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Lifetime Connections. Eboni Blake Lifetime Connections Coordinator. First In Families of NC. Statewide nonprofit organization Started by parents in 1996 Array of family support services and programs. FIFNC Programs. 13 Local Chapters Lifeline Project Time Banks
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Lifetime Connections Eboni Blake Lifetime Connections Coordinator
First In Families of NC • Statewide nonprofit organization • Started by parents in 1996 • Array of family support services and programs
FIFNC Programs • 13 Local Chapters • Lifeline Project • Time Banks • Lifetime Connections • Future Planning
Values and Philosophy • Formal services & supports do not keep people happy or safe • Customer leadership • Capacity and contribution • Rich community • Relationships
Lifetime Connections • A membership based program of FIFNC since 2005 • People with any disability
Lifetime Connections helps to answer these questions • Lifetime commitment • Family/Individual support • Future Planning Support • Personal Networks
Future Planning with Lifetime Connections • Helps Families put in place legal and informal documents and natural supports towards creating a secure and good life for their loved one • Home • Employment • Relationships • Making contributions • Ensuring choice • *Wills/Estates planning • Maintain Database of Professionals
Future Planning with Lifetime Connections • Workshops with Professionals • One on One Consultation with LC Coordinator • Network Meetings • LC Socials • Lifetime Members resourcing with each other
Future Planning Workshops • Wills and Estates • Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship • Special Needs Trusts • Supported Decision Making • 7 Steps to Peace of Mind • Letter of Intent • Lifetime Connections Socials • Other Topics from LC Members
What is a Personal Support Network? Group of committed persons who: • Share interests with Focus Person • Desire to develop closer relationship • Help to realize dreams and achieve goals • Connect focus person to their community
What does the Network Do? • Creates a bridge to the community • Provides a source of support, advocacy, and companionship, and practical help • Provides relief for family • Secure relationships are built outside the family • Responsibilities are shared among a larger group of people • Family members feel renewed hope and energy • Develop independent relationships for loved one • Increased Social Health • Increased Confidence in themselves • Greater involvement in their community • Goals are set and achieved
Who can have a Personal Network? • What age? • What disability? • When to start?
How does a Personal Network provide lifetime support? • The network meets on a regular basis and brainstorms creative ideas • Members of the network volunteer to carry out those ideas • A facilitator keeps the network going • The network is flexible and responsive throughout the life of the person • Achieves Short and Long Term Goals
Lifetime Connections • Eboni Blake, Lifetime Connections Coordinator • 919-251-8368 • eblake@fifnc.org • First In Families of NC • Betsy MacMichael, State Direct • betsym@fifnc.org www.fifnc.org