Metro East Special Needs Connection

Welcome to Metro East Special Needs Connection!

This is a social and support community for parents and caregivers raising children and young adults with disabilities and special needs across the Metro East. ADHD, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, learning differences, or something you're still figuring out: you belong here.

Sometimes you need information. Sometimes you need another parent who gets it. And sometimes you just need to get out of the house, eat, laugh, and have some fun. That's what this community is for.

Everyone Is Welcome
Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians, foster and adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and anyone else raising a child or young adult with a disability or special need. Every family looks different, and every family is welcome here, whatever your background, culture, or family structure.

You don't have to belong to any program or organization to join. And you never have to share a diagnosis or your family's story to belong.

What We Do
Pick the gatherings that fit your life. Skip the ones that don't.

Some gatherings are for the whole family, and some are just for the grown-ups. When kids are invited, we have extra trained adults on hand so you can relax, connect, and take a little break.

Moms Need a Break
A gathering for moms and women who are the primary female caregiver in their family.

Dads' Man Cave
A gathering for dads and men who are the primary male caregiver in their family.

Coffee & Connection Brunch
Our anchor gathering. Enjoy a free brunch and connect with other Metro East parents while your children enjoy supervised activities nearby.

Family Social Night
Welcome to Metro East Special Needs Connection!

This is a social and support community for parents and caregivers raising children and young adults with disabilities and special needs across the Metro East. ADHD, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, learning differences, or something you're still figuring out: you belong here.

Sometimes you need information. Sometimes you need another parent who gets it. And sometimes you just need to get out of the house, eat, laugh, and have some fun. That's what this community is for.

Everyone Is Welcome
Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians, foster and adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and anyone else raising a child or young adult with a disability or special need. Every family looks different, and every family is welcome here, whatever your background, culture, or family structure.

You don't have to belong to any program or organization to join. And you never have to share a diagnosis or your family's story to belong.

What We Do
Pick the gatherings that fit your life. Skip the ones that don't.

Some gatherings are for the whole family, and some are just for the grown-ups. When kids are invited, we have extra trained adults on hand so you can relax, connect, and take a little break.
Welcome to Metro East Special Needs Connection!

This is a social and support community for parents and caregivers raising children and young adults with disabilities and special needs across the Metro East.

ADHD, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, learning differences, or something you're still figuring out: you belong here.

Sometimes you need information. Sometimes you need another parent who gets it. And sometimes you just need to get out of the house, eat, laugh, and have some fun. That's what this community is for.

Everyone Is Welcome
Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians, foster and adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and anyone else raising a child or young adult with a disability or special need are welcome.

Every family looks different, and every family is welcome here, whatever your background, culture, or family structure.

You don't have to belong to any program or organization to join. You also never have to share a diagnosis or your family's story to belong.

What We Do
Pick the gatherings that fit your life. Skip the ones that don't.

Some gatherings are for the whole family, and some are just for the grown-ups. When children are invited, we may have additional trained adults and volunteers available to support activities so parents and caregivers have more opportunities to relax and connect.

Moms Need a Break
A gathering for moms and women who are the primary female caregiver in their family.

Dads' Man Cave
A gathering for dads and men who are the primary male caregiver in their family.

Coffee & Connection Brunch
Our anchor gathering. Enjoy a free brunch and connect with other Metro East parents while your children enjoy supervised activities nearby.

Family Social Night
Food, music, games, art activities, and time to connect with other families at our Belleville community space.

Metro East Outings
Monthly get-togethers around the Metro East, including bowling, brunch, dinner, community events, seasonal activities, and other local outings.

Pathways Circle Dance Party
Once a quarter, we turn up the music and have fun together.

Parent Resource Nights
Occasional casual sessions such as IEP Questions Over Coffee, along with opportunities to learn about Southern Illinois Pathways parent groups, workshops, advocacy resources, and family support.

Where We Meet
Our regular gatherings are based in Belleville, Illinois, with outings throughout the Metro East, including St. Clair County, Madison County, St. Louis, and surrounding communities.

If you're willing to make the drive to join us, you're welcome here too.

About RSVPs
We plan food, activities, and additional support based on RSVPs, so please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, update your RSVP so another family can use the space.

Metro East Special Needs Connection is hosted through Pathways Circle, a community initiative of Southern Illinois Pathways and SIP Arts Foundation.Moms Need a Break
A gathering for moms and women who are the primary female caregiver in their family.

Dads' Man Cave
A gathering for dads and men who are the primary male caregiver in their family.

Coffee & Connection Brunch
Our anchor gathering. Enjoy a free brunch and connect with other Metro East parents while your children enjoy supervised activities nearby.

Family Social Night
Food, music, games, art activities, and time to connect with other families at our Belleville community space.

Metro East Outings
Monthly get-togethers around the Metro East, including bowling, brunch, dinner, community events, seasonal activities, and other local outings.

Pathways Circle Dance Party
Once a quarter, we turn up the music and have fun together.

Parent Resource Nights
Occasional casual sessions such as IEP Questions Over Coffee, plus opportunities to learn about Southern Illinois Pathways parent groups, workshops, advocacy resources, and family support.

Where We Meet
Our regular gatherings are based in Belleville, Illinois, with outings throughout the Metro East and St. Louis, including St. Clair County, Madison County, and surrounding communities. If you're willing to drive to us, we welcome you with open arms!

About RSVPs
We plan food and supervised activities based on RSVPs, so please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, update your RSVP so another family can use the space.

Metro East Special Needs Connection is hosted through Pathways Circle, a community initiative of Southern Illinois Pathways and SIP Arts Foundation.ood, music, games, art activities, and time to connect with other families at our Belleville community space.

Metro East Outings
Monthly get-togethers around the Metro East, including bowling, brunch, dinner, community events, seasonal activities, and other local outings.

Pathways Circle Dance Party
Once a quarter, we turn up the music and have fun together.

Parent Resource Nights
Occasional casual sessions such as IEP Questions Over Coffee, plus opportunities to learn about Southern Illinois Pathways parent groups, workshops, advocacy resources, and family support.

Where We Meet
Our regular gatherings are based in Belleville, Illinois, with outings throughout the Metro East, including St. Clair County, Madison County, Saint Louis, and surrounding communities. ( If you are willing to drive to us, we welcome you with open arms)

About RSVPs
We plan food and supervised activities based on RSVPs, so please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, update your RSVP so another family can use the space.

Metro East Special Needs Connection is hosted through Southern Illinois Pathways a project of SIP Arts Foundation, Inc