California Sibling Leadership Network

12/03/2025

Coming up this Sunday!

California Sibs In-Person Meetup – Anaheim Packing District
Sunday, December 7 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Calling all adult siblings of people with disabilities from LA, OC, and San Diego!

Join us for a relaxed CASibs hosted SoCal meet-up to connect, share stories, and enjoy great food together.

What to Expect:
• Casual conversation and connection
• Info on CaliforniaSibs and upcoming initiatives
• Lunch/coffee/treats from the Packing District (hosted)
• A cozy Sunday with people who get it
📍 Anaheim Packing District – 440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🗓 Sunday, December 7, 2025

Peer-led by Julie Neward & Terquoise Gwyn

Carpools:
San Diego sibs — Julie is coordinating a carpool. Email Julie@CaliforniaSibs.org if interested.

Let’s close out the year with community and connection.

RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/californiasibs/events/311684032/
This is a Sib-only event.

# # # 🌟 California Sibs Meetup – Anaheim Packing District! **Sunday\, December 7th \| 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM** Calling all siblings of individuals with disabilities (Sibs) from

11/18/2025

California Sibs In Person Meetup – Anaheim Packing District!

Sunday, December 7th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Calling all adult siblings of individuals with disabilities (Sibs) from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego — it’s time to connect in person, share stories, and enjoy good food and great company!

Join us for an informal California Sibs Meetup at the Anaheim Packing District, one of Southern California’s most vibrant and delicious gathering spots. Whether you’re new to the sibling community or a long-time advocate, this is a relaxed opportunity to meet others who “get it.”

What to Expect:

Casual conversation and connection with fellow sibs
A chance to learn more about CaliforniaSibs and upcoming initiatives
Lunch, coffee, or treats (self-purchase) from one of the many eateries on site
A cozy Sunday vibe with meaningful connection and laughter
📍 Location: Anaheim Packing District – 440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🗓 Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Peer-led by Julie Neward and Terquoise Gwyn

💬 Carpool Option:
If you’re in San Diego County, Julie will be organizing a carpool — reach out if you’d like to join and ride together! (Julie@CaliforniaSibs.org)
Let’s close out the year with community, conversation, and connection.

RSVP so we can look out for you — and feel free to bring a sib friend! https://www.meetup.com/californiasibs/events/311684032/?slug=californiasibs&eventId=311684032

*Please note this is a Sib only event.

04/10/2025

Sharing these important events….

03/28/2025

Join Us for a Special Screening of "Natty" – A Short Documentary Film and Q&A with the Producer

Trailer is here: https://www.thenatalieproject.org/nattyfilm

Calling all Sib supporters, please join the OregonSibs and CalifroniaSibs for a powerful virtual screening of "Natty", a short documentary that captures the inspiring and deeply personal journey of Natalie Rose Payne, a woman living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Leading up to her 40th birthday celebration, "Natty" takes us through Natalie’s life—her joyful highs, heartbreaking lows, and the resilience that defines her. Through family and friends’ testimonials, we explore Natalie’s upbringing in Walnut Creek, California, USA, and the impact she has made on those around her. The film also sheds light on the harsh reality faced by many individuals with IDD, as Natalie’s story includes surviving abuse while attending a caregiving facility—an experience that sadly mirrors the struggles of many others in the community.

Following the screening, join us for an exclusive Q&A with Natty's producer and sibling advocate, Julie Payne-Neward, as we discuss the film’s themes of love, family, and perseverance.
📅 Date: Saturday, April 12, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM PT
📍 Location: Virtual via Zoom

Don't miss this meaningful event as we come together to celebrate Natalie’s journey and advocate for greater awareness and protections for individuals with IDD.

Can't make it but want to take action? Please review and sign our petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-federal-accountability-for-publicly-funded-disability-programs-metoomvmnt

03/13/2025

Parents of preschool age Sibs, this one is for you and your kiddos! NIH-funded research to test out this new app that features high quality educational stories and activities for young siblings as well as videos, podcasts, and exercises for caregivers.

Use the QR code or follow the link in bio.

12/14/2024

Another great opportunity to participate in research about Sibs!

Courtesy repost. Seeking adults with a sibling diagnosed with severe (level 3) autism.

To express interest: ad09745p@pace.edu

12/09/2024

Research participation opportunity for Sibs!

Courtesy repost. Seeking adults age 18-65 that grew up with a neurodivergent sibling and able to reflect on their experience.

To express interest:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=If31YBj82Eu4VdWgKUvY3htXmSZZ4glBi4RIizDFdfpUMVo5TENLWVhFUDBTWDZYTFZEVEdLWUFMTi4u

12/04/2024

Join us Saturday morning for our next virtual meetup!

Our virtual meetups are a great way to connect with Sibs (the siblings of people with disabilities) to discuss the goods and bads of being a Sib. With the holiday season surrounding us, we often have family concerns too of mind, or might be preparing for some big conversations with family. Come talk with people who get it, or just listen in to know that you’re not alone.

RSVP to get the zoom link through meetup.com/californiasibs or reach out at info @ CaliforniaSibs.org.

12/01/2024

Holidays got you feeling all the feels?

Join us for a Coffee & Talk virtual meetup this Saturday December 7th at 10 am PT.

We’ll chat about how Thanksgiving went in our complicated families, and what you’re looking forward to (or dreading) about the upcoming holiday season. This is a no judgment zone filled only with other Sibs who get it!

11/19/2024

A big thank you to the National Down Syndrome Society for providing CaliforniaSibs with the opportunity to live out our values: Advocate | Inform | Support | Empower. We’re grateful to Board Member Terquoise Gwyn and Advisory Council Member Andrea for their leadership and dedication!

10/25/2024

🌟 Join Us for an Informative Session on Estate Planning with Attorney Ellen Cookman! 🌟

Saturday, November 2nd @ 10:00 am to 11:30 am via ZOOM

We’re excited to invite you to a special discussion led by Ellen Cookman of Cookman Law, dedicated to supporting families with loved ones who have disabilities. This session is a must-attend for Sibs looking to navigate important planning topics in California.

What We’ll Cover:
* Should my disabled sibling have a stand-alone or testamentary special needs trust?
* What’s the difference between a first-party and third-party special needs trust?
* When and how should my parents transfer assets into the trust?
* Who should act as the successor trustee of my sibling’s special needs trust?
* What is an ABLE account and how can we use it?

📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and get your questions answered!

Register here: https://www.meetup.com/californiasibs/events/299455347/?eventOrigin=home_next_event_you_are_hosting

We hope to see you there!
Julie, Board Member






















Cookman Law San Diego Regional Center (National City Office) Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies Alta California Regional Center Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Inland Regional Center San Diego Regional CenterCalifornia State Council on Developmental Disabilities

10/05/2024

Join the CaliforniaSibs Advisory Board!

🌟 **Be Part of Our Change!** 🌟
Are you a self-advocate, parent, professional, or sibling of someone with disabilities? We want YOU to help shape the future of CaliforniaSibs!

🗣️ **Why Join Us?**
- Share your unique experiences and perspectives.
- Collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals.
- Influence programs and initiatives that matter to you and your community.

🤝 **What We're Looking For:**
- **Self-Advocates**: Your insights are invaluable in guiding our mission.
- **Parents/Family**: Help us understand the needs and challenges families face.
- **Professionals**: Bring your expertise to enhance our initiatives.
- **Siblings**: Your experiences are crucial in creating a supportive network!

✨ **What You’ll Gain:**
- A chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership.
- The satisfaction of making a meaningful impact!

📅 **Interested?**
Apply now to become an Advisory Board Member and help us empower siblings in California!

👉 APPLY HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTP_mCwKdPsDTT2YXh3n8jBIysqx01mG8VPu7xQLSaXJ029A/viewform

Together, we can create a brighter future for siblings everywhere. Join us today!
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📣 OTHER INFORMATION & LINKS 📣

📌 FLYER ABOUT ADVISORY BOARD: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFu7V5BZ5Q/AH8udOZhqIiMvOEzLKa-Kw/view?utm_content=DAFu7V5BZ5Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

📌 FLYER ABOUT OSK PROJECT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFi69gCNQg/5OXz_2kAXAAuYDZg2pj9bw/view?utm_content=DAFi69gCNQg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

📌 FLYER ABOUT CALIFORNIASIBS: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFu7V5BZ5Q/AH8udOZhqIiMvOEzLKa-Kw/view?utm_content=DAFu7V5BZ5Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor