FPN-NH
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"The only disability is having no relationship at all." ~ Judith Snow FPN-NH awarded grant from the Norwin S and Elizabeth N Bean Foundation We are pleased to receive support for our outreach event to be held in the Manchester area. This event will replicate the very successful event held in the Capitol Region last fall. You can read about the Capital Region event in our Fall 2007 issue of Network News below. Our Fall 2007 issue of Network news is now available! To view and download our latest newsletter, click here. With this issue we presenting an entirely new look and feel to the newsletter. We hope you enjoy it! Be sure to read the letter to one of our lifetime members from Attorney John Kitchen. In this letter, Attorney Kitchen updates us on recent changes in New Hampshire law regarding Special Needs Trusts. We of Future Planning Networks of NH are often asked a simple question, "What is your organization all about?" To help us answer this question as simply as we can, we put together this short explanation.. Hopefully it will help you too!
Future Planning Networks of NH (FPN-NH) is a non-profit organization that was founded by a group of concerned parents who have a family member with a disability. This organization was never intended to replace traditional service systems, but to enhance the possibilities for more typical relationships and activities in the community when the service day has ended as well as to ensure a safe and secure future. Many family members of individuals with a disability are concerned about what will happen to their loved one when they are no longer here. FPN-NH supports families through workshops, consultation, and mentoring to create a plan that provides for the safety, security, and well being of their family member. The highlight of the planning process includes creating and growing a loving and caring network of friends. We all believe that having relationships provides all of us, including people with disabilities, safety and security for the future as well as the opportunity to participate fully in “a good life”. This includes having caring friends and family, a place of your own, financial and personal safety and security, making choices, and contributing to your community. In addition, we believe that everyone has gifts and that people with disabilities can contribute in meaningful ways to their communities. FPN-NH hires and trains facilitators to work with families to set up personal networks. These social networks are the bridge between living in seclusion and living as an active participant in the heart of community. The facilitator learns about the gifts, talents, and interests of the person with a disability by spending time with him/her before inviting others with similar interests into the network. As networks develop and grow so do the opportunities and relationships for the person at the center of the network. As families begin to trust and see genuine caring of network members they may be able to relax and have more hope for their loved one and his/her future Good Life. FPN-NH was inspired by PLAN, British Columbia, Canada where years of experience in creating networks for people with disabilities has been inspirational and has given us all hope for the future.
Join Us for A Workshop! FPN-NH will be presenting at the 22nd Annual Family Support Conference 2008. Be sure to join us for a panel discussion... "Loving, caring relationships are key to a good life. Without them, each of us would live a lonely and isolated life without much meaning. Yet, the truth is many individuals with a disability are living just such lives! This panel will discuss the role of Future Planning Networks New Hampshire in assisting lifetime members realize their dream of living a good life. When this happens, it brings peace of mind to families. During the panel discussion, we will explore what that means to all family members." This year's FSC is being held from May 2 - 4, 2008 at the Mount Washington Hotel. We look forward to seeing you there. Two of our board members, Cory P Pierson and Marlyn Curtin along with FPN-NH's executive director, one of our Network Facilitators and one of our Lifetime members presented to a graduate seminar class at the University of NH in February of this year. Their presentation on community inclusion was very well received. On October 26, 2007, our executive director facilitated two workshops on relationship building and natural supports at the Annual Direct Support Professionals Conference. This conference, held at the Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center, Bartlett, NH, was the Direct Support Professionals 13th annual conference. The conference ran two days, 26 - 27 October 2007. Who we are and What We Do Inspired by the wonderful work being done by PLAN, British Columbia, Canada, Future Planning Networks of N.H. is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to helping the families of people with developmental disabilities. FPN-NH helps these families by assisting them in the process of planning a safe and secure future for their loved one with a disability. FPN-NH does this by:
OUR CORE VALUES
Where We Operate FPN-NH operates out of our offices at the NH Developmental Disability Council in The Walker Building, 21 South Fruit Street in Concord, N.H. We work with families from towns throughout the state of New Hampshire. How You Can Benefit You can take advantage of our services or become involved in via a variety of ways. They include:.
Updated 03/05/08 |
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