do not need to have taken Part 1 or Part 2 to take this series.
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $40.00/person or $60.00/couple (covers meals, materials, and speakers)
Scholarships available-please check box on registration form.