FOCUS offers a variety of supportive services to our parents whose kiddos have lifelong developmental disabilities.
Parents whose kiddos have lifelong developmental disabilities · Support groups meet monthly, September through May; workshops are held spring and fall and throughout the year; Hospital Visits and Newsletter have no set sched · Free
From focus-ga.org/program/parent-support ↗Parent Support programs host spring/fall workshops, education conference, Support Groups, Newsletter, and Hospital Visits at CHOA.
Support—or Share—Groups are the heart of FOCUS and the very first program we ever offered. These groups are free and meet monthly (September through May) at several locations across metro Atlanta. They give parents a welcoming space to meet others who understand their journey and to share tips, fears, joys, and everyday victories. Each group is facilitated by trained parent volunteers who help keep the conversation positive, constructive, and uplifting.
FOCUS volunteers and staff visit children who are hospitalized at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Arthur M. Blank. During these visits, we bring small treats for both the child and their parent—simple reminders that you are not alone. Parents can call or email FOCUS to let us know their child is hospitalized, or they may give permission for a friend to contact us on their behalf.
FOCUS offers educational workshops throughout the year, along with an annual education conference featuring experts who understand the unique needs of our children. Workshops are free for FOCUS families and are designed to empower parents with practical knowledge, tools, and resources they can use right away.
The FOCUS Newsletter is created primarily by parents and professionals who share their stories, insights, and encouragement to help make everyday life a little easier. Each issue also includes upcoming events and highlights from recent programs, keeping families connected and informed.
These groups are free and meet monthly (September through May) at several locations across metro Atlanta.
Parents can call or email FOCUS to let us know their child is hospitalized, or they may give permission for a friend to contact us on their behalf.
Workshops are free for FOCUS families and are designed to empower parents with practical knowledge, tools, and resources they can use right away.
Share GroupsFreeShare Groups are free, monthly support groups for parents and primary caregivers, meeting from September through May in various locations across Metro Atlanta.
Hospital VisitsWhen a FOCUS kiddo is in the hospital, we come to them, offering support, a quick visit, and a few goodies to brighten the day.
Holiday HelpWe know the holidays can bring both joy and strain, especially when medical needs, therapies, and financial pressures are part of everyday life.