Sibshop
Project Joy and Hope is thrilled to announce the creation of SibShop, an opportunity for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. It is also described in short as an event for the brothers and sisters.
Project Joy and Hope's Sibshop program offers vital support to siblings of children with illnesses or special needs. Recognizing that siblings often face unique challenges—emotional struggles, feelings of isolation, and the need for a safe space to express their experiences—Sibshop creates a supportive community for them.
The program provides siblings with opportunities to connect with peers who understand their situation, allowing them to share their feelings, experiences, and coping strategies. Through engaging activities and discussions, Sibshop fosters a sense of belonging and validation, helping siblings realize they are not alone in their journey.
Additionally, Sibshop promotes resilience by equipping participants with tools to navigate their emotions and challenges. The program encourages open communication, helping siblings articulate their feelings and fears in a constructive manner. By focusing on fun and camaraderie, it balances the heavy realities of their situations with moments of joy and laughter.
Overall, Project Joy and Hope's Sibshop program not only supports the emotional well-being of siblings but also strengthens family dynamics, enabling siblings to cultivate empathy and understanding while also having their own needs recognized and addressed.
WHAT CAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS EXPECT DURING SIBSHOP?
- Be celebrated for their many contributions with their siblings of special needs.
- HAVE FUN!
- Meet other brothers and sisters of children with serious medical conditions or those with special needs.
- Talk with others who “get it” about the good (and sometimes not so good) parts of having a sib with a serious illness or special needs.
- Learn more about the illness or special needs and have a better understanding about what their sib might going through within recreational context.
- HAVE FUN!
- Interactive games and exercises.
Fun and Games
WHAT IS SIBSHOP NOT?
Sibshop is not therapy, although our effect may be therapeutic, but it is a model for overall wellness. It is also not childcare.
WHO ARE SIBSHOP FOR?
Sibshops is designed for children ages, 8 – 13 years old who have a brother or sister with disabilities and facilitated by a Trained Adult Sibling Facilitator. Our goal is to assist siblings of children with disabilities to understand what’s possibly going and how to contribute to their needs, which is often lifelong and the topics ever-changing.
WHO RUNS SIBSHOP?
Our SibShops are run by facilitators who have a professional and, in some cases, a personal understanding of the impact a child’s illness or special needs can have on their brothers and sisters. Equally important, they all have energy and enthusiasm when interacting with kids! There may also be junior facilitators who are sibs themselves in their late teens.
WHEN ARE SIBSHOPS HELD?
Sibshop Dates: Second Saturdays monthly beginning Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Summer Camp: Free for all students with excellent attendance.
For information or to register by phone call 713-944-6569.
WHAT IS THE COST OF SIBSHOP?
The SibShop program for 2024-25 is generously supported by community supporters, so your child may attend at no charge.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR SIBSHOP?
For more information and to register, fill out our online form, or download the PDF application form and return it to us by mail. Please call Project Joy and Hope’s office at (713) 944-6569 with any questions or to apply by phone. Hurry! Space is limited.
