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Connecting with Families at Heartspring's Family Weekend
Heartspring residential families have a hard decision not many people have to make. To help their child with special or complex needs they must send them away—sometimes across the country—to Heartspring. Although it is best for the child, it is not an easy decision. Add to that the loneliness and isolation that can come with being the only one in your friend group, workplace, or even town to have to make such a decision.
That’s why times like Family Weekend are so valuable. Family Weekend takes place once a year but there is planning all year round that goes into it. The team takes it seriously because they know how important that weekend is. Parents from across the country come together for a few days to spend time with their children, Heartspring staff, and each other.
"It’s just intended for connection," Julie Noller said. “We have some long-term families who have made really strong relationships over the years. For them to get together in person again, you can see, was a real joy and celebration for them. I also saw them taking new parents under their wing and helping them through that process."
This fall’s Family Weekend was a mixture of training for parents, Heartspring updates, social events, time spent with family and, for the first year, an art show completely made of pieces created by the students of Heartspring. Each piece was made of quality art supplies, giving the children a chance to show off their skills and parents to appreciate them. It was an interactive show. Families had the opportunity to create art together.
"We were able to display 168 pieces of art, most of them framed," Julie said. "Heartspring has invested a lot in our art program. A lot of our parents have never been able to see things like this that their kids are able to do."
We want to thank everyone involved in this amazing weekend. We can’t wait for next year!
