The Arc Southwest's Family Connections & Parent Support group provides support for siblings, parents as well as extended family members. This group strives to distribute information and resources regarding school, government, and community resources while helping families and parents navigate the through the human services system. Family Services & Parent Connections provides training and education related to disability issues as well as one-on-one advocacy and support.
Parent Support Groups
The Arc of Minnesota Southwest offers a number of support groups for parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of people with intellectual disabilities. All are welcome to join a group for an evening of fellowship where there will be an opportunity to share the joys and discuss the challenges that face members on a day-to-day basis.
Below are some of the groups that are currently active in the Arc Southwest's network, along with contact information for each group's facilitator.
The Mankato parent support group meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Mankato Arc office. Claudia Johnson, facilitator can be reached at 507-345-4223 or 1-866-502-4082.
The Pipestone parent support group meets at the hospital meeting room, dates to be determined. Contact Julie Wratz, facilitator, at 507-449-3003.
The Marshall parent support group meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 at the Lyon County courthouse room 7. Contact LeeAnn Erickson at 507-235-8580.
The Russell parent support group meets the second Monday of every month at 5:30 at K Jo's Kafe in Russell. Contact LeeAnn Erickson at 507-235-8580.
Fairmont support groups include the IEIC group which meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m. at Gromsrud Park for the summer, and will meet at 8:30 a.m. at Lincoln School the first Tuesday each month beginning in September.
Other Support Groups
In addition to parent support groups, there are other support groups that meet in the Arc Southwest's service area. Some of them are listed below.
A Fairmont Area Autism support group meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm at the Martin County Library in Fairmont. Contact Lee Ann at 507-235-8580 or 1-800-427-2895 for more information.
A Mankato Area Autism Support group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Mankato Perkins. Contact Linda Wilson at 507-345-7415 or wilson@hickorytech.net for more information.
Anyone wishing to meet one-on-one with any of our facilitators is welcome to do so any time.
For more information on groups active in your area, contact Claudia Johnson, Family Connections Support Specialist at the Arc Southwest office, 709 S. Front St., Suite 3, Mankato MN 56001, by phone at 507-345-4223 or 1-866-502-4082, or email her at advocacy@hickorytech.net.
