Connecting For Kids Of Westlake Ohio

Family resources during the 2023-2024 program year, the connecting for kids staff connected more than 2,100 families with resources, information and support. Ask us 1:1 sessions allow families to register for a 30-minute time slot and meet with a family resource specialist (frs). During these one-on-one sessions, families can get information on a wide range of topics including school struggles, mental health issues, behavior concerns and questions on specific diagnoses. Time slots are available by phone or virtually. The frs connect parents to local tutors, advocates, mental health counselors, behavior specialists, pediatric providers, educational programs, alternative schools, academic supports, parent mentors, social skills groups and recreational programs to help their child. They also recommended resources including podcasts and books. The connecting for kids online service provider directory contains 600 providers that a parent or caregiver can access on their own through the organization's website or get help navigating through an ask us 1:1 session. In addition, 1,400 individuals are part of the cfk families facebook group where they can ask questions and get support from other local families. Unlike other local organizations that are diagnosis specific, connecting for kids offers resources for a number of concerns including anxiety, attention issues, developmental delays, epilepsy and sensory issues. The organization also helps families whose children are having difficulty making friends, struggling academically or facing a major life change such as parents divorcing.

Resource fairs in spring of 2024, more than 1,100 participants attended three northeast ohio resource fair locations in eastern and western cuyahoga county and lorain county. Each of these fairs was filled with 70 disability and mental health providers offering therapy options, adapted camps, funding sources, recreational programs, transition and other services. Participants had the opportunity to attend in-person and visit with representatives from these organizations. Those with limited time were invited to pick up a grab & go resource bag in the parking lots of the events.