I just wanted to make everyone aware of this message from the IRCA. ~Ronda

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-ircaparentgroups-l@... [mailto:owner-ircaparentgroups-l@...] On Behalf Of Pratt, Cathy L
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:08 AM
To: IRCAPARENTGROUPS-L@...
Subject: Parent Group Meetings

Next year we will not be doing the free parent group meetings that we have done in the past. With budget cuts, this is no longer feasible.   I have stretched dollars as far as they will go.   It may be time to take a break from this anyway.   In some places, attendance has been strong.  In most others, attendance has been weak.   If you have ideas or ways in which we can connect with family members and support them in a more effective and efficient manner…please send on ideas. We are looking at options to change and improve this support in the future.   I am very saddened that I have had to come to this decision.  I have enjoyed connecting with family members during these meetings. 

We will probably also be moving our newsletter over to an electronic format.  This will be a lengthy process that will take a number of years to achieve.   We will continue to do hard copies for those who need it until we can complete this transition.   Just a heads up. 

Cathy