March 5, 2009 Issue
Parent to Parent Family Support Network – High Country
At times in our lives, we face challenges so great that only someone who has weathered similar circumstances can truly offer the empathy that we need. Such is the case when a parent learns that his or her child has been diagnosed with a disability, mental health illness or severe medical condition.
The unique challenges faced by families dealing with special needs range from time management issues, to financial strains, to locating local resources. The Parent to Parent Family Support Network – High Country is a local donor and grant supported program made up of resilient people who have faced challenges such as these and who offer support and information to families in Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Wilkes, Watauga and Yancey counties.
“I am excited about going to work each day, knowing that I can give back a little of what I’ve learned throughout the years. I’m honored to serve the children and families of our area because each one has their own unique story,” said Norma Bouchard, Ashe County outreach coordinator for Parent to Parent FSN-HC.
Bouchard understands the challenges faced by families that have children with exceptional needs because she has faced similar challenges in her life. Her and the other area coordinators, along with Kaaren Hayes, the organization’s director, work tirelessly to provide support and referral services to parents so they can advocate for their child. Kaaren has dedicated her time and energies to Parent to Parent FSN-HC since its inception in 1988. Her passion to encourage families with special needs children drives her commitment to continually develop this much-needed organization.
A unique aspect of this organization is the training of support families that are matched one on one with other families to provide compassionate support. These volunteer families have children with special needs themselves. Mitchell-Yancey County Outreach Coordinator Teresa Emory said this about this powerful relationship, “When your world is turned upside down, a parent who has been there can provide connection and hope like no one else can.”
Support groups are held in Alleghany, Ashe, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties, and provide a safe and supportive environment where relationships can be fostered. They also provide free workshops, and newsletters are sent out regularly to provide information and encourage connections. A lending library is maintained with books on a variety of topics dealing with childhood disabilities, mental health issues and chronic illness. They also have access to the Central Directory of Resources that can help families who have children with special needs connect to resources.
Parent to Parent FSN-HC, which operates under the umbrella of the Reich College of Education at ASU and is an affiliate of Family Support Network of North Carolina, has volunteer opportunities available and accepts donations of any amount.
For more information on the Parent to Parent FSN-NC, call 866-812-3122; email hayeskl@appstate.edu; write to, Parent to Parent FSN-NC, 2359 Highway 105, Boone, NC 28607; or click to www.parent2parenthighcounty.org.
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