Julia Benjamin of the Camden County Family Support Organization shared her expertise and personal experiences with parents and residents at the Orchards Family Success Center in Sicklerville on July 21.
The meeting was held in the center’s workshop room, a safe environment for candid discussions about residents’ personal challenges. A female resident whose name was not disclosed for privacy reasons expressed frustration with the lack of support and the daily challenges of raising a child with a disability.
Benjamin, who is also a parent, informed that resident of services available to help meet her child’s unique needs, some of which are provided by the support organization, and others available through outside agencies.
“We educate, meaning all the stuff that you wish you would have been able to do, or the support that you probably needed at those IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings,” she explained. “We will educate you on the rights and the things that your child is entitled to by law under special education.”
“Because if you don’t know, they’re not going to tell you,” Benjamin added. “And even if you really wanted to go back, you could file some complaints.”
Benjamin acknowledged that she could relate to the resident’s struggle and frustration, having encountered similar challenges as her son navigated his time in school.
“And if he didn’t get all of the support that he was supposed to get in school, they violated his rights,” she emphasized. “Like I said, if you don’t know, we’re here to try to tell you from start to finish.”
Benjamin shared a personal story about advocating for her son throughout his academic journey. Despite excelling academically, he was denied opportunities to play sports and was often made to sit on the bench during school games.
“I would tell him to get up and face his giants every day,” she noted. “It doesn’t matter. You know what I mean. You’re going to school to learn.”
In addition to facilitating family groups, the Camden County Family Support Organization offers youth partnerships, Grandparents and Brunch, a special-needs parent support group, a fathers’ group and a number of other services and programs.
To learn more, visit its website or call (856) 662-2600. The organization is located at 1030 Kings Highway North, Suite 210, in Cherry Hill.
