Calvert Library "In the News": Parenting is Challenging, Calvert Library Can Help (press release)

Calvert Library Teams Up with Calvert County Partners for Success/Family Support

March 20, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

Parenting is challenging, and we have all heard (and maybe thought) the lament, “Why didn’t they come with an instruction manual?” Parenting a child with special needs can be even more complicated. Calvert Library has long been committed to supporting parents on their journey and often turns to community partners to bring in expert instruction. A recent partnership with Calvert County Partners for Success/Family Support is bringing popular presenter Michael Dalto from High Note Consulting to Calvert Library Prince Frederick on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30pm. Dalto will present a workshop called “How to Get SSI & Medical Assistance, Go to Work…and Live to Tell About It.” For families with children coming in to adulthood who have developmental disabilities or other challenges, this topic causes quite a bit of stress. As expressed by one mother, “How do we help our child be independent but not give up their safety net?”

This question is only one of the many that will be addressed in the workshop. Dalto will talk about who is eligible for Social Security income, how to maximize what is received, what the financial limits are, how to apply for medical benefits and get approved, how to appeal if denied, and how paid work affects benefits. Representatives from the ARC of Southern Maryland will also be available to answer questions about their services.

Partners for Success provides workshops and groups throughout the year to support families of children with special needs. Caregiver support groups are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the Calvert Country School. Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30pm at Jesus the Divine Word Church, there is a free workshop on guardianship and alternatives presented by attorney Rosemary Keffler. Nearly a dozen agencies are partnering to put on a Disability Resource Fair on Thursday, May 2, 6pm to 8pm at Calvert High School. There will be activities for the children while parents meet with representatives of the community organizations. On Wednesday, May 29, at 6:30pm in the Calvert County Board of Education multi-purpose room, there will be a workshop on puberty and sexuality for caregivers of individuals with disabilities presented by Barbara Obst, co-coordinator of the Specialized Health Care Interagency Collaboration Program at Kennedy Krieger. For more information about these events, please contact Sue Ralalowski at 443-550-8375 or parentconnections@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

While parenting is difficult, there are many resources out there to help. For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

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