Arc Of Whatcom County

Parent to parent provides emotional support & information about disabilities and community resources to parents & caregivers who are learning about &/or seeking new information about their child's disability or chronic health condition. Trained veteran parents (helping parents) provide one to one emotional and informational support to new or referred parents who have a child with similar needs. Provided support to 28 parents through 70 support meetings. Provided one to one support, information and resources to 1,571 parents or caregivers. We have 85 trained helping parent volunteers. Matched 25 parents who recently learned their child has a disability to a helping parent mentor. Provided networking, connections & information to 578 people through family social events. Provided one on one support, information & resources to 565 spanish speaking parents and caregivers. Sent 4 padres a padres newsletters to 163 spanish speaking families.

Whatcom taking action is a collaborative comprised of community leaders, parents, service and care providers. Together we are building an integrated system of care & support that local families can access easily and efficiently. As lead agency for whatcom taking action, the arc of whatcom county has helped build, enhance & maximize community partnerships to serve children with special health care needs, improved health and developmental outcomes by engaging families as partners, leaders & agents of change in local policy-making. Improved care-coordination and supported medical home activities. Provided direct support for 316 families going through the developmental evaluation process.