Our family centers are warm and welcoming places in the community. We offer parenting education, child development activities, support groups, resource fairs, community referrals and connections to basic needs like food, clothing, health care, housing and employment. Our caring and committed staff represent the communities and cultures we serve.

Families want the best for their children, to nurture their growth and development. Families with children who have special needs want the same for their children, but often face additional challenges, including great stress, social isolation, and financial strain. Families may become overwhelmed, and find it difficult navigating the service system for their child, and to find social and emotional support for themselves. “Family Support” helps families access a broad array of supports and services, including formal supports (such as paid respite care) and informal supports (such as parent-to-parent connections) and a community system of services that promote the well-being of families and their children with special needs.

Family support aims to:

• Increase the strength and resilience of families
• Support parents as they help their children with special needs achieve their full potential
• Improve community capacity to serve families with children who have special needs
• Helps families make critical connections to other families and resources in the community
• Provides individualized, family-driven support that respects family culture, values, and preferences

The Family Support Program works with families, communities, and service providers to promote and provide support for families with children who have special needs – which includes special health care needs, developmental and learning disabilities, and behavioral/mental health diagnoses.

Our Family Support Program includes services such as:

• Food and Education application Assistance
• We provide Information and referrals to help families access resources such as healthcare, government benefits, and childcare
• Assistance navigating American systems such as school enrollment and applying for a driver’s license
• Workshops to provide newcomers with information about services, health and nutrition, and financial literacy
• Education to help you Understand a new diagnosis
• Transition to early intervention, preschool, public school, post-secondary education or employment
• Finding local services and service providers
• Advocating for educational rights and services
• Financial planning for families with children who have special needs
• Finding special services such as getting a ramp built or inclusive summer camps
• Parenting education and strategies
• Workplace support for employees with children who have special needs
• Dealing with stigma and bullying
• Balancing the needs of typically developing siblings