Step Right Up!

Just a reminder that our annual fundraising carnival is this Saturday from 9am-12pm! Suggested donation for admission is $5 per child. All proceeds will go directly towards sustaining the programs at Sammy's House. We have a ton of fun and accessible activities planned, including...

• Bounce house/moonwalk
• Sand art
• Crafts
• Treasure hunt
• Duck pond
• Bean bag toss
• Face painting
• Therapeutic horse-petting
• Bake sale

We'll also be selling raffle tickets for one of four prize baskets, each valued at $300 or more! Tickets are only $5 each, or $20 for a pack of 5 tickets. Here are the different prize options:

• Movie Night: Blu-ray player with movies, popcorn, candy. Value: $350
• Best of Austin: Everything you need for a gourmet picnic, including a catered dinner for 4, 2 bottles of wine, 6 VIP passes to the Zilker Hillside Theatre production of "The Sound of Music" (includes VIP parking, VIP tent access, VIP toilet access, and signed program from the cast), plus gift cards to local eateries. Value: $750
• Family Fun: Passes to the Blanton Museum, The Bob Bullock Museum, Dave & Busters, Maudie's Tex-Mex, Amy's Ice Cream, plus a $100 gift certificate to Cynthia Bloom Jewelry. Value: $300
• Kids Fun: Motorized kid's jeep, gift certificates to Inflatable Wonderland, plus fun summer toys! Value: $300

We hope to see you there!

More Parent Resources and a Reminder About our Super Fun Carnival

Being a parent can be joyful, frustrating, confusing, and enriching all at the same time! One thing everyone can agree on is that it's not always easy. To start your week off right, take a look at these parenting resources. Most of them are tailored to parents raising children with special needs, but parents of typically developing children can certainly find some good information here too.

National Parent Helpline

Call this helpline to get support from a team of advocates who can help you become a stronger parent, build greater resilience, and learn more about child development. Help is available in both English and Spanish.

How To Teach Chores to Your Special Needs Child

This article comes from the Friendship Circle blog, which has a great collection of blog entries and other resources for caregivers raising children with special needs. 

Ten Tips for Dressing a Sensory Sensitive Child

This is another helpful article from the Friendship Circle blog.

Safety for Children with Special Needs

Watch this video series from the Friendship Circle blog to learn about some safety hazards that may be relevant for your children.

Last but not least, put a big star on April 14 on your calendar, because that's when the Sammy's House spring carnival is! There's going to be a ton of fun and accessible activities for children of all abilities, as well as some truly exciting raffle prizes. The fun begins at 9am. Thanks to those of you who have already made a donation to sponsor the carnival's activities. If you're interested in sponsoring a booth or activity, contact sammyshousedev@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!