Sibling Support Groups Presented by GOALS for Autism, Inc. (Contra Costa & Alameda County)

Locations: Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton and Brentwood

Dates: Groups begin January 11th and 13th

Time: Groups meet for 90 minutes for 8 consecutive weeks. Elementary groups are on Mondays from 4-5:30pm. Junior groups are on Wednesdays from 4pm-5:30pm.

Cost: $200 for the 8 week program

Therapists conducting the groups have a Masters degree and have been working with children with disabilities for many years.

Children in 4th through 6th grades are welcome to join the elementary group. Children in 7th and 8th grades are welcome to join the junior group.

This group is for brothers and sisters of persons with developmental disabilities. Siblings meet to talk about their mutual concerns and feelings. They gain information regarding the specific problems of their brother or sister and come to realize that their family and personal situations are unique and yet common to many families. The groups are fun, informative and provide a tremendous amount of support.

Contact Amy Bona, Director of Operations at 415.218.4157 or abona@goalsforautism.com.

FOOD DRIVE
FOR
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Volunteer Food Pantry
Assisting Families in Need in Our District Community

Families in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District need your help.  There is a food pantry at the District office which is a maintained by group of volunteers.  Child Welfare and Attendance Liaisons (CWAs), School Psychologists and other District employees pick up boxes of food from the District office and deliver them to families in need.  As food is donated, volunteers check expiration dates, box up the food (emergency 3-4 day supply) and store excess food in cabinets in their main lunchroom.  All volunteers help during their lunch hour or after work.

 The food pantry is not just for the holidays.  This is a year round project.  Please consider organizing a donation station at your school either by asking your school administrator directly or going through your PTA, PTO, or PFC organization.  It’s simple, fill up some cans or barrels, then email or call Lori Amenta at amental@mdusd.k12.ca.us or 682-8000 ext 4002 and make arrangements to drop off your donations.  This is a great way for your school communities and your scouts to help families in our immediate area, as all donations are given out to families in our District.  This is also a wonderful community service project for your girls to be involved with.  If you have any questions about setting up your donations please call Gina Soleimanieh at 925-429-0433.  Thank you.

Top 10 Items to Donate

Peanut Butter
Rice
Canned Fruit
Cereal
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Whole Beans
Canned Chili
Pasta Sauce & Pasta
Canned Vegetables

Other Suggested Items to Donate

Soup (Cans or Instant)
Crackers
Macaroni and Cheese
Jam/Jelly
Protein Power Bars
Granola Bars
Individual snacks such as:
Cheese & Crackers
PB & Crackers
Velveeta Cheese
Instant Powder Drinks
Canned Evaporated Milk
Juices — no refrigeration
Pickles
Mayo
Mustard
Catsup

 All Nonperishable Items Accepted