EFN continues to build relationships with other community providers so more families can have the much needed support and understanding.
EFN has been wonderful!!! All the staff are AMAZING!! Very generous with their time and very helpful in finding resources for whatever maybe needed. Lots of fun activities for all Differently Abled people of any age and their families.
EFN is based on inclusion, integrity, learning and advocacy. The diverse volunteers consist of individuals and family members who know what its like to be and serve Special Need Families-what they face on a daily basis. Most of us take for granted the obstacles of an ever-changing healthcare system designed to check all the boxes. EFN is equipped to change how we advocate.
EFN are mothers, fathers and family members stepping up to bridge the gap within a ever changing healthcare system coming to terms with the specific requirements to care for and support a Special Needs youth or adult. They are caregivers and DSHS/DDA professionals who have first-hand knowledge of what it takes be there throughout an individual's lifespan,
EFN advocates for k-12 students. Create sensory rooms and spaces for churches, schools and public events and spaces. They have enriched my life and made it possible for me to be a better human being serving DDA clients as an Independent Provider. They guide me in the right things to say ( comprehend) and do. They assist me when I need to know how to understand those on the spectrum and hold me accountable to ask questions when in doubt.
As an independent contractor I bump up against siloed and often times policies that are counter to the needs of an individual and those who serve and care for them. EFN goes the extra mile and that is what we need in today's society especially for those who often can't speak for themselves and for those choosing to live an independent life on their terms without the stigma of their diagnosis.
The Exceptional Families Network are exceptional!
The people that volunteer for EFN are hard working and dedicated in taking their own lived experience to help other parents with special needs children.
Before I found EFN I was so lost and felt helpless. My kids were being suspended from school almost every other day and I was being asked to sit at the school all day to go from one classroom to another to help the teachers with my kids. My family and friends didn't know what to say or do to help and most of them had stopped talking to me because things were so stressful. I was very lonely and lost. Until one day someone in my kids's school's office told me about EFN. I was shocked to hear that there was such a place. I attended a few events at EFN and quickly began to feel like I had finally found the help I so desperately needed. EFN has become my second family and I know that I can count on them whenever I am needing help or ideas. After a couple years of attending events I decided to join their Board of Directors in order to help grow EFN and ensure that it remained available for families going forward.
I was lost until I found Exceptional Families Network. When we received the diagnosis for our child we were told to place him in an institution. After a few months of research, I took a chance and reached out. Denise with Exceptional Families Network listened, without judgement. They have events for children, parents, families and the community. They are honest and open to all. With their help my child, and family, are thriving!
We love their workshops. All of their volunteers are wonderful. Being a special needs family is difficult work. They help ease the stress associated with being a special needs parent.
This is an amazing program for children with autism and autism spectrum disorder. They provide a variety of things to do, games, family movie night, swimming, crafts. They have a great staff of volunteers, so they are very well supervised. After realizing the great dedication and commitment the group has towards helping local families with autistic children locate the resources they need to educate themselves and assist their family. Thank you very much.
I'm an Volunteer at Exceptional Families Network it is an organization that helps families with special needs kids navigate the school system and helps with( IEP) Individual Education Plans. and( 504) Behavioral Plans to help their child achieve their full potential while at school. They have many events and programs though the year that gear toward families with disabled kids They also have many resources that we share with the community that help families in the community who are in need.
Hello, We have a son who was born two months early and as a result has some neurologic disabilities, and it can frequently be challenging to know what accommodations he needs, what specialists he needs, and what the school should be doing legally to ensure that your child is receiving the best education possible! Exceptional Families has been a tremendous support for our family. They have a suburb advocate, who knows and understands the law, and is also able to share and give excellent insight to what your child may need now and into the future. I have also personally enjoyed interacting with others who understand what it is like to raise a child with a disability, and at the same time celebrate the milestones that your child reaches! They also have lists of resources to help you understand your child's disability better, and most importantly they are great listeners! Exceptional Families has been a huge blessing to our family!!!!