Family Group Night

A free monthly gathering for families on their journey with autism

"Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. It means understanding that something is what it is, and that there’s going to be a way through it." ~ Michael J. Fox

We want to hear from YOU!

Fill out our Family Group Night Survey here. Open to the public, no previous attendance necessary. Caregivers, local professionals serving the autistic population, and individuals with autism of all ages in Henderson and the surrounding counties are encouraged to submit feedback!

Family Group Night is a free monthly gathering for families on their journey with autism or other similar disabilities. This group is not diagnosis specific, and is open to families living in Henderson and surrounding counties.

The meeting will begin with a delicious family meal (dietary restrictions accommodated upon request). Afterwards, St. Gerard Center for Autism staff & volunteers provide supervision and age appropriate activities for family members in need of supportive care in a separate room. During this time, parents participate in the night’s workshop or roundtable discussion in the fellowship hall.

Please return to this page monthly for up to date information and check out our Facebook page. Family Group Night is an informal, casual setting where everyone is welcome!

Dinner begins at 5:15 PM
Age appropriate activities and supportive care are provided 5:45 – 6:30 PM
Workshop or Roundtable runs from 5:45 – 6:30 PM

Upcoming Events

THIS MONTH’S Workshop: Social Skills

Led by our very own Sharon Stokes, RBT, we will be hosting a social skills workshop for all ages, mainly focusing on helpful tools and skills for those on the spectrum, along with information for caregivers and community members to understand more about how social skills can be a challenge for someone with autism, and how to best support them!

Come and enjoy a delicious meal catered by Hendersonville Co-Op, soak up a short time of respite, and connect with others who are in different points of this journey with autism. You are not meant to do this alone!

Limited space is available; RSVP by Friday, April 24th!

What to Expect:

Location: Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28739

Date: Tuesday, April 28th – 5:15 PM -6:30 PM

Complimentary dinner from Hendersonville Co-Op; food restrictions honored upon request (menu TBA; last month was Baked Ziti and a SUPER HIT!)
Free supportive care by our SGCA staff in designated rooms near the workshop room to provide brief respite and support to parents and caregivers while they participate in the roundtable or workshop

If you have any questions about your registration, please email dawn.winter@stgerardhouse.org

Upcoming Sessions

January 27th
February 24th
March 24th
April 28th
May 26th
June 23rd
July 28th
August 25th
Sept 22nd
October 27th
November
December
Stay tuned for Transylvania County FGN Roundtable dates for Spring 2026!

This opportunity provides sponsorship recognition through family group night, and is used towards materials, the cost of food, staffing and other expenses related to Family Group Night.

Contact Sarah Newberry, Director of Development & Community Engagement at sarah.newberry@stgerardhouse.org for more information or to become a sponsor!

Family Group Night

A free monthly gathering for families on their journey with autism