Are you at a point in your parenting journey where you are ready to support another parent of a child with a similar special health care need or disability? Could you draw on your own experience to offer empathy, inspiration, and a listening ear in times of need?
VFN is proud to announce that our new virtual Support Parent Training will begin this December! Learn about active listening skills, the stages of adjustment, meaningful self-reflection, the empowerment model of peer support, and more…all from the comfort of your home. This training will occur on Zoom with an interactive format, allowing participants to get to know one another and practice new skills. If you are interested in attending our first round of trainings, please fill out our Support Parent Volunteer Application. Once your application has been filled out, someone from VFN will contact you with some options for a training date/time.
Becoming a Support Parent provides a unique opportunity to encourage a parent who is walking a similar path. We’re always looking for parents who are at a place in their journey to support another parent who requests a one-to-one Parent Match. We have found that to be an effective Support Parent, it is helpful to be at least one year out from your child’s diagnosis. Support Parents might mentor families navigating a new diagnosis, health care systems, surgery, mental health, behavioral issues, special education, sibling and family issues, community resources, and life transitions.