NEW: School Advisory Toolkit
A resource to support and empower families as they communicate with school staff. To receive a copy contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org.

NEW: Adult Type 1 Toolkit
A resource to help adults with type 1 diabetes. Packet includes practical, personal information for adults at every life stage. To receive a copy, contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org.

JDRF Resource Guide
Information and resources for children and adults with insulin dependent diabetes and their families. Compiled by our Chapter’s Community Outreach Committee, this information is provided strictly as a resource. JDRF does not evaluate nor recommend specific programs, corporations, organizations, institutions, or medical care providers. To download a copy, please click here or contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org to receive a copy in the mail.

Bag of Hope
The Bag of Hope is designed to provide support and information to families with a child recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Each “kit” is packaged in a JDRF branded backpack and contains an Accu-Chek blood glucose meter, a support DVD, and a variety of books for children and their caregivers. Each bag also includes the popular Rufus the Bear. The Bag of Hope is free of charge and available only from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. To learn more, please contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org.

Networking Coffees
Social meetings for parents, caregivers and anyone with insulin-dependant diabetes. Meetings encourage dialogue about the dynamics of living with diabetes and provide a forum to connect with others impacted by the disease. To learn how you can start a Networking Coffee in your community, please contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org. Meetings are currently held in the following communities:

Farmington Hills
For More Information: Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org

Flint/Grand Blanc
For More Information: Melissa Jablonski at mjablonski@hss-mms.com or Erica Surman at disconurse@yahoo.com

Grosse Pointe
For More Information: Dawn Lubienski at 313.417.9546 or dlubienski@comcast.net

Lansing
For More Information: Tonya Sessions at tonyadiabetes@yahoo.com

Livingston County
For More Information: Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org

Ottawa Lake/Northwest Ohio
Fore More Information: Dawn Woolford at dawnwoolford@msn.com or Sharon Launder at shlaunder@yahoo.com

Rochester
For More Information: Michele Puzio at Bee4inc@aol.com

Saginaw/Bay City
For More Information: Kathy MacBride at kpdiabetes@charter.net

Friendly Listener Mentor Group
Volunteers eager to share their experience of living with type 1 diabetes and trained to help the newly diagnosed or those encountering difficult times living with diabetes. JDRF’s volunteer mentors reach out and connect with others who are in need of support, information and the resources JDRF has to offer. If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of JDRF’s Friendly Listener Mentor Group, or if you would like to speak to a Mentor, please contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org.

JDRF Education Series
Your local JDRF Chapter is committed to hosting a series of educational seminars for those impacted by diabetes. Two-hour seminars on subjects of interest to patients and families will be held in major metropolitan areas across the eastern half of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Visit this page again for more information, or contact Denise Pentescu at 248.355.1133 or dpentescu@jdrf.org.

Diabetes Today and Tomorrow Conference
Free, full-day conference held annually for children, adults and teens with insulin-dependent diabetes and their caregivers at Burton Manor in Livonia. This June 5 event features leading diabetes experts addressing research and treatment advances, exhibitors, and a “camp” designed for children with diabetes. For more information about JDRF’s 2010 conference please click here or contact JDRF at 248.355.1133 or JDRFcares@jdrf.org.

Online Resources
JDRF has developed a number of resources to help every member of the family cope with diabetes. Visit www.jdrf.org to find basic information about diabetes and its management. The site also features special sections for kids and teens with diabetes, JDRF's Online Diabetes Support Team, information on clinical trials, diabetes-related articles, links to other diabetes-related web sites, email newsletters, and Juvenation, JDRF’s social network for people with type 1 diabetes.