The Monadnock Family Council supports developmentally disabled individuals living at home with family by helping the entire family unit as a whole. It is made up of caregiving family members and individuals with developmental disabilities who live independently and are served by MDS. Family Council membership is representative of the various ages, diagnoses, and geographical locations of individuals and families served in the Monadnock region.
New Hampshire has ten Family Councils; one for each of the ten Area Agencies. All are created by New Hampshire legislation to help their respective Area Agencies make decisions about how to support families. The Councils help develop a Family Support Plan and help monitor its implementation, they manage Family Support budgets, and members of Family Councils participate in hiring Family Support staff.
The Monadnock Family Council actively advocates for families in the Monadnock Region and expands the role that families play in the design and implementation of MDS services and supports for families. This group provides a forum for families to make their concerns, needs and preferences known to MDS and to its policy makers.
The Council’s budget is provided by the State for things like camp inclusion and scholarships, support groups, gatherings among families, family training, respite programs, and emergency family assistance.
Monthly Family Council meetings are open to everyone. Anyone who would like to observe or provide input is encouraged to attend.
Currently the Council meets every month from 6 to 8 p.m., alternating between Keene and Peterborough. During the pandemic, we are meeting via Zoom. Please check the MDS Events Calendar for information on upcoming meetings. All are always welcome, but please connect ahead with the chair to be sure of the place, to be informed of any last minute change or cancellation, and for us to plan food and time for business to be presented. Your transportation and child/family care can be reimbursed.
Brianna Barnes | Amanda Carter | Michelle Connor | Doug Hill | Kristin Knarr | Christine Mackensen | Steve Nelson | Linda Phelps | Lisa Steadman
121 Railroad Street
Keene, NH
603-352-1304
12 Depot Street, Suite 2A
Peterborough, NH
603-924-4203
Monadnock Development Services (MDS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer
©2023 Monadnock Development Services, Inc.
