Stardust Support Groups
A night out for mothers of children with special needs
Some me time for the hardworking mothers out there
Stardust groups were created to give mothers a break from the daily grind, and an opportunity to gain invaluable tips and moral support from others dealing with similar challenges.
The groups are divided by both location and diagnosis so parents can find one that fits their situation. Each event begins with a program that’s uplifting, inspiring, or entertaining — and often all of the above. The women then bond over shared experiences, exchanging notes on effective interventions, school options, and more.
A little evening escape can be just what the doctor ordered for mothers of children with special needs — participants feel energized and rejuvenated when they attend a Stardust event. It’s the camaraderie, along with the satisfaction of being there for others on the same journey, that gives them the spirit to carry on.
Who is eligible?
Mothers of children with disabilities who live in NYC or Nassau County, and are receiving services through Hamaspik, may request to join a group. If you do not receive a personal invitation to an event, please reach out to your coordinator to request an invite. If you were not assigned a coordinator yet, please call the intake department at ext 156.
This is a complimentary service of Hamaspik of Kings County.
You’ll be glad to know
- Groups include, but are not limited to, mothers dealing with: Down syndrome, mainstreamed children with OPWDD diagnoses, high-functioning autism, medical and genetic diagnoses, spina bifida/cerebral palsy, low-functioning diagnoses. Parents of very young children and parents of adults with special needs appreciate the specific age-based groups. Many of these categories have groups in more than one location.
- Group leaders are trained to facilitate sharing and are knowledgeable about available resources.
Stardust participants share their gratitude:
“Thank you so much for the beautiful event last night! As a mother of special-needs children, networking with other mothers is so important, both physically and emotionally. I’ve learned some of the most important tips regarding my children's care at these gatherings. It was so beautiful, warm, and homey — please keep them coming!”
"Life is so busy and demanding with so many responsibilities. It is so good to know that there's a place for me to go out and just be — to have people listen to me, and hear that other people's lives are just as ‘normal’ as mine is.”
“I come home from the warm, supportive environment of my Stardust group on a high. It fills me with such chizuk, that I am even able to thank Hashem for my ‘little pekel.’”
The heart behind the service
Chayala Teitelbaum
“Stardust is like a family. Even those lucky enough to have a big, supportive family find that support from others in the same boat is vital.”
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You're doing all you can — and yet you always feel like you're failing someone.
Watching your other children navigate their sibling’s challenges can leave you feeling sad or helpless. This guide by Dr. Sora Yaroslowitz — a parenting expert, and herself the mother of a child with special needs — gives you tested tools to ease resentment and strengthen siblings' connection.
You’ll discover:
• How to respond when a child asks, “Can’t we just be normal?” (and the exact words to help ease their frustration)
• The common mistake parents make when trying to “make it up” to siblings (and what actually works instead)
• Ways to help siblings move from frustration to empathy (illustrated by a powerful real sibling story)
