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Sankofa National Family Response Directory

The Sankofa Parent Support Group at UC Davis is a social network for parents and caregivers of Black children with disabilities. Our goal is to empower parents to become strong advocates for the needs of their child.

We are putting together a national Black provider directory for families raising children with Developmental Disabilities.

About

What is Sankofa?

The word Sankofa comes from an African language which means “go back and fetch it” which is significant to the mission and purpose of the group which is to take information and resources we learn back to people in the community. Sankofa was founded in 2015 in order to meet the unique needs of parents of Black children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Since our inception, Sankofa has supported the needs of the parents by providing advocacy and resources that have increased awareness of developmental disabilities at the community level.

Topics Covered in Past Support Group Meetings:

Covered in Past Support Group Meetings:

Knowing parental rights.
Understanding Behavioral Intervention Plans.
Understanding Special Education laws.
Advocating for Assistive Technology.
Balancing personal mental health with parenting.
And much more.

We meet every month and this meeting is a free event! Dinner and childcare will be provided. RSVP is encouraged but not required to attend meetings.

Goals and Objectives:

To host monthly support group meetings to bring under-resourced communities into the MIND.
To provide culturally relevant and sensitive trainings.
To engage in strategic outreach events.
To foster partnerships with cultural stakeholder agencies and organizations for future collaboration and information sharing.
To provide space for intentional and purposeful planning and networking for families.
To eradicate the stigma associated with disability in the Black community and promote inclusion.

Facilitators:

Ms. Elizabeth Morgan

Community Education Specialist

Ms. Benita Shaw

Licensed Psychologist

Partnerships

Growing Together

How can you help?

PARTNER

Share time, expertise, information, and resources with Sankofa facilitators and potentially share with the group.

Help distribute the word about our group and be an ambassador as to the importance of having culturally relevant support groups for families in underserved communities.

Programs and Services

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Resources for parents and caregivers

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Meetings

Upcoming meetings

There are currently no upcoming meetings scheduled. Please check back soon for updates!

Past meetings

Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu shares her experience as an autistic person of color

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, MA (she/they) is a global advocate, educator, disabled person of color, non-binary woman, and parent in a neurodiverse, multicultural, twice-exceptional serodifferent biological and adoptive family. A...

Resources

Resources are a great way to learn more information about mental health care, regional centers, education, and more. Please click the button below to see the list of resources we have compiled. Not seeing a resource you need? Email Dr. Jazmin Burns at drjazminburns@gmail.com to request resource support.

Testimonials

My confidence level for creating opportunity for my family is continually increasing. By taking the initiative to access services and supports for positive lifestyle changes, I have become a strong advocate for my children..

Participating in the Sankofa group was a very positive and rewarding experience for me. As an African American woman about to start her career in Psychology, it was eye-opening to see and hear the everyday struggles African American families go through. The stories and information I heard throughout my time in the group continue to motivate me to provide for families who have children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Everyone in the group was so kind and I left the group feeling like we were all family. There's such a genuine want and desire to help one another that it's contagious. I HIGHLY recommend that LEND trainees participate in this group!!

The Sankofa Group to me in three words: Support, Safety, and Resources for us.

The Sankofa Parent Support Group is dedicated to bringing together parents and caregivers of Black children with disabilities in a compassionate and uplifting environment. By joining our supportive group, you’ll gain access to valuable resources, expert advice, and a network of families who share similar experiences and understand your unique challenges.

Sankofa National Family Response Directory

About

What is Sankofa?

Topics Covered in Past Support Group Meetings:

Goals and Objectives:

Facilitators:

Ms. Elizabeth Morgan

Community Education Specialist

Ms. Benita Shaw

Licensed Psychologist

Partnerships

Growing Together

PARTNER

SHARE

Programs and Services

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Resources for parents and caregivers

Etiam lobortis

Meetings

Upcoming meetings

Past meetings

Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu shares her experience as an autistic person of color

Resources

Testimonials

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