What are Sibshops?
Sibshops are opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities or mental health concerns, to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. The workshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some, a good thing, for others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in between. Sibshops are 3 hour events open to school-aged children 5-15, generally held monthly during the school year, offering lively, recreational activities facilitated by trained volunteers. Information and discussion activities are interspersed with fun games and age-appropriate programming.
Sibshops understand the key role siblings play in providing natural supports for brothers and sisters with special healthcare concerns throughout their life span.
Eastern Oklahoma Sibshops Communities and Contacts:
- Tulsa: Lora Roberts - lorar@ofn.mobi or (918) 227-1797
- Poteau: Kodey Toney - kodeytoney@hotmail.com or (918) 658-5076
- Muskogee: Kellie Blankenship - hopekidsoutreachkb@gmail.com or (918) 913-5494
- Statewide Contact: Robyn A. Boswell - robyn-boswell@ouhsc.edu or (405) 271-5700, X47801
Sibshops is an award-winning program founded by Donald Meyer. There are over 400 Sibshops world-wide. For more information on Donald Meyer or Sibshops, feel free to go to: www.siblingsupport.org. Mr. Meyer is located in Seattle, Washington - he would love to hear from you by calling (206) 297-6368
This project was originally funded through collaboration with the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council and Children's Hospital Foundation.