Families With Food Allergies (FWFA)

 

TEENS (Ages 12-19) You are invited to come! FREE and Walk-ins Welcomed!

The first meeting is November 14th after school from 4-5 p.m. and see also schedule of upcoming meetings in the Support Groups page.

You are not alone but among new and old friends. Come and learn what might make your life as a teen with food allergies easier. Great minds working together can come up with even better ideas than dealing with this alone. When we share ideas that work for others we can have extra time to just have fun. We can build on food allergy coping insights, share in social and recreational sports, and have whatever exercise opportunities that the group decides. Everything will be decided by a vote. A true team approach. We can create a group that is what individual teens want for support and FUN. We all need more safe fun in life. The philosophy of the facilitator is "We are all about empowering the teen!"  Mary Ann Colegrove invites you to join as a Charter Member of the Teen Group (name to be decided by you!)  These will be "Simple yet fun meetings," she said.  "Only healthy drinks provided. Individuals encouraged to bring their own snacks and not encouraged to share foods other than recipe ideas. We want to create an environment that the food is NOT the reason we are getting together. Sometimes the teen may be interested in an environment where snacks are not around. Of course if teens are hungry then bring food with you but try to avoid the allergens that other teens are avoiding in the group." Colegrove said that a teen will be nominated by the group to be a co-facilitator.  These meetings will discuss daily living ideas with other teens with food allergies including dating issues. Those without food allergies are welcomed to come, if they are trying to learn more how to support their friend. If other family members want to join in, permission by that teen required.  The adult facilitator will be available to talk and meet with families ahead of time and family members could meet in a room close by.  "We want to foster an environment where teens WANT to openly talk," said Colegrove.   Colegrove comes to us from New York and has participated in many food allergy support groups.  She brings with her expertise and personal experience in coping with severe food allergies. The agenda is as follows: Facilitator introduction Discuss restaurants, companies and food products that seem to better understand food allergies, keeping it positive and discussing those that "get it" and not long discussions over those who don't Guest speaker as appropriate and only voted on by the group. (Topics to consider discussed at first meeting.) Food allergies in the news Ideas and personal experiences (no medical suggestions to be shared as we all remember we are individuals with individual medical needs. Only your physician and family can help with your medical needs, but we can share possible ideas and solutions.) Help with developing own PERSONALIZED PLAN (with family and physician's permission) such as care plans, label reading cards, Chef cards and anything that will empower the teen to start managing safe food allergy care. (Sample plans/cards will be available but emphasis on personalized cards for the individual.) Teen discussions, planning future activities Planning next meeting and possible alternative locations Note from web designer - Hey TEENS - Check out our Just For Fun section for games!  Give us your suggestions and contact us using the Contact Us information.

	P.O.B. 185, 1320 East Highland Road, Macedonia, Ohio 44056	(330) 405-8708
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