Creating a safe space for Families Like Ours to grow together
Creating a safe space for Families Like Ours to grow together
Families Like Ours strives to provide a safe and inclusive space for families to gather, learn, and grow together. We provide every resource available to special needs families in Southern Berkshire County.
Our mission is to support, encourage, and strengthen individuals and families, to achieve their full potential as members of our community and to facilitate the building of relationships between guardians who have children with developmental disabilities and other members of the community.
Families Like Ours is focused on special needs families and the daily challenges they face. Our goal is to help families gain access to all community resources available to them with the help of our staff. We strive to decrease feelings of isolation and bring people together. Our mission is to help other families like ours.
We offer a variety of program services and fun events to meet the needs of families in our community. From parenting support and support groups to high-risk case management.
Check out our up-to-date support group listings on our Facebook page.
Rania Markham, CEO and Founder of Families Like Ours is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has been an advocate for Southern Berkshire families for the past 15 years. Rania runs programs that support parents and caregivers of children with disabilities or special needs. In 2023. in recognition of her contributions, she was named “Rising Star of the Berkshires” by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Leadership Award.
In 2024, she was also awarded a "Reach for the Stars" award by the Department of Disabilities (DDS) for her selfless contributions. This same year, she also received a Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives by Smitty Pignatelli.
Rania Markham’s commitment to supporting families and children in the Southern Berkshire area is commendable, and her work continues to make a positive impact on the community.
"I started Families Like Ours to help more families like mine. We need support, we need to feel included, even if it looks a little different for our families" -Rania
Adam Markham
Ethan Benoit
Mindy Wald
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission. Our next Walk is Scheduled for April 27, 2025, from 11am-2pm at Cobble Lane in Sheffield, MA
Your contribution helps us create a stronger community by empowering families in need. Your contributions help those in need beyond imagination, your support of any donation from the smallest to the biggest is changing lives in our communities.
We would like to THANK YOU for your support.
Our programs are designed to help children develop social skills, build self-confidence, and learn new things. We are dedicated to providing support and resources for families in our community. Join us in creating a strong and connected community for families of all backgrounds and sizes. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and play no matter their abilities.
We offer a variety of programs for parents, including support groups, help filling out intake forms and connecting families to resources, and educational workshops.
Special Needs Virtual Support Group every Wednesday at 9 am
Raising a child with disabilities can be overwhelming. This weekly virtual group provides validation, resources, and the opportunity to build friendships with people who face similar challenges. This is a Families Like Ours Program, Inc.
Email Rania at Rania@familieslikeoursinc.com for the link.
We welcome volunteers of all ages to help us with our programs and events. Whether you want to mentor a child, help with fundraising, or assist with administrative tasks, we have a role for you.
We host a variety of community events throughout the year, including holiday parties, family fun days, and cultural celebrations. These events are open to everyone in the community and provide a great opportunity to connect and have fun. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page. This is where you can find the most up-to-date information. Events | Facebook
Keep an eye out for our Open House.
EVERY Wednesday at 9am. Virtual Support Group. (Open Invitation- Registration not required)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86213223074?pwd=TD7Orbnn8VvADRnpzCz71xGrLnUeTp.1
Upcoming Events:
10/26/2024 Halloween Party, Table and Treat at the Park 12pm-2pm
🎃 FLO Presents A Very Special Halloween Party (All Special Needs Families Welcome - All Ages) We will have tables to grab special treats from + Arts & Crafts tables. We will have tables to grab special treats from + Arts & Crafts tables. A pumpkin carving activity and other Arts and crafts to do. Come dressed up if you would like. A light lunch will be served. We will also have some fun spooky snacks. Registration is not required.
10/27/2024 PAB Meeting (Parent Advisory Board)
11/07/2024 FLO Special Kids, Special Diets Round Table Discussion (In person, please register) 10:30am-11:30am
11/09/2024 Paint & Sip Fundraiser. Register Here --> Families Like Ours Fundraiser @ Kellyn Bastos-Trapp (godaddy.com)
11/16/2024 CATA Art and play (Please Register) 10am-12pm
11/17/2024 A collaborative workshop with Families Like Ours, CHP/CFCE, and The Family Resource Center. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion with Kim, Rania, and other parents. Not only is reading an opportunity to expand horizons and develop literacy skills, but it also provides a time to engage with your child one-on-one, to encourage discussion and sharing. This session will focus on literacy development, how you incorporate reading into your everyday routine, and what that can mean for your family. Free pizza dinner, childcare for ages 2 and up. Address: The Family Resource Center. 141 West Ave, Great Barrington. Pre-registration only, space is limited. Email chpplaygroups@chpberkshires.org
11/21/2024 FLO Special Kids, Special Diets Round Table Discussion 11am-12pm (Virtual, please register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpc-Gprz8vGty3tpBbpYlre_bItEJ-j73n"
04/27/2025. Autism Awareness Walk 11am-1pm on Cobble Lane in Sheffield, MA Email us if you would like to be a sponsor. (Open Invitation- Registration not required)
Past Events:
07/20/2024 @ 11am-1pm CATA Art and Play Event. Ages 2-10. Location: Community Access To Arts (CATA) 420 Stockbridge Rd Suite 2, Great Barrington, MA 01230, USA (Open Invitation- Registration not required, but requested if possible)
08/11/2024, 11am-1pm, Special Needs Play & Picnic at the Park. Sheffield Town Park. 53-59 Frederic Lane, Sheffield (Open Invitation- Registration not required)
09/15/2024, 11am-1pm, Special Needs Play & Picnic at the Park. Sheffield Town Park. 53-59 Frederic Lane, Sheffield (Open Invitation- Registration not required)
09/21/2024 Our First Ever Shadow Box Event Bushnell-Sage Library. 48 Main St, Sheffield, MA 01257 (Registration is Required)
09/29/2024 PAB Meeting (Parent Advisory Board)
10/05/2024 CATA Art and play @ (Please Register) 10am-12pm
10/17/2024 CFCE Positive Parenting Solutions. Join us for an engaging discussion designed to help children develop a consistent daily routine that makes their days more predictable and manageable.
10/24/2024. Special Needs Day at Naumkeag’s Pumpkin Show in October 2024 (Event FULL)
We rely on the generosity of our community to keep our programs and services running. Your donation can help us provide support to families in need and make a positive impact in our community. The link for payments is pay.familieslikeoursinc.com
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our programs and services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you! Please reach us at rania@familieslikeoursinc.com
Families Like Ours offers support and resources to special needs individuals and their families. Think of us as a one-stop shop.
To schedule an appointment at Families Like Ours please call 413-854-3971 or send us an email at Rania@familieslikeoursinc.com. Our staff will assist you in planning a convenient time for your appointment.
Please watch our websites and Facebook page for a list of upcoming events. https://www.facebook.com/SB.FamiliesLikeOurs
We would love to hear from you.
Please call (413) 854-3971 or email us at rania@familieslikeoursinc.com for more information.
Phone: (413) 854-3971 Email: rania@familieslikeoursinc.com 140 West Avenue. Suite A7 Barrington, MA 01230 Nonprofit 501(c)3
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
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