News & Events

rePRN Te Invita! En Español

 

Academia de Formación de Padres en Español!! Un evento de capacitación y recursospara el español habla de las familias de niños con necesidades especiales.

 

(Parent Training Academy in Spanish!! A training and resource event for Spanish-Speaking Families of Children with Special Needs.)

 

June 13th, 2013
St. Paul's Children's Foundation
1358 E. Richards     Tyler, Texas 75702
9am - 3pm
Featured Presenter: Patricia Alvarez
Es obligatorio el registro. Contactar Ms. Alvarez al 512-944-2104 o pathproject@partnerstx.org.

New Support Group for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities Established

 

In response to requests from parents of children with learning disabilities, Parent Services Center, Inc. announces the formation of a new support group. The support group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Parent Services Center office, 4411 Old Bullard Road, Suite 602. Kimberly and Monty Montgomery founded the group and invite parents of children with learning disabilities to participate.

 

Pictured: Left to Right - Monty, Caleb, Kimberly and Ethan-Cole Montgomery.

As parents of eleven-year-old Caleb, who struggles with several learning disabilities, the Montgomerys understand the isolation that many parents feel and the need to share experiences with people in the same situation. "We are delighted that Speech Therapist Karen A. Miller, MA, CCC/SLP is part of our group," Kimberly noted.

 

"Since Caleb was three, we felt lost. There was no one close to us who was facing the same challenges and we desperately needed support from parents who struggle with similar issues," explained Kimberly. "Sometimes parents of children with learning disabilities don't feel like we fit in with other parents" she continued.

 

She explained that even though Caleb is athletic, he still has obstacles to over come. "Success in sports has really boosted his self-confidence," she explained. "Now when people make fun of him, he just tells them that God made everybody different and walks off!" She emphasized the importance of parents helping their children find and develop their own special interests and talents to improve self-esteem. The Montgomerys have identified famous athletes who have struggled with learning disabilities to give Caleb role models and hope. She believes that other parents can follow their example once they find the talents, skills and interests of their children.

 

Kimberly explained that they are also setting up a Blog for parents of children with learning disabilities. Information about the blog will be available on Parent Services Center's website.

 

The support group meets the first Thursday of each month from 6 to 7:30 at the Parent Services Center office, 4411 Old Bullard Road, Suite 602.

For information, call Kimberly at 903-283-7572 or Parent Services Center at 903-595-2235.

What a Birthday!
Parent Services Center Celebrates 25 Years

 

Parent Services Center had a blast at its 25th anniversary celebration, Friday, February 22, at The Cascades. Delicious food, great entertainment, and good friends! The essentials for a great party were all there.

 

Event Photo Gallery - Click on an image to see the next image.

 

Past presidents - Susan Donaldson, Verna Hall, Camille Brown - and Executive Director Shelley Judd blew out the birthday candles and the fun began. After a delicious fiesta buffet, the crowd was wowed by the perfect harmony of the Tyler quartet "Noteworthy" led by Dr. Wilson Renfroe, faithful PSC instructor and husband of Parent Services' Autism Network Coordinator Julee Renfroe.

 

Honoree of the evening was Susan Donaldson, who with her late friend Judy Grindstaff, founded Parent Services Center in 1988. Susan said, "With Judy's knack for moving ideas forward and my knowledge of the people of the community, the partnership worked."

 

Judy's vision of providing proactive parenting programs for the people of the community has been realized. Executive Director Shelley Judd said, "Parent Services has an attendance for these programs of over 30,000 in the 25 years of the Center's existence."

 

Others honored during the evening were as follows:

Original Steering Committee - Susan Donaldson and Verna Hall
First Policy Board - Carol Langston
Past Presidents - Susan Donaldson, Verna Hall, Roger Chesley, Merle Mabry, Camille Brown and Jeanie Winebarger
Long Term Volunteer Instructors (10 years or more) - Wilson Renfroe, Suzanne Brians, Sheila Matson and Suzanne Krause

 

Faithful Donors and 2012 Donors:

Corporate Sponsors - Southside Bank and At Home Healthcare

Suzanne and Robin Brians

Camille and Dick Brown

Cindy Rudd and Tiny Town

Susan and Dr. Ron Donaldson

Melissa Williamson

First Christian Church and Carolyn Wallace

Verna and George Hall

Shirley and Warren McLeod

Suzanne and Frank Krause

Jeanie and Don Winebarger

President Rod and Merle Mabry of UT Tyler

Shelley Judd

 

Special Awards were presented to Suzanne Brians as the 2012 Program Volunteer of the Year; Becky Bonilla as 2012 Event Support Volunteer; and Larry Gilliam as DodgeBall Tournament Director for the past two years.

NEW Blog for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

 

Today millions of grandparents in the US are raising their grandchildren. If you are one of these grandparents, you have made numerous sacrifices, possibly your own retirement plans. You may be looking for support and resources, but can't fit Support Group attendance into your busy schedule of diapers, daycare, teacher conferences, etc. Join Parent Services Center and friends on our newly formed Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Blog Spot. We want to share information, resources and support one another.

 

Besides the link above, the blog can be accessed from the main menu Support tab.

NEW Support Group for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

 

What: FREE Support Group for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

 

When: First Thursday every month from 6:00 - 7:30pm, beginning February 7th

 

Where: Parent Services Center Office, 4411 Old Bullard Road, Suite 602

 

How to Register: Call Parent Services Center at 903-595-2235 or send an e-mail.

 

Karen Miller, Speech pathologist, will facilitate meetings.

NO CHILD CARE PROVIDED.

Parent Services Celebrates 25 Years

Come celebrate Parent Service Center's 25th Birthday at the Community Appreciation Dinner. Event will be held at The Cascades on February 22, 2013. We will recognize the 2012 volunteers and donors and honor co-founder Susan Donaldson and early board members. RSVP 903-595-2235.

Fox 51 Interviews PSC about the Dodgeball Tournament

Fox51 interviewed Shelley Judd, Executive Director of Parent Services Center and Monica Orchard about the 2nd Annual Dodge Ball Tournament that will be held October 6th at the First Christian Church Gym. Admission is free and there are great prizes for those who purchase a $10 raffle ticket.

 

Click here to view the interview on Fox51.com.

 

For more information about the Dodgeball Tournament, visit our Dodgeball Tournament page.

Bank of America awards $3,000 grant to Parent Services Center

Bank of America awarded a $3,000 grant to Parent Services Center. Pictured above are: l to r: Sueanne Trombley and Brent Mills, Bank of America; Melissa Charba, PSC Board President-Elect, Camille Brown, PSC Board Past President, Anthony Gooden, Chris Maloney and Kristy Johnson, Bank of America.