Club COSTA Circle of Support for Teens and Adults With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders How to Start a Local Self Advocates Group Presentation by Teresa and John Kellerman

A Good Idea? It’s not going to work until you get connected to some positive energy.

Some Succeed, Others Don’t Some adults with FASD succeed, others fall into the cracks.

How Do We Define Success? Get an education Earn a living Being self-sufficient Thriving in a safe environment

How Do They Fall Into the Cracks? Running away from home Homeless, living on the street Getting arrested, going to jail or prison Getting fired from a job Being evicted Under the influence of poor judgment Loss of freedom and independence

What Do You Want In Life? Self-sufficiency (as they are able) To love and be loved Be healthy Be happy Be safe Avoid serious problems in the future

Ann Streissguth’s Study Secondary Disabilities with FASD: Mental health issues (some preventable) Trouble in school Trouble with the law Inappropriate sexual behaviors Substance abuse Institutionalization

We all need a Circle of Support We are interdependent. We can share resources.

What Resources Do We Have? Family, friends, mentors Books (“Damaged Angels”) Internet Mail lists Support groups Local self-advocacy agencies What about “the System”?

We Need So Much More …

1 st Step – Get Connected Disability community Legal advocacy agency (each state has one) Community forums Faith community (try out different churches)

2nd Step – Get Involved John and I both volunteered on board of Pima Council on Developmental Disabilities Attended classes through county and state programs John became a drummer in the band, I am a volunteer at church I volunteered to be a parent mentor with local advocacy group, became a board member

3 rd Step – Get Noticed We gave presentations at conferences (for no pay) We gave talks in schools, for civic groups and at community events We put materials on tables at events I Write articles for local organizations

4 th Step – Identify Your Resources Who can provide a place to meet? Who will help you get the word out? Local businesses might make a donation Find a fiduciary for collecting donations Articles and ideas from – – –Club COSTA CD

5 th Step – Put It All Together Find other interested families Find a place to meet Decide on a time and date Use our logo and flyer as a template Send an invitation one month prior Reminder notice a week ahead of time Sit back and watch what happens!

“If you build it, they will come.” You are invited to attend our first meeting of Club COSTA Refreshments, Games, Prizes RSVP by the end of the month

The ABC Rules A sk for help B e respectful C ommunicate your needs “I promise to be respectful to myself, to others, and to my environment at all times.”

Self-Advocates Checklist I understand what FASD is. I use “People First” language. I show respect to all persons at all times. I ask for help when I need it. I communicate my needs.

The TLC Symbols Table where we discuss, listen, learn Ladder of success with 9 steps Circle of Support TLC=Love Center of Love=Trust Trust > Acceptance

A Symbol as a Reminder Two circles of support: one for the individual with FASD, one for the parents/mentors. Ladder inside stability of two circles Love based on trust leads to acceptance

Add a Touch of Magic! Other presentations and workshops: “Mama Teresa’s Magic Bag of Quick Fix Tricks” “From Screams to Dreams” “Believe In Yourself” “Ladder to Success” “The Magical FASD Mystery Tour”

Believe in Yourself! Building a Circle of Support to Help People With FASD Become Healthy, Happy Adults Presentation by Teresa Kellerman Fasstar Enterprises

The Ladder to Success The life-long secrets of parents whose children thrive in spite of having FASDs.

From SCREAMS to DREAMS Parenting the Substance-Exposed Child Without Losing Your Sanity Presentation by Teresa Kellerman “The Scream” by Edvard Munch

The Magical FASD Mystery Tour Survival Strategies for Parents and Caregivers of Alcohol-Affected Children and Adults Presentation by Teresa Kellerman

Mama Teresa’s Magic Bag of Quick Fix Tricks Teresa shares her quick and easy secret tricks that work like magic!

Thank you. Thank you very much! Take a card… any card. Teresa and John Kellerman (520)