TRAINING

Teaching families how to imagine better

Our core training workshops are:

A Full Life Ahead is a series of workshops designed for parents and caregivers as they plan for an interdependent, full life in the community for their loved one with a disability. Workshops are hosted across the state and topics include friendships, transition, employment, housing and financial planning.

The Family Leadership Series is a training for members of children with disabilities that teaches information about “best practices” for people with disabilities, how to create a vision for their family member and a process to achieve that vision, and prepares family leaders to advocate at the local and state level to impact practices and policies that affect families.

Advocacy Bootcamp is a training intended for primary caregivers of young children (birth to age 10) with developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, and/or complex medical needs. The training focuses on building foundational advocacy skills so that parents  can empower their children to lead rich, meaningful, and exciting lives.

TRAINING TESTIMONIALS

The uniqueness of it (the Family Leadership Series) was learning to frame things differently; especially we learned a lot on the vision. The vision you have for your child and your family and your situation was something I didn't really think to do and to really create that roadmap between where you are now and how to reach that vision... the weekend that we had spent... where we discussed vision and roadmap, everyone left there excited and enthused to really go out there and do it because... it was possible and doable.

Brian Kovalski, parent

“It was just over a year ago that I took part in the MFOFC Family Leadership Series. I’ve wanted to thank you so many times for helping me to discover the tools I needed (or already had, but didn’t know) to believe in myself and in my ability to better advocate for my daughter and many others.”

Jocelyn Duff Executive Director, The Talia Duff Foundation To Cure CMT4J

“The Mass Families Leadership Series was an eye-opening experience that changed my life on some many levels. It provided me with concrete steps to “grow” as an effective advocate, mother, and most importantly, as a human being. More importantly, I gained a community of people committed to creating, advocating, and supporting the legislative aspect of what it takes to fund those services our family members require. I encourage any of you that might be considering participating in the Mass Family Leadership Series to go for it!!!!!!”

Christine of Reading

“Wow. The understanding, discovery and empowerment that I gained from this series, the leaders as well as the other participants, has had a lasting effect on me and now my community. Learning how to effect positive change and focusing on what I can do was energizing. Now I have new skills and direction. All the amazing participants and speakers inspired me. If you get the opportunity, do it. I wish I could do it again! Pat of Stoughton To be honest, I expected to find the Family Leadership Workshops depressing. Boy was I wrong! They were not anything like a touchy-feely support group. The leaders and the activities were wonderfully helpful and I learned a lot. Moreover, the other participants were people I was happy to be with, one of the most intelligent groups I’ve interacted with in a long time.”

Eileen of Newport

“The Family Leadership Series was a total game-changer for me and had a tremendous positive ripple effect not only for my child with special needs, but my entire family. Each segment, from leadership to creating a vision to advocacy opened my mind to a completely new way of being. It was as if I had been given a roadmap where before I was simply overwhelmed, exhausted and confused. I left the series feeling powerful, inspired and connected to myself, my child, my new friends and the greater community. My husband attended too and I feel like it brought us closer together. All I can say is, if you’re thinking of doing it – do it. You will earn the time and energy back many times over.”

Cristin of Somerville

“Extraordinary, moving, touching and inspiring. I learned about the history of the family movement in the disability world, the true power of a vision for our loved ones, and my critical voice in the legislative process. You really can… ‘Be the change you want to see’ (Mahatma Gandhi)”

Rich of Medford

“The Leadership Series not only educated me, it made me think differently. It was great to leave with our visions – I am convinced that there will be a better future!”

FLS Graduate

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