Lifetime Connections Program
Future Planning and Personal Support
Lifetime Connections is a unique program by First In Families of North Carolina that helps individuals with disabilities and their families plan for the future, build lasting support networks, and connect to trusted resources. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to guardianship, organizing a special needs trust, or looking for people who will walk alongside your loved one, our team is here to help you navigate it all.
Personal Networks for Real Support
Relationships That Last a Lifetime
A Personal Network is a group of people committed to helping an individual with disabilities achieve a full and connected life. These networks include family, friends, neighbors, former teachers, and others who share a desire to support the individual in ways that go beyond formal services.
With the help of a trained facilitator, we build and maintain these circles of support—ensuring the person at the center has companionship, advocacy, and trusted allies for years to come. This approach is not only relational, but practical: networks help with housing, employment, medical care, and everyday life decisions.
Sample roles personal networks play:
- Provide emotional support and connection
- Offer advice and community referrals
- Support decision-making and long-term planning
- Assist in daily life logistics and safety
- Share responsibility and reduce caregiver burnoutn
Planning for the Future
Start Small. Plan Big. Breathe Easier.
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to plan for the future of a loved one with a disability. Lifetime Connections helps families tackle that process in manageable steps—with compassion and clarity. We offer workshops, consultation, and referrals tailored to each stage of your planning journey.
We cover topics such as:
- Wills and estate planning
- Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts
- Letters of Intent
- Alternatives to guardianship (like Supported Decision-Making)
- Long-term care and financial considerations
Future Planning Checklist Highlights:
- Do you have an updated will?
- Have you named a trusted Executor or Trustee?
- Does your loved one have a Representative Payee or Power of Attorney?
- Have you considered Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship?
- Are your plans documented in a Letter of Intent?
If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to guide you through each step with resources and referrals.
Supported Decision-Making (SDM)
Protecting Autonomy While Providing Support
Supported Decision-Making Agreements are a growing alternative to guardianship that allow individuals with disabilities to make decisions with support—without losing their rights.
Guardianship removes key rights and independence. We encourage families to explore SDM and other tools first. These approaches protect both the autonomy and dignity of individuals while still ensuring safety, care, and structure.
Understanding Guardianship & Alternatives
Protecting Rights While Planning Responsibly
While guardianship may be necessary in some cases, we help families explore less restrictive alternatives that preserve the rights and dignity of the person at the center. According to NC statute, any intervention should allow the individual to participate in decisions as fully as possible.
Alternatives to guardianship include:
- Supported Decision-Making Agreements
- Representative Payee arrangements
- Power of Attorney and Healthcare POA
- Advance Instruction for Mental Health
- Personal Networks
- Special Needs Trusts or ABLE accounts
Families are encouraged to carefully consider these options before pursuing formal guardianship. Lifetime Connections can provide information and referrals to attorneys and specialists to assist.
Note: First In Families of NC does not provide legal advice, but can connect you to professionals who do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions About Lifetime Connections
What is Lifetime Connections, and who is it for?
Lifetime Connections is a program of First In Families of North Carolina designed for individuals with disabilities and their families who want to plan for the future, build lasting support networks, and access resources that make everyday life more manageable. It’s especially helpful for families looking for alternatives to guardianship, ways to preserve autonomy, or support in planning long-term care, finances, and community involvement. Anyone in NC who qualifies for FIFNC services can participate.
How does a Personal Network work, and who can be in it?
A Personal Network is a group of people—family, friends, neighbors, or community members—who come together to support an individual in achieving their life goals. These relationships are centered around the person’s interests and needs. A trained facilitator helps form and sustain the network, guiding regular meetings and keeping everyone focused on meaningful outcomes. Members volunteer their time and commitment to help the person thrive socially, emotionally, and practically.
What topics are covered in Lifetime Connections planning workshops?
Workshops and consultations through Lifetime Connections focus on key areas of future planning, including wills and trusts, supported decision-making, Letters of Intent, financial planning, housing considerations, and long-term caregiving strategies. Sessions are designed to break down big topics into manageable steps, using checklists, expert guidance, and peer support. Families often leave feeling more confident and better equipped to prepare for the future.
What is Supported Decision-Making, and is it different from guardianship?
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship that allows individuals with disabilities to retain their rights while receiving support from trusted people in their lives. Rather than transferring legal control to someone else, SDM helps individuals make their own choices with input from their support network. Lifetime Connections provides education and resources about SDM and can help families decide whether it’s the right fit based on their unique situation.
How do I become a member of Lifetime Connections, and what’s included?
Families can join Lifetime Connections as Associate or Lifetime Members. Associate Membership includes a planning consultation, workshop discounts, and access to a listserv of engaged families. Lifetime Membership offers full access to all services, including the development of a Personal Network. Both levels of membership provide an opportunity to join a community of families committed to planning ahead and building better lives for their loved ones.
