California Sibling Leadership Network

04/10/2025

Sharing these important events….

03/28/2025

Join Us for a Special Screening of "Natty" – A Short Documentary Film and Q&A with the Producer

Trailer is here: https://www.thenatalieproject.org/nattyfilm

Calling all Sib supporters, please join the OregonSibs and CalifroniaSibs for a powerful virtual screening of "Natty", a short documentary that captures the inspiring and deeply personal journey of Natalie Rose Payne, a woman living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Leading up to her 40th birthday celebration, "Natty" takes us through Natalie’s life—her joyful highs, heartbreaking lows, and the resilience that defines her. Through family and friends’ testimonials, we explore Natalie’s upbringing in Walnut Creek, California, USA, and the impact she has made on those around her. The film also sheds light on the harsh reality faced by many individuals with IDD, as Natalie’s story includes surviving abuse while attending a caregiving facility—an experience that sadly mirrors the struggles of many others in the community.

Following the screening, join us for an exclusive Q&A with Natty's producer and sibling advocate, Julie Payne-Neward, as we discuss the film’s themes of love, family, and perseverance.
📅 Date: Saturday, April 12, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM PT
📍 Location: Virtual via Zoom

Don't miss this meaningful event as we come together to celebrate Natalie’s journey and advocate for greater awareness and protections for individuals with IDD.

Can't make it but want to take action? Please review and sign our petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-federal-accountability-for-publicly-funded-disability-programs-metoomvmnt

03/13/2025

Parents of preschool age Sibs, this one is for you and your kiddos! NIH-funded research to test out this new app that features high quality educational stories and activities for young siblings as well as videos, podcasts, and exercises for caregivers.

Use the QR code or follow the link in bio.

12/14/2024

Another great opportunity to participate in research about Sibs!

Courtesy repost. Seeking adults with a sibling diagnosed with severe (level 3) autism.

To express interest: ad09745p@pace.edu

12/09/2024

Research participation opportunity for Sibs!

Courtesy repost. Seeking adults age 18-65 that grew up with a neurodivergent sibling and able to reflect on their experience.

To express interest:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=If31YBj82Eu4VdWgKUvY3htXmSZZ4glBi4RIizDFdfpUMVo5TENLWVhFUDBTWDZYTFZEVEdLWUFMTi4u

12/04/2024

Join us Saturday morning for our next virtual meetup!

Our virtual meetups are a great way to connect with Sibs (the siblings of people with disabilities) to discuss the goods and bads of being a Sib. With the holiday season surrounding us, we often have family concerns too of mind, or might be preparing for some big conversations with family. Come talk with people who get it, or just listen in to know that you’re not alone.

RSVP to get the zoom link through meetup.com/californiasibs or reach out at info @ CaliforniaSibs.org.

12/01/2024

Holidays got you feeling all the feels?

Join us for a Coffee & Talk virtual meetup this Saturday December 7th at 10 am PT.

We’ll chat about how Thanksgiving went in our complicated families, and what you’re looking forward to (or dreading) about the upcoming holiday season. This is a no judgment zone filled only with other Sibs who get it!

11/19/2024

A big thank you to the National Down Syndrome Society for providing CaliforniaSibs with the opportunity to live out our values: Advocate | Inform | Support | Empower. We’re grateful to Board Member Terquoise Gwyn and Advisory Council Member Andrea for their leadership and dedication!

10/25/2024

🌟 Join Us for an Informative Session on Estate Planning with Attorney Ellen Cookman! 🌟

Saturday, November 2nd @ 10:00 am to 11:30 am via ZOOM

We’re excited to invite you to a special discussion led by Ellen Cookman of Cookman Law, dedicated to supporting families with loved ones who have disabilities. This session is a must-attend for Sibs looking to navigate important planning topics in California.

What We’ll Cover:
* Should my disabled sibling have a stand-alone or testamentary special needs trust?
* What’s the difference between a first-party and third-party special needs trust?
* When and how should my parents transfer assets into the trust?
* Who should act as the successor trustee of my sibling’s special needs trust?
* What is an ABLE account and how can we use it?

📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and get your questions answered!

Register here: https://www.meetup.com/californiasibs/events/299455347/?eventOrigin=home_next_event_you_are_hosting

We hope to see you there!
Julie, Board Member






















Cookman Law San Diego Regional Center (National City Office) Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies Alta California Regional Center Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Inland Regional Center San Diego Regional CenterCalifornia State Council on Developmental Disabilities

10/05/2024

Join the CaliforniaSibs Advisory Board!

🌟 **Be Part of Our Change!** 🌟
Are you a self-advocate, parent, professional, or sibling of someone with disabilities? We want YOU to help shape the future of CaliforniaSibs!

🗣️ **Why Join Us?**
- Share your unique experiences and perspectives.
- Collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals.
- Influence programs and initiatives that matter to you and your community.

🤝 **What We're Looking For:**
- **Self-Advocates**: Your insights are invaluable in guiding our mission.
- **Parents/Family**: Help us understand the needs and challenges families face.
- **Professionals**: Bring your expertise to enhance our initiatives.
- **Siblings**: Your experiences are crucial in creating a supportive network!

✨ **What You’ll Gain:**
- A chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership.
- The satisfaction of making a meaningful impact!

📅 **Interested?**
Apply now to become an Advisory Board Member and help us empower siblings in California!

👉 APPLY HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTP_mCwKdPsDTT2YXh3n8jBIysqx01mG8VPu7xQLSaXJ029A/viewform

Together, we can create a brighter future for siblings everywhere. Join us today!
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📣 OTHER INFORMATION & LINKS 📣

📌 FLYER ABOUT ADVISORY BOARD: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFu7V5BZ5Q/AH8udOZhqIiMvOEzLKa-Kw/view?utm_content=DAFu7V5BZ5Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

📌 FLYER ABOUT OSK PROJECT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFi69gCNQg/5OXz_2kAXAAuYDZg2pj9bw/view?utm_content=DAFi69gCNQg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

📌 FLYER ABOUT CALIFORNIASIBS: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFu7V5BZ5Q/AH8udOZhqIiMvOEzLKa-Kw/view?utm_content=DAFu7V5BZ5Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

09/29/2024

November Meet Up Announced!

Attorney Ellen Cookman and her team at Cookman Law specialize in supporting families with loved ones who have disabilities.

Please join Ms. Cookman as she discusses the fundamentals of planning, as well as topics relating to parents and siblings of disabled loved ones with Sibs in California, including the following:

· Should my disabled sibling have a stand-alone or testamentary special needs trust?
· What is the difference between a first-party and third-party
special needs trust?
· When and how should my parents transfer assets into (i.e. “fund”) the trust?
· Who should act as successor trustee of my sibling’s special needs trust?
· What is an ABLE account and how can we use it?

We hope you can join us for this informative session.

Be sure to bring your questions!

Julie, Board Member

RSVP Here: https://www.meetup.com/californiasibs/events/299455347/?slug=californiasibs&eventId=299455347

09/17/2024

Sibs in SoCal,

Bring your friends and family and join CaliforniaSibs' Board Members Terquoise Gwyn & Julie Payne Neward in supporting Sandy Feet Initiative's annual Women's Surf Film Festival in San Clemente @ Los Molinos Beer Co - a guaranteed hit every year! The fun starts at 4:00 pm with the Sip & Shop Makers Market, where you can discover unique treasures from local surf, beach, and coastal artisans while sipping on refreshing drinks. The festival continues at 7:00 pm with inspiring surf films by women filmmakers. Fuel up and enjoy the festive atmosphere with food, wine, beer, and more! Top it all off with a chance to win amazing local goodies in our epic opportunity drawings. This empowering event is a celebration of women and the beach lifestyle - you won't want to miss it!

Buy tickets here: https://www.sandyfeetoc.org/events/womens-surf-film-festival-5

About Sandy Feet: A non-profit organization in Southern California where the siblings of children with special needs, disabilities and chronic illness receive recognition and support through beach-based programs.We provide weeklong and after-school beach camps which provide a safe place for siblings to learn, have fun and meet other kids who also know what it is like to have a sibling with special needs. The safe and instructional beach events include yoga, water play such as surfing and boogie boarding, beach clean-up, and open discussion about their shared experiences!

Sibs in SoCal, Bring your friends and family and join CaliforniaSibs' Board Members Terquoise Gwyn & Julie Neward in supporting Sandy Feet's annual Women's Surf Film Festi