RESOURCES FOR PARENTS RAISING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
About The Program
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller.
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The Community Resource Center is a platform where local community members can collaborate and access events, services, and support for families raising children with special needs. The program's primary objective is to create a support network for parents and caregivers of children with special needs in the community. By connecting over shared experiences, the program aims to alleviate stress and solitude, empowering them to improve their quality of life for themselves, their families, and their community.
The program will enable the members to grow together, creating a symbiotic relationship enriched by human connection. Moreover, the program will also support extraordinary business owners and organizations located on the east end, which make efforts to create inclusive and supportive environments for these families.
MISSION
The mission of East End Resource Center’s online platforms and inperson meetings is to connect caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs to peer support networks, therapeutic support services, educational opportunities, and local resources available to them to improve their health, wellness, and quality of life by providing a resource of local support services and networking opportunities.
Why I Created the Program
Growing up in Southampton Town has instilled in me a profound love and appreciation for the Long Island community. The spectacular sunsets and pristine beaches are just a few of the reasons why I hold this area dear to my heart. However, due to its rural setting, accessing resources and support services can be a challenge.
As an occupational therapist, I understand that families raising children with special needs have unique strengths and face specific challenges. To assist parents in overcoming these obstacles and making local resources more accessible, I founded the East End Resource Center. My ultimate goal is that this website will have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of many families.
VISION
The program’s vision is to motivate the participants and the community toward active engagement in service development to inspire a more inclusive society. Through the empowerment of parents via networking and knowledge sharing, they will have the tools to advocate for themselves to receive, cultivate, and expand the community's knowledge of support and services to better their lives and the communities in which they live.
About Me
Cailin M. Petersen MS, OTR/L
As a licensed and registered school-based occupational therapist on the east end of Long Island, I have been nurturing the idea for this program for years. Now, I am finally bringing it to life to fulfill the Capstone Project requirement for my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree from Touro University. I am set to graduate from the program in December of 2023.
My journey started at Touro College, where I graduated in July 2021 with a BS/MS in Occupational Therapy. I then began the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program at Touro University in September 2022. This Online Community Resource Center is the result of my Capstone Project for the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program.