1. “I’m feeling overwhelmed in caring for my child” “Why me?” “I need HELP”!!!

2. These are examples of questions and challenges that parents of children with special needs face every day. They are also some of the reasons why the HSC Health Care System introduced the program called: Male Caregivers Advocacy Support Group (MCAS)

3. Is a program developed and implemented by Department of Outreach Services at Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN) to specifically address the challenges and concerns of males that care for children with special needs. Male Caregivers of children with special needs are frequently an overlooked group. This program provides an oasis of relief in a stigma-free environment which encourages them to open up, express their opinions, show their feelings, and above all, to be heard. “ What is this Advocacy Support Group about?”

4. In addition to sharing information, resources and views, the Male Caregivers Advocacy Support Group features seasoned guest speakers to address topics particularly related to the care of children with special needs. Occasions to attend local, regional and national workshops and conferences provide other powerful opportunities for the caregivers to empower themselves, raise community awareness and become better advocates in their communities. I n a cooperative effort to take the Male Caregivers Advocacy Support Group one step further, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN) has partnered with the other parent groups in the Washington DC area to further enhance the skills of these caregivers. As a result of this partnership, the sense of group ownership among the members has been strengthened by implementing a shared and rotary leadership opportunity, along with a trained permanent facilitator/ leader.

5. Frequent meetings, comfort level and added services like free transportation, childcare and meals set the tone for the group’s members. Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00PM at the MLK Outreach Center located at 2124 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington DC 20020

6. Would you like to know more about the Male Caregivers Advocacy Support (MCAS) group or other support groups sponsored by Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN)? Please Contact : Cecil Doggette, Director, Outreach Services Health Services for Children With Special Needs, Inc. 2124 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020 (202)-835-2771 (Phone) (202)-580-6489 (Fax) cdoggette@hscsn.org Are you interested in attending an MCAS upcoming meeting or would you like to schedule a presentation of the Male Caregivers Advocacy Support (MCAS) group? Para información en Español favor de contactar a Jackie Vélez al 202-580-6487.