About Families Like Ours Support Center
Our Mission
Families Like Our's 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. Our mission is about more than just support—it’s about empowerment. We help families feel seen, heard, and equipped to face the unique challenges of raising children with special needs. Our programs provide not only practical assistance but also foster resilience, encouraging families to approach each day with renewed confidence. Families who join Families Like Ours gain essential resources, compassionate support, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of hope and belonging within a community that understands and celebrates their journeys.
About us
Families Like Ours is here to support families of individuals with special needs in Berkshire County by addressing the daily challenges they face. We help connect families with community resources through our dedicated staff. Our goal is to reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of unity among families. By doing so, we aim to make a positive difference and empower families like ours. As Margaret Mead once said, 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'"
Our Programs
We offer a variety of programs, services, and fun events to support families in our community. From parenting support and support groups to case consulting, resource connections, and educational reviews, we’ve got something for everyone. Families can enjoy activities like playdates, picnics in the park, fathers' nights out, CATA Art and Tea Parties, educational chats with providers, and fun community outings. Our goal is to bring families together in a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can connect and enjoy each other's company.
Our Support Groups
Check out our up-to-date support group listings on our Facebook page.
Rania Markham, MSW, LCSW
Rania Markham, Executive Director 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
2025 Autism Awareness Walk & Resource Fair
Thank you to Our Corporate Sponsors
Support Families Like Ours Mission
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. The link for donations is pay.familieslikeoursinc.com
Families Like Ours Programs & Additional Information
Programs for Children
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.
Keep an eye out for
training opportunities.
Support for Parents
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 Thursday at 11 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.
Donation Opportunities
Donation Opportunities
Families Like Ours started with just a handful of families meeting on weekends. Thanks to your support, we’ve grown into a vital community offering connection, understanding, and hope. Every new family strengthens us with their stories of resilience and courage. Your generosity turned a simple idea into a thriving support network. To keep us going, please visit pay.familieslikeoursinc.com.
Contact Us
2025 Halloween Custome Exchange
Donation Opportunities
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
call 413-854-3971
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
In the Paper
2025 Halloween Custome Exchange
2025 Halloween Custome Exchange
For parents of kids with autism, help is here. BY HEATHER B ELLOW The Berkshire Eagle
https://tinyurl.com/Berkshire-Eagle-Rania-Markham
GREAT BARRINGTON — Rania Markham knows what it’s like to feel isolated, to stop going places with a child, to not know what to do. She knows so well how parents, siblings and families struggle to cope when a child among them is diagnosed with autism, genetic disorders and/or various other developmental disabilities that make them extra- sensitive or affect their behavior in other ways.......
2025 Halloween Custome Exchange
2025 Halloween Custome Exchange
2025 Halloween Custome Exchange
October 11, 2025
10am -2pm
Families Like Ours will host a Halloween costume exchange for all of Berkshire County. We have collected over 150 used customers and hope to have over 300 costumes for all kids to pick from for free. If you would like to donate costumes please reach out to us for pick-up times and a list of where our collection boxes are located.
Hosting us is The Family Resource Center (CSO) located at 141 West Ave, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Forms We Help With
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassador
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassador
Free Services Offered
Do you need help applying for special needs services or filling out resource forms?
DDS- Department of Disability Forms
Assessments from Shriners, Boston Children's Hospital and Pediatrics
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Connection to Resources in Our Community
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassador
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassador
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassador
How It Works
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassadors. HOW IT WORKS
Pass the Bricks has a simple process. We collect used LEGO bricks, sanitize and sort them, design “new” sets, and distribute them to kids whose families cannot afford them. To donate your Legos, please contact us at Rania@familieslikeoursinc.com
Education Advocacy and Case Reviews
**New** We are now Pass the Bricks Ambassador
Education Advocacy and Case Reviews
Our Rates
Individual Education Programs (IEPs) & 504 Accomdiations can feel impossible to understand. It is okay to be scared and not have all the answers.
Through Zoom case management meetings, we hope to foster independence and empower guardians to understand the process and advocate for their student's needs.
Our current rate is $60.00 an hour for case review. Most cases require a two-hour minimum. If you cannot afford this fee, the Department of Disability (DDS) may be able to assist. Please contact us if you do not have DDS services or need assistance signing up.
Our Partners
