The group is offered through the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio and aims to support fathers with children who have developmental disabilities.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Archie was diagnosed with Down syndrome at just 5 months old, and his father, Matt Chernitsky, said he didn’t know where to turn when he was told the diagnosis.
“Knowing my son had some kind of disability, I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start,” Chernitsky said.
At the time, he found solace in a support group for fathers of children with Down Syndrome.
“It was really reassuring to see how close they were with their kids and how engaged their kids were in their activities,” Chernitsky said. “They’re just normal kids. I think that’s hard to grasp when your child is first diagnosed.”
Now Chernitsky wants to give back by starting a new support group, “Pathways for Pops,” offered through the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio, which aims to help fathers of children with developmental disabilities feel supported and accepted.
Chernitsky said the group is funded by a state grant from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and will meet monthly in different communities across Northeast Ohio.
For more information on upcoming events, please visit: Pathways for Pops – Empowering Fathers – Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio or contact Matt Chernitsky via email at [email protected].
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