Specialized Family Care Program

10/04/2026

Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month

What is
Functional Neurological Disorder?
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals. Physical and/or psychological risk factors can cause functional symptoms which include a variety of physical, sensory and cognitive symptoms that have yet to be explained by a recognized disease. Functional Neurological Disorders are considered to be multifactorial, which means many different risk factors can contribute to the development of the disorder. The symptoms are real and can cause impairment in quality of life that is similar to and in some aspects worse than other neurological conditions. FND occupies a grey area between psychiatry and neurology that historically has failed to gain the interest of researchers and clinicians. The prevalence and potential reversibility of functional illness have peaked new research interests. New scientific findings are influencing how patients are diagnosed, treated, and creating an overall change in attitude toward Functional Neurological Disorder patients.

https://fndhope.org/fndaware/

30/03/2026

We're looking for a Family Based Care Specialist to join our team in the Eastern Panhandle!

SFC Family Based Care Specialists work with foster family providers who welcome individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities into their homes as family members.

The Family Based Care Specialist is responsible for the quality assurance of up to 30 Specialized Family Care (SFC) provider homes throughout a particular region. The incumbent provides quality assessment support for regulatory, contract, policy and/or program activities and matters based on applicable laws, policies, and standards. Complies with existing state laws, regulations and guidelines for Medley Case Management and Specialized Family Care homes. This position will be primarily based in the Eastern Panhandle and will require frequent travel within the surrounding area.

Learn more and apply: https://cedwvu.org/about-ced/jobs/

20/03/2026

Ashley Fizer, LCSW, is a Family Based Care Specialist serving Putnam, Lincoln, and Wayne counties who started in January 2025. Ashley enjoys her position in Specialized Family Care because it's never the same day twice and there is always a chance to help someone. Her favorite part about SFC is all the amazing families she gets to work with. Previous to SFC, Ashley worked as an Adoption Specialist, Case Manager, and Therapist. In addition to SFC, Ashley is a proud Girl Scout leader and Retreat Director for TOPS. She enjoys theater, traveling, and her four cats.

18/03/2026

The WVU CED is taking part in WVU Day of Giving happening on March 25!

12/03/2026

We're excited to help kick off Developmental Disabilities Month happening this March!

This year's theme is "We're Here. Then, Now, Always." People with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, and they always will be.

The WVU CED has multiple programs that serve this community, like the Country Roads program which helps students with developmental disabilities get a real college experience, the Specialized Family Care program that places children and adults with developmental disabilities with families who welcome them into their homes, and several other clinics and services.

We also want to give a shout out to the WV Developmental Disabilities Council, which works hard to make sure West Virginians with developmental disabilities receive the services, supports, and other forms of assistance they need to exercise self-determination and achieve independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in the community.

Learn more about the WV DD Council: https://ddc.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx



WV Developmental Disabilities Council
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

02/03/2026

ThexSFC program is currently looking to hire a social worker in the Eastern Panhandle of WV.

HTTPS://wvu.taleo.net/careersection/staff/jobdetail.ftl?job=28799&tz=GMT-05%253A00&tzname=America%252New_York

Click the link provided to see the complete job description.

02/03/2026

26/02/2026

The next Virtual Speaker Series webinar is coming up on Thursday, March 12!

Join the Family to Family program as they welcome Dr. Gina Graziani, Chair of the WVU School of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs. Dr. Graziani will be discussing dental care for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

This session will include tips for managing sensory sensitivities, coordinating care with specialists, and addressing common oral health issues. Tune in from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.!

Register: https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/MvJoMFi7QTO-YEm85TkjDw #/registration

WV F2F and P4P Programs
WVU School of Dentistry

06/02/2026

Virtual Speaker Series
Planning for the Future:
Legal and Financial Tips You Can't Miss

Join us for a laid-back, virtual speaker series designed specifically for families and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs. We know that life is busy, so we’ve made this series perfect for your lunch break—short, practical, and packed with info you can actually use. Every session will cover a topic that’s top-of-mind for families, featuring expert speakers and real-life tips from other caregivers. Whether you need advice, resources, or just a little support, these sessions are here to help make your life a little easier.

Register to Attend at: https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/oxNNvQpLSKucMp5t-tHj1g #/registration

February 3, 2026 Speaker Series Info:

Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Presenter: Anna Price, Attorney at Bowles Rice LLP

Topic: Planning for the Future: Legal and Financial Tips You Can't Miss

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially for families of children with special healthcare needs. This session will break down some of the basics, including guardianship, special needs trusts, and legal vehicles to assist with the future.

What you’ll learn:

The steps to take and the resources that are available to help.
What guardian and special needs trusts are and when to use them.
How to plan for your child's future, no matter their age.

At the end of the discussion, we’ll have an open Q&A session where you can ask follow-up questions or just chat with the experts. You’ll leave feeling more connected, empowered, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

These sessions are designed to fit into your lunch break, so grab a bite, tune in, and join a community of families who understand what you’re going through. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other, one lunch break at a time!

www.cedwvu.org

30/01/2026

Attn: Families and caregivers of WV students in grades 6-12 who are deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) or visually impaired (VI).

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are hosting another week-long Discovery P.O.I.N.T. session during February 8-12, 2026. In addition to the program's hands-on career training and life skills preparation, this session will also include an adaptive ski trip sponsored by the WV Lions Club Recreation Program!

Learn more and register: https://forms.office.com/r/ZxASXYktSX
West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

27/01/2026

The WVU School of Dentistry will be offering free care to children on Friday, February 6 for Give Kids a Smile Day, part of National Children's Dental Health Month. This event will take place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the WVU Dental Clinic at the Suncrest Towne Center in Morgantown, WV.

Hosted at WVU by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Give Kids A Smile is a national dental access program developed by the American Dental Association to provide free oral health education, screenings and preventive and restorative treatment to children in need.

Limited appointments are available for children ages 1-17. To schedule an appointment, call 304-293-5831.

WVU School of Dentistry
WVU Dental Care