MARCH 2010 OC Gazette Magazine Charity Spotlight FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK

Since 1985, Family Support Network has been holding out an outstretched helping hand, and offering a shoulder to lean on for Orange County families and their children with special needs. Family Support Network (FSN) is the living embodiment of the Bill Withers’ classic “Lean on Me” because, to them, Orange Countians are more than just community residents, they’re family and friends. Based in Placentia, CA, FSN helps over 3,700 OC families each year to get help and support for their children, helping them reach their full potential: living out happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. FSN assists any child who has a developmental, cognitive, or mental health condition, as well as children with significant medical problems—down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cancer, spinal cord injuries, speech delays, genetic disorders, or a myriad of other issues.

“The number of children and families accessing our services has grown tremendously over the years,” said FSN Director Linda Smith. “With the increase in the number of children being diagnosed with autism, the need is not anticipated to decrease.” The need for support and aid for local families is bigger than ever, and FSN is dedicated to meeting that need with open arms. “There is no reason families should feel alone and isolated from the surrounding world because their child has special needs,” Linda explained. “This is a welcoming, peaceful place where families know its okay to ask for help.”

FSN offers a wide spectrum of programs to meet the diverse needs of each family. They provide emotional support, application assistance, referral information, resource information, and can even provide basic needs to families of children with developmental, emotional, cognitive, or complex health conditions. FSN also offers unique, personal, and effective support groups to help each child reach their greatest individual potential. Each and every program is staffed with bilingual employees; just another way FSN is ensuring each family’s needs are met. On top of all this, almost all services are completely free.

One of the most popular FSN programs is Camp TLC (Teaching Loving Care). Every summer, about 40 Orange County families with children under the age of six attend the camp. Last summer, FSN hosted the 18th annual Camp TLC at Oak Glen Christian Conference Center in Yucaipa, CA. At the weekend long conference, children received specialized care from a staff of doctors and nurses, while their parents attended seminars and workshops with keynote speakers, addressing topics related to their child’s disability. Parents were also given the opportunity to network with other parents going through the same thing. Children participated in fun activities like arts and crafts, swimming (with a certified lifeguard present), and more. Each year, families are encouraged to bring their entire clan to camp, as the camp is structured to give a break from the daily strains of life in order for families to bond and come together. The clean air and the fresh smell of pine trees provide a revitalizing retreat locale. The staff of 100 doctors and volunteers works tirelessly to ensure a well-organized and fun getaway for the whole family.

FSN requires about 200 volunteers each year to keep their many programs up and running. (Camp TLC alone requires 100 volunteers.) If you are interested in giving back to your community and helping out, you can apply online at the FSN website to work a food drive, organize and box donations, or help make deliveries. There’s even something in it for you! This year, FSN is taking part in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program, which encourages volunteer participation, and offers a great reward: a one-day ticket to a Disney park. If you are unable to volunteer your time, but wish to help out in other ways, consider donating food, clothing, furniture, baby accessories, or toys. FSN also welcomes monetary donations toward their emergency fund, which helps families during difficult times. During the 2009 holiday season, with the help of big organizations like Walmart and Costco, and smaller groups from teen centers and churches, FSN delivered food, clothing, and toys to 315 children. With the statistics of children with disabilities getting higher every year, extend a hand or lend a shoulder today, and help Family Support Network make 2010 their biggest year of giving.

To find out more about volunteering, donating, or to seek help for your child with special needs, visit Family Support Network online at: www.familysupportnetworkca.com 

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