Support Groups
Our Info-Coffees are monthly in-person support meetings led by fellow special needs parents and caregivers. Children are always welcome. Coffees are usually scheduled once a month throughout the school year with a break during the summer months. Check our events page or Facebook group for details, including the date and location of your local coffee. We are supported by Parent to Parent of GA coaching.
If you can't step away for coffee, join our virtual support village on Facebook. During the Covid-19 "shelter at home" requirement, Zoom meetings will take the place of in-person coffee support meetings. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and join in. Find virtual meeting details on our events page.
Volunteer
SNAZ
SNAZ (Special Needs Accommodation Zone) is Southside Support's retro-fitted RV that travels to local community events to accom modate individuals and families with disabilties. SNAZ serves as a quiet place to regroup for those with sensory processing differences, a diaper changing station for any size individual, a clean area to adjust a feeding tube, or a private breastfeeding station for nursing mothers. The RV has a ramp for wheelchair accessibility.
SNAZ travels about the community providing inclusion opportunities for families who may otherwise struggle to attend community events. Check our events page for dates and locations.
Click here to Request SNAZ at your event.
Volunteer
SNAP
SNAP (Special Needs Alliance of Professionals) is a network of local business owners and community members who serve the special needs community or wish to work with special needs families. Every quarter, a networking event is held in the south metro Atlanta area. Check our events page for more details.
Volunteer
Symposium
Symposium is an annual educational forum and resources expo for the special needs community that focuses on support, resources, inclusion, and other special needs topics of importance. Our next symposium will be held on Feb 3, 2023 at the Crowne Plaza, PTC. Email symposium@southsidesupport.org for sponsorship details. Or visit Southside Symposium 2023 for sponsorship, vendor and ticket details.
Last year's Symposium was held on Friday, September 22, 2021 at the Newnan Centre in Newnan, GA with a focus on mental health. We had 26 speakers from metro Atlanta, Seattle and Toronto and 4 moderators present on various mental health topics including: family resiliency, emotional wellness, anxiety, parenting, grief, addiction, suicide, hospitalization process, complex PTSD, interpersonal relationships, and humor. Our panel discussions included: self care, managing your child(res)’s mental health, uncommon therapies and faith.
Family Relief Fund
Southside Support has set aside funds to provide meals, groceries, gas and other necessities during unexpected and lengthy hospitalizations and surgeries. Any family may submit a meal train request to info@southsidesupport.org, or nominate a family for a meal train. We also provide special funding to families who experience these struggles during the holidays. To nominate a family for our Holiday Relief Fund, send the family’s name, contact info, diagnoses or current situation and a little about your relationship to symposium@southsidesupport.org
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Ongoing Workshops
Southside Support offers periodic workshops giving insight to Finances, SSI, Medicaid, Medicaid waiver, Insurance, Guardianship/Conservatorship, Estate Planning, and more. Our experts provide guidance and details regarding the intricacies of special needs families that might easily get overlooked by professionals not familiar with this speciality. Keep an eye on our calendar and our social media for upcoming scheduled workshops.
Volunteer
Resource Guide
Southside Support spends countless hours each year compiling, updating and editing our resource list, giving you access to medical providers and specialists who are equipped to handle your child’s specific needs.
Volunteer