Library Hosts New Resource for Special Needs Families

COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Department of Human Services presented the county library with a new collection of books and DVDs about parenting children with special needs Oct. 17.
More than 100 items featuring topics such as ADHD, eating disorders, autism, Tourette syndrome, conduct disorders and other challenges in young children and teens are covered in the collection.
After receiving a grant from the state Department of Children and Families that would have provided a salaried employee, the county opted to absorb administrative tasks amongst current employees, instead providing parents and families with a free and accessible resource to share at the county library branch.
The department worked with Atlantic-Cape Family Support Organization (FSO) to identify appropriate material, allowing parents who participate in FSO support groups to choose the topics and titles.
In a news release Freeholder Gerald Thornton said, “These families were the best source of what reading material would be beneficial to them and other parents. The Internet is not accessible to everyone and now these folks have an opportunity right here in Cape May County to get the latest information. Raising a child with special needs is an overwhelming task. I respect these parents tremendously.”
“We were happy to help,” said Laura Gabriel, interim executive director, FSO. “When you have a child with special needs you really need to read and learn as much as you can about the condition and the effective strategies that can improve the situation. This gives our parents another place to go to gain that knowledge. Our parents strive every day to help their children succeed in school and in life by understanding their condition.”
The new books and DVDs will be added to general stacks at the county branch on Me-chanic Street in Court House.
For more information about the Atlantic Cape Family Support Organization (FSO) contact (609) 485-0575.