Action Toward Independence is offering several groups available for Livingston Manor Central School families.
ATI hosts a Parents for Parents Support Group from 5 to 7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
The group is designed to support and empower families raising children with emotional, behavioral challenges, learning disabilities or autism in a non-judgmental setting. Each group meeting will consist of a topic discussion, a parent empowerment workshop or a creative activities. All supplies are free.
Credentialed program facilitators share their knowledge and lived experiences to help families cope and understand the challenges that they face. Safe, supervised child care, refreshments and transportation are available.
ATI also offers free Elementary Social Skills groups for students in Grades K-5, and Middle School Social Skills groups for students in Grades 5-8. The groups are for children with autism and other developmental, learning, emotional and behavioral disabilities. The elementary sessions cover topics that promote positive behavior, improve interactions with other and building confidence, including manners, listening, hygiene and emotions. Parents may be required to attend some sessions with their children to offer guidance and support. The middle school sessions cover age-appropriate topics for pre-teens and teens that promote positive behavior, respectful communicational and building confidence. The classes, with funding provided by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, will be held in person at ATI Main Office at 309 E. Broadway in Monticello.
There will be an open house and Halloween Party from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, during the Parents for Parents Support Group for both social skills groups.
For more information and to register for any of the groups, call the family peer advocate at 845-794-4228, email atitoday.org, or visit atitoday.org. Registration for the Open House/Halloween Party are requested by Oct. 25.