Region III Family Support Council
Mission Statement:
“To join with the area agency to strengthen individuals and families and cultivate responsive communities.”
The Family Support Council works in partnership with Lakes Region Community Services. The Council strives to empower families and is a voice for change and inclusion through advocacy and education. The Council also provides a forum for families to make their concerns, needs and preferences known to the Area Agency and policy makers.
If you would like to attend one of the Council’s monthly meetings or are interested in joining, please contact Family to Family Coordinator Karen McDowell at 581-1544.
----------------------------
Members: Susan Michaelis Gunther, Chair (Gilford); Joel Fisher, Vice-Chair & State Delegate (Gilford); Valerie Lemay, Secretary (Meredith); Debra Nugent, State Delegate (Laconia); Cheryl Larose (Gilford), Elliott “Spike” Davis (Holderness); Angela Currier (Rumney); Cindy Sullivan (Belmont); Ginger Donaldson (Meredith); Irene Chapman (Campton), Denise Colby (Belmont), Nancy Ward (Plymouth), Patricia Gray (Tilton)
What Does the Family Support Council Do?
Engages in the Legislative Process: Every two years the Family Support Council joins with LRCS to organize a Legislative Meet & Greet, where families talk to candidates for NH’s House and Senate about their lives and the importance of the services they receive. Council members have also testified at the State House regarding the Developmental Services budget and funding for the Waiting List, and they have participated in forums regarding Medicaid Managed Care.
Enhances Communication: The Council supports the publication of the bi-monthly Family Update newsletter, as well as regular email and Facebook updates to families and the community by the Family to Family Coordinator.
Promotes Education & Training: The Council occasionally hosts workshops & trainings at little or no cost to families.
Provides Social Opportunities for Families: The Council hosts at least one social event for families each year. Recent events have included a Fun Family Get Together at the Gilford Youth Center, a picnic at a local park and a night out at a NH Fisher Cats game.
Monthly Meetings
The Family Support Council holds regular monthly meetings that are open to anyone who has a family member with a developmental disability or acquired brain disorder, who is served by Lakes Region Community Services. You are welcome, whether you are interested in becoming a member of the Council or just attending a meeting. Meetings are held at the LRCS Main Office in Laconia. Dress is casual and the atmosphere is relaxed. Dinner is served at the beginning of each meeting. Please contact Susan Gunther, Chairperson, at 293-7371 for information.
Family to Family Coordinator
The Family to Family Coordinator works with the Family Support Council and is responsible for initiatives intended to help connect families to one another and resources in the community. These include:
- Distributing an electronic newsletter for families (sign up here)
- Planning social activities for families (these have included family picnics, get-togethers at a local community center and a family night at a NH Fisher Cats game)
- Organizing parent education training and workshops (see upcoming trainings)
- Helping parents who have children with similar needs connect to each other for support and understanding
- Providing families with updates on legislation that may impact their loved one with a disability
For more information, contact:
Karen McDowell, Family to Family Coordinator & Legislative Liaison
603-524-8811, ext. 1544
Unified Sports Team Guests of Honor at Smitty's Cinema
High School students who participate on Unified Sports teams at Laconia, Gilford and Plymouth high schools were guests of honor at a recent private screening of Iron Man 3 at Smitty’s Cinema, which was sponsored by the Region III Family Support Council. A great time was had by all! Unified Sports joins students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same competitive teams. The Council supports and encourages efforts within the community that promote inclusion.
Looking for something to do? Reserve a museum pass today! Passes to the following museums are available to LRCS families:
For more information, contact Family to Family Coordinator Karen McDowell (karenmc@lrcs.org) or your Resource Coordinator. |
Family Update
(Family Support Council bi-monthly newsletter)
Back issues
Legislative Information & Managed Care
NH General Court’s Web site (find a legislator, track a bill, look up voting records, view the House and Senate calendars and more!)
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/
Medicaid Managed Care
The State of New Hampshire is moving towards Managed Care for the services it provides under Medicaid. Three companies are under contract with the State of New Hampshire for the provision of Managed Care: Boston Medical Center's Health Net, Centene Corporation, and Meridian. Under Managed Care, these companies will contract with providers, such as LRCS, for the provision of services.
These Managed Care Organizations must meet several benchmarks, including being able to demonstrate that they have developed an adequate network to meet needs of the Medicaid population. The MCOs are currently working to build their network for Step One (medical, acute care and mental health services). The “go live” date for Step One services has been postponed and a new date has not yet been announced. According to the current plan Step Two, which includes the developmental services delivered by the Area Agency system, will be implemented one year from the implementation of Step One.
For more information on Medicaid Managed Care:
Community Support Network, Inc. (CSNI) is a not-for-profit organization that works in support of the 10 Area Agencies throughout the state of New Hampshire that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury and their families. CSNI frequently updates its Web page on Medicaid Managed Care in New Hampshire. http://www.csni.org/ManagedCare/ManagedCare.htm
NH DHHS Care Management Page
http://www.lrcs.org/news.php#managedcare
LRCS Medicaid Managed Care
http://www.lrcs.org/news.php#managedcare
Parent Trainings & Upcoming Events:
Benefits Training for Families – Social Security & Medicaid
Would you like more information on Social Security and Medicaid benefits? Are you confused about the benefits that your family member receives? The Region III Family Support Council is hosting a training for families on June 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to help them gain a better understanding of benefits. Work Incentive Specialists Kathy Labarre and Kerri Harrington of Granite State Independent Living will present. This training will also provide information on the impact of earnings on benefits so that individuals can make informed choices about employment. Come to this valuable training to learn more! Please RSVP to Karen McDowell at karenmc@lrcs.org or 581-1544.
Funding Sources
Harry Gregg Foundation
The Harry Gregg Foundation provides financial assistance to improve the lives of people of all ages in New Hampshire with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities.
http://www.cmf.org/Programs-and-Services/Harry-Gregg-Foundation/Harry-Gregg-Foundation/
Annie Forts Up Syndrome Fund
Dedicated to opening windows of opportunity through education and experience. Provides assistance to individuals who experience Down Syndrome. Camperships, therapeutic riding lessons, tuition/scholarships, wellness, etc.
http://www.anniefortsupfund.org/
ACT Today:
National non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential.
http://act-today.org/
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Grants for athletes with physical disabilities
www.challengedathletes.org
Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC-NH)
Helping low income NH families own, learn and use computers.
http://ctac-nh.org/
Free Assistive Technology Workshops from ATECH Services
http://www.lrcs.org/Forms/atech%20programs.pdf
Refurbished Equipment Marketplace (Durable Medical Equipment)
http://www.rem.crotchedmountain.org/
Click here for links to more helpful resources.
Please Consider Making a Donation
Each year, LRCS supports more than 1,200 Lakes Region residents. Your
tax-deductible donation to LRCS will help ensure that everyone in
our 
community
has the chance to lead a fully inclusive life.
Family Update Newsletter
Family Update is a bi-monthly publication of the Region III Family Support Council targeted to families receiving services from Lakes Region Community Services. The newsletter includes useful information about the area agency, legislative updates and resources available in the community.
