What are Sibshops? For the adults who plan them and the agencies that sponsor them, Sibshops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context.  They reflect an agency's commitment to the well being of the family member most likely to have the longest-lasting relationship with the person with special needs.

However, for the young people who attend them and the energetic people who run them, Sibshops are best described as events.  Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.  Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many somewhere in between.  They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another--if they are given a chance. Sibshops are as fun and rewarding for the people who host them as they are for the participants.

We are excited to be partnering with the Sibling Support Program to implement Sibshops at Connor's House. After completing the facilitator training we plan on initially offering Sibshops events approximately 3-4 times per year. We are also happy to be able to make this training opportunity available to other organizations that support children with complex health care needs and other disabilities. For more information on the facilitator training or to sign-up please click here.