What Is A Parent Mentor

Parent Mentors are those who possess the knowledge and experiences dealing with local organizations offering financial, medical or other services pertaining to the needs of Individuals with Disabilities.  Parent Mentors often develop personal friendships between themselves and those who they serve, which develops the long term goals of "Community Family Networks".  Parent Mentors offer their experiences and knowledge to families who are new parents or those who arrive in country, in which at times become isolated due to ethnical beliefs or the lack of knowledge of services available to them.  Additionally, they become isolated from society and friends due to their differences of having a child with a disability in that their personal time is now devoted to their child and their needs.  Additionally, many families are in need of Translation or Interpreter Services.  Parent Mentors often offer their assistance in these areas.

There are procedures to ensure matching capabilities.

Step 1:  Parent Mentors are matched with families who share similar interests and similar challenges.
Step 2:  Parent Mentors and Matched Family are introduced.
Step 3:  Both exchange personal information.
Step 4:  Parent Mentor and Matched Family develop "friendship".
Step 5:  Parent Mentor and Matched Family begin exchanging information and develop trust.
Step 6:  Both are in contact with one another frequently and Matched Family obtains information and gain experience.
Step 7:  Matched Family become knowledgeable and gain experience.  They too eventually become a Parent Mentor.

This is our overall objectives.  We believe that by this, we will create a stronger community which will then develop and even better future for our children with disabilities.

There are an increasing number of families who are in need of your assistance, professionally and personally.  If you are unsure of your own experiences and knowledge, we offer ongoing Quarterly Workshops (free of charge).  Even if your are unsure by wish to become a Parent Mentor, please contact our office so that we may address your concerns.