Family Support Center
 |
The LifeLinks Family Support Center is a referral and support program for people with developmental disabilities, providing and recommending appropriate resources that will improve quality of life and stability within the home and community. Services are family directed and flexible in order to meet the needs of each individual situation. The LifeLinks Family Support Center is available to help any Greater Lowell family with an individual with a developmental disability living at home with them. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) program, operated by the LifeLinks Family Support Center, enables families with children with severe disabilities requiring intensive supports to continue to live at home and avoid costly residential placements.
|
The LifeLinks Family Support Center staff offer assistance with system navigation (Social Security, MassHealth, etc.), educational planning (IEP), community resources & recreation, monthly e-newsletter, family outings, resource library, guardianship, respitality (caregiver night out), finding caregivers, in-home support opportunities, and equipment and supply needs. Click here to learn more about the Family Support Center staff.
The LifeLinks Family Support Center offers ongoing monthly trainings on topics such as:
- Transition into adulthood
- Guardianship & State benefits
- Educational documentary viewings
- Financial planning
- Parent and student rights
- Parenting and communication skills
|
 |
The LifeLinks Family Support Center often provides free recreational activities and opportunities to meet other families such as movies, skating and bowling events, Lowell Spinners baseball games, ice cream socials and monthly parent support groups.
Our programs include:
- Sibshops - a Sibling Support group
- A social skills group
- KidzSkillz – a gaining independence program
- A young adult social group
- Monthly IEP clinics with trained advocates
|
The Medically Complex Program (also known as the Northeast Family Partnership Program) supports families who have a child between the ages of 3 to 25 with severe medical disabilities. This program has a transitioning component that addresses children’s needs as they move from the school system into the adult system.
The LifeLinks Family Support Center is funded through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). For more information, contact Amy Young, Family Support Manager at 978-349-3039 or Rachel Ward-Sullivan at 978-349-3040 or familysupport@lifelinksinc.net. You may also fill out our contact form for information.
Stay connected with the LifeLinks Family Support Center on Facebook to keep up to date with events and other information important to your family!
Upcoming Events
The LifeLinks Family Support Center offers various monthly programs and activities! All events require registration. Call 978-349-3040 or send an email to familysupport@lifelinksinc.net to register. Space is limited.
EVENTS SCHEDULED IN MAY:
|
Tuesday, May 7th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm - Facing Facebook - FREE Workshop
The LifeLinks Family Support Center will be hosting Nadine Briggs and her skillshop "Facing Facebook". In this skillshop, parents and children will learn the social aspect of this type of communication and the pitfalls that many teens fall into on these sites. Safety issues are highlighted.
Program facilitator, Nadine Briggs, is a social coach and is certified in bullying and cyberbullying prevension. Nadine is the founder of Simply Social Kids. This FREE workshop is a must-attend event for parents and children. To register (required) call 978-349-3040 or email us.
Wednesday, May 15th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm - iPad Apps Workshop - FREE
The LifeLinks Family Support Center will be hosting an iPad workshop for communication device users and their parents. Licensed Speech/Language Pathology Assistant Jennifer McGlauflin will give an overview of the iPad as a communication device, provide tips on accessibility, and review some communication-based speech and social story apps. Space is limited so please register soon for this FREE workshop. To register, call 978-349-3040 or email us.
Wednesday, June 5th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm - MassHealth Workshop - FREE
Are you thinking about applying for MassHealth for your child but are confused about the process? Come to learn more about MassHealth and get your questions answered at our workshop! The LifeLinks Family-to-Family Information Center will be conducting a workshop about MassHealth and its benefits.
Bonnie Thompson, a Family Resource Specialist, will talk about the benefits of having MassHealth for your child with a disability, the eligibility requirements for MassHealth as a secondary insurance, and the application process. To register (required) call 978-349-3040 or email us.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
Mondays at 3:45 pm & 4:45 pm - Music Therapy. To register click here
Thursdays at 4:30 pm - Art Therapy
|
Click on the links above to see full details and get registration forms for this month's activities!
Back to Programs & Services
Phone: 978-349-3000 
