A new Munroe-Meyer Institute project is designed to show caregivers appreciation and offer support this fall.
Members of the Munroe-Meyer Institute community will be invited to participate in a handful of activities and giveaways, said Maggie Neujahr, manager of care coordination.
“We have so much focus on the child, and we don’t focus on parents as much,” Neujahr said. “We want to praise parents for all they do to support their children in their development.”
Funding for the project comes from a $5,000 grant from the Munroe-Meyer Guild.
The project falls under another grant, led by Rachel Schumacher, PhD, and Kaitlyn Young, PhD. The larger grant, titled “A Rising Tide Rises All Ships,” will pilot a group-based treatment approach to address child problem behaviors within the context of improving parental wellbeing. The program will empower parents and reduce stress associated with raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities while enhancing the child’s adaptive and social-emotional skills.
Some of the projects would include grab-and-go breakfast and self-care kits. A community resource fair also is in the works. Events, once finalized, will be advertised in the resource center in the lobby.
“We know how hard it is,” Neujahr said. “It takes a lot of work and effort to bring their children for services at MMI. We appreciate everything they do to support their child and their development.”