HOPE CONFERENCE

Join Us for the very first HOPE Conference!

We’re thrilled to invite you to Together We Care’s inaugural HOPE Conference—a one-day experience created specifically for parents navigating the special needs journey.

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This empowering event will provide encouragement, clarity, and practical resources to help you feel equipped for every stage of parenting a child or adult with special needs. 

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Whether you’re just beginning the journey with an early diagnosis, navigating the school years, preparing for transition into adulthood, or supporting your loved one in adult life, this conference offers something for everyone.

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Schedule:

8:00 - Doors open, Browse Exhibitors

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9:30 - Keynote Session by Jillian Palmiotto - Navigating the Roadmap of Resources

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10:30 - Breakout 1 

• Understanding Babies Can't Wait and Childcare Options - Karen Lewis, Babies Can't Wait 

• School Advocacy in Elementary School - Elysa Greenwald, Together We Advocate Program Director 

• Understanding Disabilities and Hormones in Middle School Children - Richard LaFleur, University of West Georgia 

• Navigating Transition from High School to Adult Supports - Kim Weinreb, Together We Navigate Program Director

• Navigating Complex Benefits Systems - Anna Maki, Bobby Dodd Institute 

 

 11:30 - Breakout 2

• Early intervention Services - Jillian Palmiotto, Executive Director, Together We Care and Together We Plan Program Director 

• Understanding Family Support Funds - Elizabeth Newman, Together We Support Program Director 

• Understanding Vocational Support Services - Rena Roper and Kimberly Lewis, Ga Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• Understanding Social Security Income for Adults with Disabilities - Anna Maki, Bobby Dodd Institute

• Parents and Policy - Charlie Miller, Ga Council for Developmental Disabilities

 

12:30 - 1:30 - Lunch (Included in the cost of your ticket)  

 

1:30 - Breakout 3

• Understanding and Applying for Katie Beckett - Jami Stocks, Together We Apply Program Director 

• Balancing your Life in the Middle School Years - Jillian Palmiotto, Executive Director, Together We Care and Together We Plan Program Director 

• School Advocacy in the Middle and High School Years - Elysa Greenwald, Together We Advocate Program Director 

• Understanding the NOW/COMP waiver - Elizabeth Newman, Together We Support Program Director  

• Parents and Policy - Charlie Miller, Ga Council for Developmental Disabilities

 

2:30 - Breakout 4 

• Pre-k and Childcare Options - Jillian Palmiotto, Executive Director, Together We Care and Together We Plan Program Director 

• Building a Care Team - Elizabeth Newman, Together We Support Program Director 

• Understanding School Transition Programs - Angel Snider, Paulding County Transition Academy Specialist 

• Financial Planning for Long-Term Care - Craig and JT Snyder, Thrivent Financial