Oregon Family Support Network

10/21/2026

Halloween can be a wonderful time of the year, with the leaves changing, the weather cooling, and spooky decorations out. How do we make sure everyone feels included in Halloween?

Kids who have sensory issues may be nervous about the spookiness and feel left out. What steps can parents take to help ensure everyone can join the holiday festivities?

Embrace Sensory Needs:
If you have a child who doesn’t like loud noises or flashing lights, consider trick-or-treating during the daytime or going to a local trunk-or-treat or downtown event. If they want to trick-or-treat at night, consider using noise-canceling headphones or check in with them and take breaks as needed.

Practice Run:
Do a couple of practice runs with your kids, family, and friends before the big night. Getting children comfortable beforehand will give them confidence to enjoy Halloween night.

Take Your Time:
Be positive and allow yourself and your child to take time to navigate the events and the holiday festivities. Let the child lead with what they feel ready to do, and don’t pressure them into activities they’re not ready for, or that would make them feel uneasy.

Embrace the holiday. Halloween is a time that everyone should be able to enjoy. There is no need to experience the scares if that’s not what your child enjoys or wants. Part of the fun of Halloween is sharing the experience with others.

10/21/2026

Learn more about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan.

What changes are coming to the Oregon Health Plan in 2027?
Join us on October 29 for a free online Lunch & Learn where you'll hear directly from the Oregon Health Authority and learn about upcoming Oregon Health Plan changes, what they could mean for members, and how to stay informed.

By attending, you'll learn:
• What changes are coming to the Oregon Health Plan starting in 2027
• What steps you can take to prepare and stay informed
🗓 October 29, 2026
⏰ 12:00-1:30 p.m.
💻 Online Event
Register: bit.ly/WHCLunchLearn

10/17/2026

You’ve made it halfway through the month! It’s a good time to take a moment to look at what you achieved and keep moving forward. Do you feel like you need a moment?

Our Parent Warmline is a free resource for parents and caregivers seeking a safe, supportive space to talk through challenges, concerns, or everyday parenting experiences. When you call, text, or chat, you'll connect with someone who understands because they've been there too.

If you need a moment, our Parent Warmline is available M-F 10am-4pm. So if you feel you’re holding too much right now, call 1-833-732-2467 to connect with someone who understands. You are not alone, and you do not have to carry everything by yourself. Sometimes one supportive conversation can make all the difference.

10/16/2026

Our hearts are with the Bend community following yesterday’s school shooting.

For students, families, educators, and everyone affected, we know that an event like this can leave feelings of fear, grief, uncertainty, and questions that are difficult to answer.

At Oregon Family Support Network, we believe no family should have to navigate difficult moments alone. We also know that children and young people may process frightening events in different ways. Some may want to talk, others may need quiet reassurance, and many will simply need to know that the adults in their lives are there to listen, comfort, and support them.

To the families and educators in Bend, we stand with you. We are holding your community close and hoping for healing, connection, and care in the days ahead.

If your family needs someone to talk to, our Parent Warmline (1-833-732-2467) is here to offer compassionate, nonjudgmental peer support.

You are not alone. We are here for you.

💚 Oregon Family Support

10/16/2026

It’s National Book Month!

Reading has been shown to help reduce stress, improve sleep, strengthen cognitive functioning, and enhance emotional intelligence.

So take a moment today to visit your local bookstore or library and get some books. We are heading into the colder, rainy season, and what better way to enjoy it than cuddling up with your kids and reading together!

10/16/2026

Halloween can be a time of trick-or-treating, sugar, and spooky costumes. This can be overwhelming for some children, and some kids might struggle with separating imaginary monsters from reality.

How can parents ensure their children enjoy the holiday without being scared or having a meltdown?

Preview the Houses Before
Walking around the neighborhood your child wants to trick-or-treat in can give your child an idea of what some of the spooky decorations look like and help them see the difference during the day.

Have a Plan for Trick-or-Treating
Whether it’s your kid’s first time trick-or-treating or they are just nervous about going out, it can be helpful to go to a couple of doors with your kid, saying Trick-or-Treat together. This can help them build the confidence to approach the next houses on their own.

The Right Costume
For kids who have sensory issues, it can be difficult for them to wear a costume, but they still want to participate in trick-or-treating. Communicating with neighbors ahead of time that your child has a sensory issue but still wants to participate in the holiday tradition can help your child feel more comfortable.

In some cases, kids may have issues with the unwanted attention their costume can bring. To help them overcome this fear, let them take the lead on picking out their own costume, and let them know it looks great to help build up their confidence and overcome their fears.

Checking in with your child throughout the night is a good way to make sure they’re still having fun and enjoying the holiday. If they are feeling overwhelmed or done for the night, it’s best to end on a positive note rather than trying to finish the whole neighborhood.

10/15/2026

It’s OCD Awareness Week!

This week is about raising awareness of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), educating and informing the public about OCD, and supporting those affected by it.

OCD is often misunderstood and can lead to negative stigmas and delayed treatment. By raising awareness, we can help individuals recognize the symptoms and get the help they need to improve their daily and mental well-being.

To learn more and help be part of the solution, visit: Be part of the solution and learn more about OCD: https://www.nami.org/types-of-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/

10/14/2026

Fall can bring the excitement of the upcoming holidays, but it can also make us anxious about the expectations of having to be present all the time.

Our Family Support Specialists at Oregon Family Support Network are here to listen, support, and help you find calm in the middle of the chaos. If you need a moment, call 1-833-732-2467 to connect with someone who has been there and understands.

Don’t wait to reach out. Sometimes, one conversation can make all the difference.

10/14/2026

What is Parents as Teachers? They help families build confidence, strengthen parent-child relationships, and support healthy development from pregnancy through the early years.

They do this through a variety of different ways, including:

Evidence-Based Home Visiting
The Parents as Teachers model is delivered through in-home visits by Parent Educators. These individuals are highly trained in the curriculum. Home visits are conducted in person and virtually.

Goals & Outcomes of Home Visiting Model

Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development.

Improve positive parenting practices.

Prevent child abuse and neglect.

Provide early detection of developmental delays and connections to services.

Increase school readiness & success.

Proven Method
The Parents as Teachers model is a unique combination of research, education, and empowerment. In practice, our methods are proven to help caregivers connect with their child’s early development and build a lifetime foundation for academic success.

These services are available in Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties!

To learn more and sign up, visit: https://ofsn.org/parents-as-teachers-2/

10/13/2026

The week can feel heavy with work, school, and the upcoming holidays. You don’t have to carry this all on your own.

Our Parent Warmline is a free resource for parents and caregivers seeking a safe, supportive space to talk through challenges, concerns, or everyday parenting experiences. When you call, text, or chat, you'll connect with someone who understands because they've been there too.

So if you feel you’re holding too much right now, call 1-833-732-2467 to connect with someone who understands. You are not alone, and you do not have to carry everything by yourself. Do not wait to reach out. Sometimes one supportive conversation can make all the difference.