Founder of Putter's Support Group, Emily Bentivegna, and her daughter, Amelia, running at the Norwich Family YMCA. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – A support group for special needs families will hold its first meeting on Sunday, January 20 in an effort to open dialogue and acquaint people with available resources in the community.

Putter's Support Group was formed by Norwich resident Emily Bentivegna, with support from Family Resource Network, Springbrook, and Souther Tier Connect. Bentivegna said one of her daughters, Amelia, has battled medical issues her whole life, including blindness.

But that hasn't stopped Amelia, who in 2016 completed both the Norwich Family YMCA's Turkey Trot and Boilermakers' annual Utica National Kids' Run at just nine-years-old.

"This whole thing started because I am so engrossed in [Amelia] and the community and having her involved in so many things," said Bentivegna. "Because I have her [participating] in so much, I want to be able to help other people see what resources are available to them, because either they don't know or haven't been told."

Putter's Support Group is named after Amelia, who earned the nicknamed Putter as a young child when she wouldn't crawl but would rather putter around, said Bentivegna.

Its first meeting will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 20 at cvfree Methodist Church in Norwich, focusing on the importance of emergency preparedness for special needs families. It's free to attend, refreshments will be provided, and childcare by Family Resource Network will also be available for free at the venue.

The first meeting will cover how a special needs family can best prepare for a fire, power outage, car accident, and other emergency situations. The meeting will include a powerpoint presentation and information on how to contact local emergency responders and NYSEG to notify them that there is an individual with special needs in the family.