A free meeting for whole family experiencing special needs
Family Group Night
“Until you have a kid with special needs you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness.”
Family Group Night is a free support meeting for whole families experiencing special needs. This group is not diagnosis specific and is open to families living in Henderson and surrounding counties. Meet other parents, enjoy a meal, & leave feeling ready to tackle the days ahead!
The meeting will begin with a family meal then St. Gerard House staff and volunteers care for children of all needs while parents participate in the night’s presentation. Please return to this page monthly for up to date information and check out our Facebook page. Family Group Night is an informal, causal setting where everyone is welcome!
- Dinner begins at 5:15 PM.
- Age appropriate activities and child/adult care are provided 5:15 – 7:00 PM
- Parent presentation runs from 5:45 – 7:00 PM.
Upcoming Events
Smart Start Partnership for Children, located in Henderson County is part of a statewide network of Early Childhood nonprofits with he mission to “support, educate, and advocate to build a strong foundation for young children in our community.” Our vision is that all families will have access to quality resources, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We’ll be sharing ways to prepare your little one for kindergarten – and spoiler alert – it doesn’t involve flash cards and memorizing math facts. Every family is different, but we all want our kids to roll into their first day of kindergarten with confidence. Sometimes we parents and caregivers need a little confidence boost too. We’ll share about some free resources we offer at Smart Start and also take time to listen to early childhood needs specific to St. Gerard families that we can lift in our advocacy work.
About The Speaker
Kendal Heck is the Kindergarten Transition Coordinator, dually employed by Smart Start and Henderson County Public Schools. In this unique role, she strengthens the connection between early childhood education and elementary schools, helping young learners and their families navigate the transition into kindergarten with confidence. Through collaboration with schools, early childhood programs, and community partners, Kendal fosters strong relationships, provides resources, and implements initiatives that support school readiness.
Ashley Lamb is Program Coordinator at Smart Start, managing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and helping families navigate the Child Care Subsidy system. She loves connecting families to resources and advocating for family friendly solutions to the challenges parents and caregivers of young children face every day. Her favorite questions start with “What if…”
Upcoming Sessions
This opportunity provides sponsorship recognition through family group night. Corporate sponsorship funds are unrestricted and may be used towards any organizational need. Contact Julia Buchanan, Director of Development & Community Engagement at [email protected] for more information or to become a sponsor.
Recorded Sessions
Sensory This. Sensory That.
Joy Cadelina
Executive Functioning Skills
Managing Stress presented by local author of Boy Without Instructions, Penny Williams
Sleep Issues with local pediatrician, Dr. Charlotte Riddle MD
Contact Information
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620 Oakland Street,
Hendersonville, NC 28791 - 828-693-4223
- [email protected]
- 844-590-5821
