
Sibshops are presented by The Chileda Development and Learning Center in partnership with the Down Syndome Association of Wisconsin
What is a Sibshop?
A Sibshop is an opportunity for brothers and sisters (ages 7-12) of kids with special needs to come together and receive support from each other. Through activities, games and discussion, the youth receive support from their peers who may be experiencing similar feelings of having a sibling with special needs.
The Sibshop model uses many off beat games and activities interspersed with discussion and informational activities to provide siblings with information, support and a whole lot of fun!
*The Sibshop model takes a wellness approach. Although Sibshops may be therapeutic for some children, Sibshops are not considered therapy and should not replace any family or individual therapy already in place.
How are Sibshops run?
Sibshops are led by Chileda employees who are trained Sibshop facilitators. Volunteers assist with activities and provide a 1:2 adult to participant ratio. As often as possible, volunteers who have siblings with special needs are recruited to provide insight on what it is like to grow up with a sibling with special needs.
Upcoming Sibshops
December 14, 2019
January 25, 2020
March 7, 2020
April 18, 2020
May 30, 2020
Sibshops are held on Saturdays from 9:00 am to Noon at the Chileda Development and Learning Center (3716 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse)..
A fee of $10 covers the cost of a snack and materials for the event.
For registration information, please contact Karrie Zielke, MVR, MBA, The Director of Chileda Development and Learning Center.
karriez@chileda.org or 608.782.6408 ext. 368
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“As a kid, it was hard to explain to friends what it was like to have a sister with autism and how that would affect us when they would come over to play. Most kids my age didn’t quite understand what it was like. So for my brother and I, going to Sibshops were a great way to talk to other kids that could relate to us and that had stories of their own to share.”
-Jenna Cavey, Behavior Specialist & Sibshop Facilitator