Interested in a little learning this summer? What about connecting with like-minded people? Join the Families Thriving team for our August workshop series. It’s our hope that these offerings will provide knowledge and resources you’re seeking, new connections and make you feel a little less alone.
Expect our spaces to be a mix of information and conversation.
The following workshops have been made possible due to generous funding from Trinity Church Wall Street. Have an idea for a workshop? Email us at FT@universitysettlement.org – we’d love your feedback.
August Wellness Workshops
Navigating Special Education: What’s possible? What are my rights?
(in person and virtual)
Multiple dates, starting August 17th – see registration details below.
Information will be shared about services that are available to students through Special Education and having an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), including family rights. We will also discuss strategies to help ensure your students are getting the services they need to succeed and feel supported.
- In person: Wednesday, August 17th 9:30am (配有中文翻译=translation in Mandarin available)
Location: PS 184 Shuang Wen (schoolyard) – 327 Cherry St.
REGISTER HERE - In person (con traducción al español): Monday, Sept 19th 5:00pm
Location: Campos Plaza Community Center – 311 East 13th St.
REGISTER HERE - On Zoom: Tuesday, August 23rd at 6pm – REGISTER HERE
Facilitators: Seth Kritzman (he/him), Family Ally, Families Thriving
Seth has worked as a school counselor for 10 years at a District 2 middle school. In his role as a school counselor and Special Education Liaison he has supported families in accessing support both inside and outside of school.
Fiona Xiang Li
Fiona is an English/Mandarin bilingual family ally and psychotherapist at Family Thriving. She has a solid academic background in psychology and clinical social work and has worked extensively with children and families from various cultures. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, walking in the park, and karaoke singing.
李响(Fiona）是家庭繁荣计划的中英双语咨商师和家庭盟友。她的教育背景是心理学本科和临床社工研究生，并对各种文化背景的家庭和孩子有着丰富的工作经验。工作以外的时间，她喜欢烹饪，在公园散步和唱卡拉OK。
Parents of LGBTQIA+ Youth Series
(virtual only)
Multiple sessions, starting August 15th – REGISTER HERE for one or more!
This group serves as a resource for parents who want to learn about gender identity, sexuality, queer culture, and becoming a better ally to their LGBTQIA+ child, while also providing a safe space for parents to process complex feelings surrounding parenting an LGBTQIA+ child.
- LGBTQIA+ 101: Learning about Sexuality & Gender
Monday, Aug. 15th 6-7PM REGISTER HERE - Pronouns 101: The Power of Inclusive Language
Monday, Aug. 22nd 6-7PM REGISTER HERE - Unpacking Personal & Cultural Beliefs about Being LGBTQIA+
Monday, Aug. 29th 6-7PM REGISTER HERE - Repairing Harm & Learning to Be a Better Ally to Your LGBTQIA+ Child
TBD – REGISTER HERE
Facilitator: Jerilyne Almonte (she/her/ella), School & Community Based Ally, Families Thriving
Jerilyne’s vested interest in understanding the all-encompassing role marginalization and oppression plays in dictating and informing all aspects of wellbeing among low-income, BIPOC communities has served as the driving force behind her liberation work thus far. Her professional and research experience has spanned a multitude of social service settings focused on addressing health disparities in mental health treatment, food access, environmental health, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In her free time, Jerilyne enjoys online window shopping, napping, and drafting the next Great American Novel (or at least thinking about writing it.)
Healthy Communication Skills for Parents Series
(virtual only)
Fridays starting August 12th – REGISTER HERE by August 5th
Utilizing tools from the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) models, parents will develop the skills to build and maintain more positive relationships with their children through evidence-based communication tools.
- Friday, August 12th 4:30-5:30PM (registration closes after this group)
- Friday, August 19th 4:30 – 5:30PM
- Friday, August 26th 4:30 – 5:30PM
- Friday, September 2nd 4:30 – 5:30PM
Facilitator: Jerilyne Almonte (she/her/ella), School & Community Based Ally, Families Thriving
Jerilyne’s vested interest in understanding the all-encompassing role marginalization and oppression plays in dictating and informing all aspects of wellbeing among low-income, BIPOC communities has served as the driving force behind her liberation work thus far. Her professional and research experience has spanned a multitude of social service settings focused on addressing health disparities in mental health treatment, food access, environmental health, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In her free time, Jerilyne enjoys online window shopping, napping, and drafting the next Great American Novel (or at least thinking about writing it.)
如何和孩子有效的沟通？ How to Communicate with Your Children Effectively
(virtual only)
This workshop will be offered in Mandarin.
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很多家长抱怨，孩子越大越不听话；想和孩子好好谈，但是孩子总是很抵触或敷衍了事；孩子学习成绩不好，家长很着急，但不知道如何和孩子沟通；想和孩子沟通时，孩子就会特别烦躁，语气也不友好。如果你也有这些困恼，来我们的网络讨论课堂上学习一些有效率的沟通方法。
Location 方式: Online网络 Language 语言: Mandarin 普通话
- Monday September 21 – 6pm – 7pm on Zoom
Facilitator: Lin Chen (she/her), Family Ally, Families Thriving
Lin is a Mandarin bilingual psychotherapist who has experience working with children and families. As an immigrant herself, she understands the challenges that Chinese immigrants face in daily life. The lived immigrant experience equipped her with insights of immigrant family struggles to better help her clients.
陈霖是一位普通话和英文双语心理治疗师。主要与儿童和家庭一起工作。 身为一名华人移民， 她了解华人移民在日常生活中的种种挑战，特别是在和孩子的沟通问题上。她的移民经历更给了她对日常问题的深刻理解去更有效的帮助她的客户。
Gearing Up for the School Year Workshops
Weekly District 1 Caregiver Support Group
(virtual only)
An open group, every Tuesday starting August 30th – REGISTER HERE. – registration is ongoing
A space just for District 1 parents and caregivers! Topics will be decided upon by group members – whether you’d like to discuss parenting, your child’s education, how you’re feeling, or anything else — join us each Tuesday to unwind and connect. Se habla Español!.
- Every Tuesday at 5PM starting August 30th
Facilitator: Jennifer Agis (she/her), Senior Family Support Worker, Families Thriving
I’ve worked with Families Thriving as a family ally for the past 5 years. Using Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), I’ve worked with many amazing families to help support and scaffold their goals. Collectively, I have 23 amazing years of experience working with children and families in different positions. In addition, I was born and bred in NYC and have raised my two beautiful children (ages 22 and 18) in the Lower East Side, so I can definitely relate to the trials and tribulations of parenting and family. I like to remind myself that there is not a set guide to parenting, which is what makes it so fun and terrifying all at the same time.
Connection Circle for Caregivers: How are you REALLY?
(virtual only)
- Thursday, August 25th at 6pm
Feeling stressed or alone? Join fellow caregivers for a lightly structured open space to talk about what’s on your mind and how you’ve been feeling. Get some support and strategies along the way.
Facilitator: Barbara DiGangi (she/her), LMSW, Director of Families Thriving
Barbara is the founding director of Families Thriving and brings over 12 years of experience partnering with families and communities to promote mental health and community care. She is particularly passionate about antiracism, healing-centered schools, and social justice. Barbara is also a District Leadership Team (DLT) member in District 1.
Transitioning Back to School: Strategies to Set You + Your Family Up for Success
(virtual only)
Let’s get ready for school together. We’ll share strategies for self-care, setting your family up for success, and building resilience for when things get rocky! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers to share your feelings and experiences.
- Thursday, Sept 1st at 6PM
Facilitator: Barbara DiGangi (she/her), LMSW, Director of Families Thriving
Barbara is the founding director of Families Thriving and brings over 12 years of experience partnering with families and communities to promote mental health and community care. She is particularly passionate about antiracism, healing-centered schools, and social justice. Barbara is also a District Leadership Team (DLT) member in District 1.
华人在美国 Asian American Identity in United States
(virtual only)
This workshop will be offered in Mandarin.
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了解华人在美国的移民史；了解华人在美国当今的现状；这个网络研讨课堂还会帮助您了解华人孩子在美国校园和社会生活中有可能遇到的种种问题和您可以帮助的方式
Location 方式: Online网络 Language 语言: Mandarin 普通话
- Wednesday, October 19th 6pm – 7:30pm on Zoom
Facilitators: Lin Chen (she/her), Family Ally, Families Thriving + Jojo Tong (she/her), Clinical Supervisor, Families Thriving
Lin Chen is a Mandarin bilingual psychotherapist who has experience working with children and families. As an immigrant herself, she understands the challenges that Chinese immigrants face in daily life. The lived immigrant experience equipped her with insights of immigrant family struggles to better help her clients.
陈霖是一位普通话和英文双语心理治疗师。主要与儿童和家庭一起工作。 身为一名华人移民， 她了解华人移民在日常生活中的种种挑战，特别是在和孩子的沟通问题上。她的移民经历更给了她对日常问题的深刻理解去更有效的帮助她的客户。
Jojo Tong (she/her), Clinical Supervisor, Families Thriving
Hi ! My name is Josephine but I prefer to go by Jojo. I am the clinical supervisor at Families Thriving. I have worked with immigrant children and families the last five years of my social work career and am passionate to continuing work with you and your families as I also identify as a immigrant to this country. In the spare time I have for myself, I love to run and travel to places to explore and experience different cultures.
你好 ！ 我的名字是唐詠欣，但你就可以叫我Jojo。 我是 Families Thriving 的临床主管。 在我的社工经验的最后五年里，我一直服务新移民儿童和家庭，并且热衷于继续服务您和您的家人因为我自己也经验过新移民的感觉。 在休息的时间，我喜欢跑步和旅行，去探索和体验不同的文化。