Parent Resources
Forsyth County Resources
AMOS COTTAGE CHILDRENS TREATMENT PROGRAM
CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGENCY (CDSA)
The CDSA, located at Amos Cottage, is charged with the responsibility of providing evaluations for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, and Service Coordination for their families. The agency runs on the interdisciplinary model and has a variety of specialists in the pediatric field. The Winston-Salem CDSA serves families in Forsyth, Stokes, Davie, Surry, Yadkin and Davidson counties. The CDSA is operated under a contractual agreement between Wake Forest University Medical School and North Carolina’s Infant-Toddler program. There is no fee for evaluation and Service Coordination services.
774-2400.
Infant Follow Up Program
The DEC/CDSA staff assists faculty neonatologists in the provision of follow-up developmental evaluations and service planning for children cared for in the neonatal intensive care nursery at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Forsyth Medical Center.
SICC (Special Infant Care Clinic) – Babies followed by this program are 401 to 1000 gram birth weight babies and/or babies who go home with a diagnosis of BPD, are on oxygen, apnea monitors, or home ventilators. (This program does not typically take outside referrals.)
PICC (Premature Infant Care Clinic) – This program follows NICU graduates who were 1001 to 1500 gram birth weight babies who were not discharged requiring any medications or durable medical equipment. (This program does not take outside referrals.)
Babies followed by these programs are seen 1 month post discharge, 6 months adjusted age, 12 months adjusted age, and on an “as needed” basis. These babies are also seen at 18 to 22 months adjusted age for a full multidisciplinary evaluation.
Wake Forest University Physicians – private patient referrals
Dr. Kurt Klinepeter (Medical Director) – Developmental Pediatrician
Dr. Elizabeth Allen – Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Mary Christiaanse – Developmental Pediatrician
Referrals must be made by a physician’s office.
Dr. Klinepeter and Dr. Christiaanse specialize in static encephalopathies and diagnoses such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, learning disabilities, or syndromes in relation to neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Dr. Allen specializes in behavior, emotional, and learning problems. She provides comprehensive evaluations for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who have not responded well to medication.
KIDS-EAT program
This program provides evaluation and treatment for children with growth, swallowing, or behavioral feeding disorders. The children served by this program are those with neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g. children with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, congenital anomalies, former premature infants with atypical development, and infants with GERD).
Therapeutic Day Program
This program provides a supportive treatment setting for children ages three through seven who experience emotional and/or behavioral problems. Counseling and training structured around the child’s needs are provided to caregivers. The program has many different types of group therapies including recreational, behavior, educational, and music therapy. To make a referral or to see if your child qualifies for this program call 774-2400 and ask for the Therapeutic Day social worker.
AUTISM SOCIETY OF FORSYTH COUNTY
This organization offers Parents Night Out, support groups, informational membership meetings, seminars and workshops. Current contacts are: President Lori Flinchum, 922-6744 or lflinchum@triad.rr.com and Vice-President of Programs Kim Shufran, 416-3802 or kimshufran@windstream.net.
BEES – Building Exciting, Effective Strategies for Parenting
Parents of special needs children meet with a guest “expert” to discuss behavior issues, share experiences, and learn from each other. The program meets ten months of year on the 4th Thursday of the month at Amos Cottage. Childcare and a light supper are available with advance notice. Schedule is posted on the pdssn website www.pdssn.com.
Call Chris Gentry at 924-5301 to register.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PLAZA
This newly established private non-profit operates many of the programs formerly affiliated with CenterPoint Human Services. The central phone is 725-7777. The website is www.hoperidge.org. Services addressing adult with mental health needs, and some services for children who are over the age of three, but who may have mental health concern are available. Contact Day Mark at 607-8523 ext 147 or contact Day mark at Daymarkrecovery.org
BEGINNINGS FOR PARENTS OF HEARING-IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Provides emotional support & access to information as a central resource for families with deaf or hard of hearing children, age birth through 21 years.
1-800-556-2796 www.ncbegin.org
BEYOND ACADEMICS
Develop independent living skills and explore career opportunities through a two year residential non-degree program operated by Charles Hines and Son, Inc. in conjunction with UNC-Greensboro. Adults with intellectual disabilities participate in the required schedule of intensive independent living skill training and experiences through social events, relationships, leadership opportunities, recreational and leisure activities, and career explorations in a college
atmosphere with and among college students. For additional information, contact Fran Sandridge, Program Director 896-0950 x 260 or Eric Marshburn, Admissions Coordinator 896-0950 x 262.
CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
Contact the Family Support Network for a free Resource Guide for Families with Children who have Special Needs. Call 800-852-0042 or download from www.fsnnc.org
CASE MANAGEMENT/SERVICE COORDINATION
CDSA (see below) provides service coordination for children under the age of three years who qualify for services through the Infant-Toddler Program.
Targeted Case Management for children over age three and adults is available through four primary agencies that are endorsed by the Local Management Entity (LME), CenterPoint. They are listed on www.cphs.org – the CenterPoint website under endorsed providers of Targeted Case Management.
- Custom Case Management. 336-480-0023
- Disability Advocacy & Information Services (DAIS) 336-896-0900 or sreeves@dais.ws
- Footprints Carolina 336-896-1385
- NuDay Case Management 336-831-2788 or www.nudaycm.com
COMMUNITY ASSISTED RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT (CARE, INC)
Provides quality community-based services that promotes client independence through habilitation skills, training, family support, and interagency support systems. 760-1184.
CAROUSEL CENTER
A resource for professional medical care and supportive services to infants, children and adolescents living with life-threatening illness, and their families. The staff is specially trained in pediatric care and experienced in providing services to children and families. Services include medical and nursing care, emotional and spiritual care, individual and group counseling for children, parents, siblings, or extended family, bereavement care to those touched by the death of a loved one and social support provided by trained volunteers. 768-3972 www.hospicecarecenter.org
Centerpoint Human Services
CenterPoint does not provide direct clinical services. It is the Local Management Entity, contracting with providers of services in Forsyth, Stokes and Davie counties. CenterPoint’s Community Operations Department works closely with Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee, and with the Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC). Both are consumer-driven committees that provide an advisory function to the CenterPoint Board of Directors. All meetings are open and families may join and participate. Call 714-9136 for more information.
In addition, CenterPoint:
- Oversees the Community Alternatives Program (CAP-MR/DD). This is an alternative funding resource through Medicaid waiver. It is designed to keep people in the community, rather than in institutional care, by providing support resources necessary for the family, or community, to meet the consumer’s needs.
- Handles complaints concerning consumers over the age of three – 714-9386.
- Has a Housing Development Specialist who responds to unmet needs in the area of residential services – 714-9131.
- Keeps a comprehensive list of providers. www.cphs.org
CLEFT LIP/PALATE PARENT SUPPORT
Contact 945-9546
Community Alternatives Program (CAP-MR/DD)
CAP-MR/DD is a Medicaid community care funding source for persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. It is designed to fund specific services to keep persons in their home and in the community rather than in institutional facilities by providing the support resources necessary for the family to meet the consumer’s needs without undue emotional, financial, or physical stress. Contact Jeff Payne at 714-9171 for questions or an application.
Downtown Health Plaza
Operated by Wake Forest/Baptist Medical Center, DHP offers medical services and health clinics Monday – Friday 8 AM to 5 PM with a social work component, including translation services. Contact Kathy Kilby at 713-9800 for additional information.
Easter Seals UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) Family Support Services
Provides a variety of services, information and referral for people with disabilities.
757-4681 www.nc.eastersealsucp.com
Ehlers Damlos
Contact 703-3000 for more information.
Enrichment Center, An Affiliated Chapter of the ARC
Provides advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. Also provides services to adults with disabilities through skill development to bridge the gap to the general community. Services include employment through the arts, supported employment, compensatory education and community coaches to develop independent living skills. Other support services include information and referral, systems advocacy, and individual advocacy. 777-0076.
Website: www.enrichmentcenter.org.
The Arc of Forsyth County
Provides advocacy and direct services for clients who have a developmental disability such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. They work with clients in skill development to bridge the gap to the general community. Call 777-0076 www.arcnc.org
ESTATE PLANNING
Attorneys concentrating in disability law:
Bailey Liipfert III , Winston-Salem, 725-0583
Pamela Sorsfield Fox, Greensboro, 379-8651
A. Frank Johns, Greensboro, 275-9567
Life Plan Trust, Inc, Raleigh 800-662-8706
FAMILIES OF EARLY AUTISM TREATMENT (FEAT) FEAT is an organization that provides resources and support to families with autistic children. 336-773-1377. www.featofnc.org
FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK OF GREATER FORSYTH
A program based on parents helping other parents, formerly as “Parents Together”. Provides one-on-one support to parents through parent-to-parent matching, linking trained support parents with parents facing a new diagnosis or other need for support and information. Provides training to parents who would like to support other families. Provides training to parents who would like to support other families. Provides information on specific concerns or diagnosis, community resources and educational advocacy needs. Houses a lending library with materials available on a parenting and disabilities. Keeps families informed about upcoming family support opportunities through a monthly e-mail. Sponsors other forms of outreach such as “SibShops” (fun workshops for siblings of children who have disabilities), and community-wide family events throughout the year. 924-5301 Website: www.fsngreaterforsyth.com
Forsyth County Department of Public Health
Provides public health clinics, nutrition programs, health education and public health nursing, including Child Service Coordination for children ineligible for the Infant-Toddler program (see CDSA). Also oversees the CAP-C program, a Medicaid Waiver program that is an alternative funding source for infants and children who have serious medical involvement.
Contact Judy Southern 703-3242. Call 336-703-3100 for information on Women, Infants, & Children (WIC). Additional resources for Forsyth County can be located at www.forsyth.cc/documents/parent_resources.pdf.
FORSYTH INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS
This organization, operated under the auspices of The Arc of Services, Inc. provides community-based habilitation and rehabilitation program, vocational in nature, for adults who may have developmental or other disabilities. The Supported Employment program provides clients with on-site work contracted with local businesses. 725-7527 www.arcofstanleync.org
FORSYTH MEDICAL CENTER
Offers comprehensive medical services, including a Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery and a Special Care Nursery. The birthplace of most babies born in Forsyth County. 718-5000.
FORSYTH TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE – COMPENSATORY EDUCATION
Offers programs for adults with developmental disabilities who need to improve or master skills needed to function in the community and workplace. 734-7760.
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHWEST N.C.
Serves individuals with disabilities and special needs. A Comprehensive Employment and Training Center that provides assessment and training. An Industrial Contracts Department provides clients with on-site work contracted with local businesses. 724-3621, Daisy Fuentes.
GOVERNOR’S ADVOCACY COUNCIL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Provides advocacy, legal assistance and support for citizens with disabilities.
1-800-821-6922.
GROUP HOMES OF FORSYTH COUNTY
Operates six group homes, serving 32 adults who have mental retardation. Also offers individualized training and support through its Supported Living Program. For further information, call 831-1300 or nvlcek@grphms.com
GYMNASTICS
Tricks Are For Kids – 723-2698
Clemmons Gymnastics – 766-3599
HORIZONS RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTER
A residential facility for children and adolescents who have severe or profound mental retardation. 767-2411.
IMPRINTS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Offers parent education and support to parents with children from birth through age five years. Parent educators use the Parents as Teachers – Born to Learn curriculum, home visits, group meetings, assessment, screening and referrals to support parents as their children’s first and best teachers. Services are offered in English and Spanish, and are built around individual family needs. 336-722-6296 www.imprintsforfamilies.org
LALECHE LEAGUE
For information on breast feeding call 336-727-8100.
LOCAL INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL (LICC)
Each county in North Carolina has an LICC – made up of parents and professionals who are invested in the service system for infants, toddlers, and young children under age six, this is a community forum and anyone is welcome to join. For location, day and time of the meetings, call the CDSA at 774-2400.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
For information on clinics, support groups, summer camps, equipment, etc. Contact: Autumn Kish at. 856-1591 or akish@mdausa.org or visit the website at www.mda.org
"No Limits II" Dance Club
This is a dance club for mentally and physically challenged adults (18 years or older). The club offers adults the chance to socialize the same way as their peers do at traditional gatherings. The family life center is transformed to a dance club complete with dynamic light show, DJ, and dance floor from 7 to 9 PM once a month. Admission is free. Refreshments are provided and door prizes are given. There is plenty of seating for parents who want come along. For more information call Melinda Gentry at 924-6507. Dances are held the second Friday of the month at Pinedale Christian Church, 3395 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Call 788-7600 for more information.
PEDIATRIC COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
A group of interested individuals (parents and professionals) and organizations committed to improving the quality of care for infants and children living with a life threatening condition. Sponsored by Carousel Center. Meetings are open to the public. Information: Contact Sharon Brugan at 768-3972 (Hospice).
Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network
Parent support group that provides information and resources. Hosts an annual Buddy Walk and social gatherings for families of children with Down syndrome. For more information call 922-0530 or go to our web site at www.pdssn.com
REAL– READERS ARE LEARNERS
Literacy program for adults with developmental disabilities. The program seeks to improve reading skills to levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society. Students meet weekly with their tutor. Program is free for students. Student and volunteer applications are available at the pdssn website – www.pdssn.com
RESPITE CARE SERVICES
HORIZONS. Offers center-based weekend respite for children and adults in Stokes, Forsyth, and Davie County. Call Gary Brierton, Maria Greene, or Jane Price at 767-2411 ext 135 for details.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Pays disability benefits under two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
- or 767-3737 or www.socialsecurity.gov
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA
Call 1-800-621-3141 or visit the website at www.sbaa.org
THE ADAPTABLES
Provides information and referral, advocacy, and community resources to persons with disabilities and is the center for Independent Living for Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties. Call 336-767-7060, email darlaaptb@aol.com or check the website at www.theadaptables.com
THE ARC OF FORSYTH COUNTY (see ENRICHMENT CENTER).
THE ARC OF STANLEY COUNTY
Although this organization bears the name of another county, it is now operating vocational and residential services (in Forsyth, Stokes and Davie counties) that were formerly operated by CenterPoint (before Mental Health Reform). See Forsyth Industrial Systems below for a description of the vocational component. The residential services include group homes, an apartment complex, and individual apartments with supports throughout the community. www.arcnc.org. Call 704-983-3911 for additional information.
THE CHILDREN’S CENTER
A year-round inclusive setting for children under age three, and a public school for children ages three to eleven. The school specializes in serving children who have orthopedic impairments, are other-health impaired, and who have developmental delays or multiple handicapping conditions. Educational programs, physical, occupational and physical therapy services are provided. Contracts with the CDSA to serve eligible children under age three. Eligibility for children three and above is determined by the school system. Space may be available for infants and toddlers who do not have disabilities. 727-2440.
http://geocities.com/thechildrencenter
THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S SCHOOL
A year-round inclusive school for children with developmental disabilities. Serving children from birth to age five years. Special services include speech, physical and occupational therapy, and nursing care. The school contracts with the CDSA to provide services for children under age three, and with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to provide services for children over age three. Some before and after school care is also available. Children without disabilities may enroll. Call 924-9309 for details.
THE GOVERNOR MOREHEAD PRESCHOOL
Provides community-based early intervention and preschool services to children ages birth to five years with visual impairments. 334-3748 www.governormorehead.net
THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING
Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center 922-6426 www.riverwoodtrc.org
WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
Programs for Exceptional Children provide education for eligible children with special needs, ages three to 21. 727-2307.
WINSTON-SALEM RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT:
SPECIAL POPULATIONS UNIT
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FORSYTH COUNTY Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults (ages eight and up) who have mental retardation or closely related developmental disabilities. SOFC offers a variety of sports, including aquatics, bocce, floor hockey, softball, track and field, golf, volleyball, basketball, equestrian sports, soccer, bowling and alpine skiing. Some programs are unified events. Information: Lisa Kiser - 727-2425.
SATURDAY CLUB Social and recreational club for teens with disabilities. Meet the third Saturday of every month for activities such as swimming, dances, formal dinners, bowling, movies, hiking, horseback riding, and crafts. Some activity fees required.
Information: Ann Haynes – 727-2505.
ATHLETIC CLUB A club designed for independent adult Special Olympic athletes (ages 16 and older, who live on their own, or with their families) to get information about Special Olympics directly. The Athletic Club meets monthly. Members have an opportunity to train and compete in their sport, coach, or officiate a sport, or participate in fundraisers and community projects. Information: 727-2425.
CAMP DISCOVERY. A summer day camp for children, ages 8 to 21 years, with developmental disabilities. 727-2425 or 727-2831
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER
General Information: 336-716-2255
Brenner Children’s Hospital: 336-716-2255.
Cardiology: 716-4627
Child Development Services Agency: 774-2400
Eye Center: 716-4091
Genetic Clinic: 716-2899
Hearing and Speech Center: 716-3103
Myelodysplasia Clinic-Dept. of Neurosurgery 716-9728
Otolaryngology: 716-4161
Orthopedics: 716-4015
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
Provides support for families in crisis. Call 724-1412 for information. www.youthopp.org
TRIAD FIRST IN FAMILIES (TFIF)
Leverages community resources and/or provides cash assistance to meet the needs of children and adults who have disabilities. The focus is on needs for which there are no other funding sources. Net income limitations. Call 724-1412 ext 144 or 153 for information. tfif@youthopp.org.
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