Recently, boys from Boy Scout Troop 313 participated in a drumming group with Laura Baker clients, as part of their Disability Awareness Merit Badge. Previous to this, they had an opportunity to learn about People First language, disability etiquette, a little about what we do . . . → Read More: Ability Awareness]]>

Recently, boys from Boy Scout Troop 313 participated in a drumming group with Laura Baker clients, as part of their Disability Awareness Merit Badge. Previous to this, they had an opportunity to learn about People First language, disability etiquette, a little about what we do here at LBSA, and types of assistive technology. The coolest part was watching the boys go from seeming apprehensive to saying things like, “People with disabilities are actually fun to be with!” The boys have more requirement to complete, but are off to a good start. Thank you to everyone (parents, LBSA staff, and our enthusiastic clients) for facilitating this experience!

Mark your calendars for upcoming drumming opportunities!

January 23, 7pm February 16, . . . → Read More: Laura Baker Drumming Groups–Come join us!]]> Our monthly drumming groups are open to anyone in the community! Originally made possible through a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation, the groups have continued for a couple years now, led by a music therapist and student volunteers from St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges. 

Mark your calendars for upcoming drumming opportunities!

January 23, 7pm
February 16, 7pm
March 17, 3pm
April 15, 3pm
May 10, 7pm

• Each group is held in the Millis Dining Room on the LBSA campus.
• There is a $5 fee for participants who are not LBSA clients.
• No drop-offs allowed; children should not be left unattended, and people who require staff support should participate with their staff.

Questions? Contact Jenny Pelletier at jennifer@laurabaker.org

Join Northfield’s performing artists–from all disciplines, all ages and all levels, elementary to professional–for an evening of reflection on the life and work of Martin Luther King.

The arts are the evening’s unifying factor in this event. Music, dance, spoken word, poetry and visual art meld together into a performance that thoughtfully and . . . → Read More: Laura Baker Choir to Sing for “Arts for Martin” at ARTech]]>

Join Northfield’s performing artists–from all disciplines, all ages and all levels, elementary to professional–for an evening of reflection on the life and work of Martin Luther King.

The arts are the evening’s unifying factor in this event. Music, dance, spoken word, poetry and visual art meld together into a performance that thoughtfully and intentionally speaks to the legacy Dr. King left us.

Guest presenter is Mary Easter, Professor of Dance and the Performing Arts Emerita, Carleton College.

We invite you to join us for this meaningful celebration Friday, January 13, 2012 at 7:00 PM at ARTech Charter School, 1719 Cannon Road (behind Perkins restaurant.) Admission is free. For further information call 663-8806, extension 212.

Craft Bags

Card-making Activity

Winter Scene

Activities this month included holiday card making with potato prints, stamps, collage, and more. We also decorated a wintery scene with snowmen; read winter and . . . → Read More: FSS respite events continue]]> LBSA just wrapped up its first quarter of monthly respite care events and is planning for the next three months!

Craft Bags

Card-making Activity

Winter Scene

Activities this month included holiday card making with potato prints, stamps, collage, and more. We also decorated a wintery scene with snowmen; read winter and holiday time books; and played winter-themed games. At the end of the evening, everyone left with personally decorated bags full of cards and other creations that could be used for gifts over the holidays.

The primary purpose of these events is to provide respite relief for parents with children who have developmental disabilities.

If you haven’t already, sign up your child to receive personal invites in the mail and RSVP each month in advance; and remember to fill out and turn in the enrollment form before arriving. Knowing in advance exactly who who will be attending and their individualized information allows us to prepare by recruiting enough volunteers for one-on-one participation, and to plan a safe and fun evening for all.

Anyone interested in volunteering at our respite events or for other respite services can contact us via email.

Here’s the winter quarter schedule of respite events:

Friday, January 20 from 4-6:30
Saturday, February 18 from 3-5:30
Saturday, March 31 from 3-5:30

Registration deadline is Friday, JANUARY 6, and you can register online: http://northfieldymca.org/archives/5623

Scholarships . . . → Read More: A new collaboration between LBSA and the Northfield Y]]> There is an exciting opportunity coming this winter! Laura Baker and the Northfield Y are collaborating on a DRUMMING and DRUM-MAKING class—what a great winter activity to do with your family! All ages, all abilities welcome. Click here for more information.

Registration deadline is Friday, JANUARY 6, and you can register online: http://northfieldymca.org/archives/5623

Scholarships are available through the Y.

Hope to see many of you there!

Love these? Please contact our volunteer photographer, Bridgette Hallcock at 507-271-3263 for a print. All sizes, tones, canvas mounting available. Part of your purchase comes back to LBSA. Thank you, Bridgette!

FSS/Volunteer Coordinator receives grant from NAF

LBSA is committed to developing services that help families with children who have developmental disabilities. And for our new respite services, we are trying . . . → Read More: LBSA receives grant for FSS]]> The Northfield Area Foundation recently awarded Laura Baker Services Association a grant to help with volunteer coordination for its Family Support Services program.

FSS/Volunteer Coordinator receives grant from NAF

LBSA is committed to developing services that help families with children who have developmental disabilities. And for our new respite services, we are trying to mobilize the volunteer population in Northfield. Most services will be provided by trained volunteers.

Volunteer training and coordination of services will be key to a successful program. We are thankful for this support from the Northfield Area Foundation.

For more information about FSS or to inquire about volunteering for respite services,  please contact us via email (fss@laurabaker.org) or phone (507-301-1841).