Parent to Parent Programs

Parent Mentor Program

Parent to Parent programs photo.

The heart of Parent to Parent is matching a referred parent whose child has a disability to an experienced or “mentor” parent in order to provide support and information. They act as a coach to help new families learn how to negotiate medical, educational, and insurance systems.

NICU Support

In collaboration with Bronson Hospital, a mentor parent is available to provide support in the NICU to families with premature babies or other complications occurring at birth.

Kalamazoo and Allegan Parent Networks

We host monthly support group meetings in Kalamazoo and Allegan Counties around topics of interest to families.

Information and Referrals

We provide information about community resources, financial aid, and disability related topics to parents and professionals. Also, we make referrals to local, state, and national support groups and maintain a website with links to resources.

All Kids Can! Programs

Logo: All Kids Can.

We share the philosophy All Kids Can! Given the opportunity and support, all can participate. All can contribute.

Activities include:

  • All Kids Can! Recreation Expo
  • Inclusion support/Disability awareness training for area recreation providers and community groups.
  • All Kids Can! Inclusion support network. This is a group of parents and professionals who believe all children should be educated together. They support each other in the effort to move in that direction in their local schools and communities. It is part of a statewide initiative “Everyone Together”.
  • All Kids Can! week
  • Pre-service for WMU education majors on the benefits of inclusion.

Learning Exchanges

Parent to Parent program photo.

These are workshops geared toward parents and professionals around topics specific to children with special needs. Our intent is to share ideas and build partnerships between families and the professionals who work with their children. Past topics have included Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Building Friendships, Strategic Insurance Negotiation and Bullying to name a few.

Resource Library and Website

Current publications on specific disabilities and relevant topics.

Common Bond Newsletter

Published 5 times yearly featuring parent stories, information about upcoming events and regular columns such as “Praise the Professional” and “Ask the Advocate”.