Coffee Talk

Parenting is difficult during the best of times, when we have access to all of our normal supports and routines. During this time, when our access to these things is limited, parenting becomes much more challenging. If you need support or just want to drink a cup of coffee with a group of adults that gets it, please join us for an informal virtual group to talk about the good, the difficult, and everything in between that comes with special needs parenting.

you are not alone

• Date: The last Wednesday of every month
• Time: 10:30 to 11:30 am
• Place:
• On Zoom! Join from your phone, computer or tablet.
• RSVP: Register online at bit.ly/GHP2PCoffeeTalk or
• call The Arc at 360-537-7000

Looking for Support?

Parenting a loved one with a disability or special healthcare need can be challenging. If your loved one was just diagnosed or is going through a challenging time and you need support from another parent who has been in a similar situation, you can request a Helping Parent Match.

• Helping Parent Mentors are trained volunteers who have a child or loved one with a disability or special healthcare need.
• A Helping Parent Match is made by a Parent to Parent Coordinator, who trains and oversees the Helping Parent Mentors.
• Helping Parent Matches are made based on a child’s diagnosis or concern, child’s age, family structure, child’s educational program, family interests, culture, and other relevant information.
• Helping Parent Matches typically involve the Helping Parent Mentor scheduling a call with the parent in need of support and spending about an hour listening and offering support and resources. 

Looking to Volunteer

If you are a parent or caregiver of a loved one with a disability or special healthcare need and you would like to help support other parents in their parenting journey, you can apply to become a trained Helping Parent Mentor

Steps to become a HElping Parent Mentor

• Fill out the application and a Parent to Parent Coordinator will reach out and contact you (P2P Coordinators make Helping Parent Matches based on several demographics which will be covered in your application).
• Attend a one-day training led by Parent to Parent Coordinators that will teach you how to support the parents you are matched with and answer any questions you may have. P2P Coordinators are here to guide you every step of the way. 
• P2P Coordinators maintain a database of Helping Parent Mentors. When they receive a match request that you would be good fit for, they will contact you to see if you are available and, if so, will help coordinate a time for a phone call between you and the parent needing support.  

Information and Education

Parent to Parent Coordinators can provide you with information about local resources and referrals to services in the community as well as educational workshops and trainings.

Information is power

Parent to Parent Coordinators provide information regarding services available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Grays Harbor County and will refer you to appropriate resources. Just a few of the topics and referrals you can obtain from our information/referral staff include:

• Early Intervention Birth to Three Referrals to South Sound Parent to Parent
  
• Social and recreational activities within our community
• Medicaid Waiver Programs
• Governmental agencies including DVR, DDA, and SSI
• Programs and services offered by The Arc
• And much more!