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.
Sibshops are perfect partners for faith-based respite programs. Check with your local Sibshop to see if they are partnering with a respite program or call the State office for more information.
Sibshops Communities and Contacts:
St Marks Sibshops and Respite:
Contact: Taylor Ponds Tay.ponds22@gmail.com 405-719-9358
When: Every 2nd Friday of the Month
Where: St Marks Church in Bethany 8140 NW 36th St, Bethany, OK 73008
Respite Option available: Please contact Kayla Gannon kayla@stmarksbethany.com
Lincoln County Foster Care Sibshops, Respite and Parent Group
Contact: Elizabeth Moore 405-317-4050, mooreelizabeth55@yahoo.com or Jarrod Moore 405-694-8691 moorejarrod55@yahoo.com
When: (Quarterly)
Where: Lions Meadows of Hope 623 S Western Rd, Stillwater, OK 74074
Respite and Parent group available! Please contact Elizabeth or Jarrod
Norman Agape Corner Sibshops and Respite:
Contact: Eva Smith Eva-smith@ouhsc.edu or 405-401-7407
When: (Quarterly)
Where: Crosspointe Church 2601 24th Ave SE, Norman, OK 73071
Respite option available! Please contact Eva Smith
OKC Roots of Love Sibshops, Respite and Support Group:
Contact: (Spanish) Pastora Almita Chavarria 405-887-6546 (English) Ruth Chavarria 405-900-1144
When: 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month
Where: 1320 N Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73107
Respite and Parent group available! Please contact Alma or Ruth!
Guthrie Sibshops and Respite:
Contact: Brandy Parks - brandy-parks@ouhsc.edu or 405-431-0703
- Tulsa CREOKS and Mental Health Association: Lukiesha Edwards 918-852-4585 or Lukiesha.Edwards@creoks.org
- Weatherford: Kayla Hartford 405-226-1036 or Mariah Herrera 405-439-9443
New Sibshops facilitators and volunteers are needed! Contact us if you are interested!
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.