Open Heartland

Respite program: respite is a service provided to give the primary caregivers a break. This service can only be used when one of the primary caregivers is not working. Families are paired with the best provider based on the child's needs. Group services are also offered. 36 families served during fy2016, including the ill and handicapped and intellectual disability waivers. Social skills program: a skilled team of therapists, along with trained staff and volunteers, run a number of groups based on age and ability levels. Therapists and staff utilize the social thinking curriculum, along with a variety of research based techniques to target pragmatic and social skills. Children are given the opportunity to improve play skills, turn taking, non-verbal communication, conversation, and perspective taking. After completion of an evaluation, each child is matched with the program that will best fit their needs. Over 50 families served during fy2016.

Behavioral health program: the children's center offers individual and group therapy for children with mental health concerns. Children have the opportunity to develop their social and emotional growth with an indenpendent social worker through play, talk, and reflective interactions. 14 children served in fy2016.

Support groups: manantial support group: grupo manatial is a hispanic support group for children aged 0-5 with special needs. The goal is to have a place to meet where parents can find a family-oriented group who work together throughout the community, with the goal of helping the children, through parent education, and advocacy. 42 families served in fy2016. Parent support group: parent support groups are held at the children's center in seven-week sessions on saturday mornings from 9-10am. Groups are free and Open to all parents who have a child with a disability or suspect their child has a disability. 28 families served during fy2016.