FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Caring for a child with intellectual, medical, behaviorial and social disabilities can be overwhelming for families. With so much focus on one child, siblings can feel left isolated or confused. 

What You Need To Know

The SibShops program creates a network of peers going through the same circumstances

The program is free to Forsyth County residents

It prepares siblings for the present and future with a disabled brother or sister

In Forsyth County, a program called SibShops is designed to be engaging, with puporseful activities that build understanding and skills children need to support their sibling with a disability. The peer support group also created a newtork of others in similar circumstances so siblings do not feel like they're alone.

Chris Gentry, director of the Family Support Network, an outreach program for the Centers of Exceptional Children, says this program does wonders for these children and helps them better navigate the future.

“Our brothers and sisters will become caregivers for their siblings, decision-makers, and they become tremendous advocates for people with disabilities as they get older," Gentry said. "We want them to have the tools and the resources they need to make that happen and in a way that’s also impactful for the community and their families."

The Family Support Network is free for families in the Forsyth County community who have children from birth to 21 years old. For information, visit the group's website.