How Family Navigation Can Help
Accessing Resources
- Regional and state developmental disability programs and services options
- First steps in accessing county, state and federal programs (disability waivers)
- Housing options: at home, independent living, group homes, respite
- Access to networks of professionals and service providers who can serve your family’s needs
Major Life Transitions
- Prenatal advising, such as for a newborn with Down syndrome
- Birth and infancy
- Toddlers and preschoolers
- Preparing for school at various transition points
- Preparing for life after school, including job preparation and aging-related services
- Legal considerations, such as guardianship, wills and trusts
Community Support
- Support system planning for someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Peer support and family connections
- Community resource connections
- Navigating any obstacle that is preventing you from achieving your goals
Keri Pofahl
Family Navigation Specialist
Direct: 507-323-5147 Main: 507-645-8866
Download Family Navigation Brochure
Samantha Engelby
Family Navigation Specialist/Respite Coordinator
Direct: 507-850-8860 Main: 507-645-8866
Respite Events
Saturday Fun Day
A monthly program for families who care for children/adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Adults and children ages five and above with special needs who live at home with their families are welcome to join LBSA on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, games, outdoor activities and snacks.
The events are designed to provide a few hours of respite for caregivers and social interaction for participants. Pre-registration is required.
Families must complete an enrollment medical form prior to the event.
Event Details
- Held from 1 to 5 p.m. once each month at LBSA’s Oak Street Campus
- Cost is $20.00, fee waivers are available for those that qualify
- Refreshments are provided
2025 Fun Day Dates
- February 8
- March 8
- April 12
- May 10
- June 15
Parent Support Group
Join Laura Baker Services Association and Full Potential Therapy!
Are you a parent of an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities? We welcome you to join Laura Baker Services Association and Full Potential Therapy for our Parent Support Group. This is a chance for parents to connect and learn through shared experiences. In our initial meetings, discussions will focus on our participants’ wants and needs for our monthly support group meetings going forward. Please join us, as your input can help shape the future of this group!
Note: The first two meetings will be for parents only, with no dependent care available. We plan to offer dependent care in future meetings as we understand the importance of this service. Please reach out to fns@laurabaker.org and/or Jennifer@fullpotentailtherapyllc.com with questions or concerns.
Please register to help us plan for the number of attendees.
Upcoming Dates and Times
- January 28: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- February 25: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Full Potential Therapy, 1310 Bollenbacher Dr, Northfield, MN 55057
Virtual Option: We will also offer a virtual attendance option via Microsoft Teams for those who prefer to join remotely.
Meeting links
Please indicate your preference when registering.
Schedule an Appointment
Hear From One of Our Families
Additional Resources
Family Navigation Blog
See All Articles
Creating a Holiday Haven: Tips for Making the Season Brighter for Families with Disabilities
Creating a Holiday Haven: Tips for Making the Season Brighter for Families with Disabilities Is there someone special in your life with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)? The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness; however, this festive period can come with unique challenges for families… Read More
Care and Inclusion: Special Needs Group Homes
Care and Inclusion: Special Needs Group Homes At Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), we believe that every individual deserves to live in a place where they can thrive, feel safe and be embraced by a community that values them. As dedicated spaces that nurture, empower and celebrate the unique abilities… Read More
Finding the Right Group Home for Your Loved One
Transitioning your loved one with IDD to a group home can be difficult. Individual needs can vary, so it's important to find one that fits their needs. Read More
TEFRA is No Longer a Burden to Special Needs Families in Minnesota
Effective July 1, 2023, parents in Minnesota are no longer required to pay a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA) fee. Read More
Rethinking Guardianship and Supported Decision Making
Guest author Anita Raymond discusses the importance of collaboration when making guardianship decisions. Read More
A Breath of Fresh Air
Being outdoors has so many benefits for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Read about how you or your loved one can incorporate the outdoors in your weekly schedule. Read More
Employment Advice for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Tips for finding the right employment fit for people with disabilities. Read More
Respite Care: Recharge and Refresh
Respite care provides important time for caregivers to refresh and recharge. We've outlined important things to consider when seeking respite care. Read More
LBSA Partners with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to Help Individuals with IDD Find Employment
We became a Community Partner with MN DEED Vocational Rehabilitation Services. This partnership will focus on helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities create a path to meaningful employment. Read More