Children with Special Needs

The JF&CS Kids’ Connection Corner (KCC) is a free program that provides children with autism ages 10-13 with the opportunity to participate in creative activities while making friends. This three-hour program runs for 20 Sundays throughout the year from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton. The goal of KCC is to combine the important aspects of family support, recreation, social learning, and interactions for children as well as their caregivers.

Partially funded by the HALO Foundation, the Sibshops program is a free program for children ages 8-14 who have a sibling with special needs. The program offers a setting in which each participant can find peer support and education from other siblings in a fun and recreational environment, including community outings. This three-hour program provides regular opportunities for participants to engage in conversations about being a “sib” in an organic way, while feeling like they have a special group of their own. 

Partially funded by the HALO Foundation, HALO Swim & Sing offers 1:1 individualized support during a three-hour respite program consisting of music therapy and recreational swim. The program is for children and young adults with moderate to severe neurological and physical disabilities and provides three hours of respite for their parents and caregivers.

Special Education Advocacy specializes in helping families of children with autism. We provide education, research, successful referrals, and service coordination through various transition points, including first diagnosis, entering the school system, and during development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Throughout various transitions in a person’s life, there may be a need for guidance with signing up for benefits, navigating medical issues, making short and long term plans, and more. Disability Lifespan Solutions helps families promote the lifelong well-being of people with a variety of disabilities.

Funded by the HALO Foundation, the Family Circle Newsletter provides a wealth of up‐to‐date information about services, benefits, support groups, workshops, and other resources that help families meet the challenges of raising a child with disabilities.

To sign up for the Family Circle Newsletter, contact Angie Waring at awaring@jfcsboston.org or 781-697-7232.