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:
- Bethany/Oklahoma City: Jada Roberts and Ash Byrnes - Jada.Roberts@ouhealth.com
- Davenport for Foster Families: Elizabeth Moore 405-317-4050, mooreelizabeth55@yahoo.com or Jarrod Moore 405-694-8691 moorejarrod55@yahoo.com
- Norman Agape Corner: Jhoja Millan 405-651-7809
- Oklahoma City St. Marks: Kayla Gannon - 405-397-9872
- Oklahoma City Roots of Love: Pastora Almita Chavarria 405-887-6546
- Guthrie: 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.