Ottawa County Sibshops

Ottawa County Sibshops Sibshops are peer support groups for children who have siblings with special needs. We run monthly groups at Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland.

Contact Andréa Vugteveen for more information. amvugteveen@gmail.com or 616-460-3781.

04/07/2026

Why Sibshops?

"I keep coming because I don't have to start from scratch. People get what I'm saying without having to explain my relationship with my sib. Even when I don't want to share, I still feel seen by hearing other people's experiences."

-Sibshops participant

Send a message to learn more

We read this wonderful book with our March Sibshops group. Here is one of the book's numerous great reminders."It's imp...
04/03/2026

We read this wonderful book with our March Sibshops group. Here is one of the book's numerous great reminders.

"It's important to remember that what we can do or how we do it is not what makes us matter. You matter, just as you are, all the time."

03/20/2026

Our March Sibshops date has changed. We will meet on the 28th from 9:30-11:00am.

Contact Andréa for more information or to RSVP.

616-460-3781 or amvugteveen@gmail.com.

02/01/2026

Our February Sibshops meets this Saturday, the 7th, from 9:30-11:00am.

This group is for children ages 6-13. New sibs welcome.

Contact Andréa Vugteveen @ 616-460-3781 or amvugteveen@gmail.com to RSVP.

Send a message to learn more

The book we read and discussed at our January Sibshops.
01/18/2026

The book we read and discussed at our January Sibshops.

01/11/2026

Our January Sibshops meets this Saturday, the 17th, from 9:30-11:00am.

This group is for children ages 6-13. New sibs welcome.

Contact Andréa Vugteveen @ 616-460-3781 or amvugteveen@gmail.com to RSVP.

Send a message to learn more

Winter/Spring Sibshops!
12/29/2025

Winter/Spring Sibshops!

10/26/2025

Our November Sibshops meets on the 1st from 9:30-11:00am. This group is for children ages 6-13. New sibs welcome.

Contact Andréa Vugteveen @ 616-460-3781 or amvugteveen@gmail.com to RSVP.

Send a message to learn more

09/28/2025

Our October Sibshops meets this Saturday, the 4th, from 9:30-11:00am. This group is for children aged 6-13.

For more information or to RSVP your child, please reach out to Andréa Vugteveen @ 616-460-3781 or amvugteveen@gmail.com.

Send a message to learn more

09/05/2025

Why Sibshops?

Sibshops is helpful to me because I get to learn from other kids who have siblings with special needs. By learning from other kids, I can gain some new skills when facing challenges or conflict with my brother. Sometimes, it's hard for other people to understand what it's like to have a sibling with special needs and Sibshops makes it easy because you're with people who have the same challenges. It is just a great club, and I learn something new each time!

~Cambrin, Sibshops participant

Send a message to learn more

08/30/2025

We are excited to kick off a new Sibshops year on September 6! Our Sibshops group will meet from 9:30-11:00am at Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland.

If you have a 6-13 year old who could benefit from being in a space where they can connect with others who understand the sibling experience, please reach out to Andréaa Vugteveen to RSVP your child. 616-460-3781 or amvugteveen@gmail.com.

Send a message to learn more

08/23/2025

Do you have a child with disabilities, and a typically-developing child, age 3-to-6? Try our new SibTime app and receive $200! SibTime features stories and activities in English and Spanish for typically developing preschool siblings and their caregivers to promote bonding, understanding, and fun! Learn more: https://ori.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8pkgHg05PZy8L0W
See how SibTime supports young siblings! It's available in both English and Spanish!

English: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1097168191936911&rdid=rtQkO0MSm4D4gTTA

Spanish: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2649528048712455&rdid=H2sAOxLrmleoezoi

Address

Faith Reformed Church In Zeeland
Zeeland, MI
49464

Telephone

+16164603781

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ottawa County Sibshops posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Ottawa County Sibshops:

Shortcuts

Share

Sibshops

Sisters and brothers will likely have the longest-lasting relationship with a sibling who has special needs, one that can exceed 65 years. During their lives, they will experience the unique joys and concerns their parents do, yet few will have the chance to talk about their experiences with other siblings who “get it”.

Brothers and sisters of children with special needs now have a group that’s just for them, Sibshops. Sibshops are peer support groups that offer a safe and engaging space for siblings to be heard, understood and supported. Sibshops provide children with the opportunity to meet other sibs, have fun, talk about both the good and the sometimes hard parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn something about their siblings’ special needs and the services their brothers and sisters receive, and learn new ways to cope with the challenges of having a sibling with special needs.

Sibshops are held at Engage Therapy Center and led by Andréa Vugteveen, a trained Sibshops facilitator, who has been running Sibshops groups in Grand Rapids for the past 7 years.