Just being able to talk to another parent in their shoes is critical. A study of Parent-to-Parent USA programs shows that parents of children with disabilities experience a 56% decrease in emergency department visits and a decrease in missed school days when they have a network to connect to.
Here in Minnesota, 20% of families have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Those parents will tell you, it’s a demanding and isolating experience.
“So many parents go on this journey feeling very alone and often they find that because of the needs of their children, friends and family kind of fall by the wayside,” said Carolyn Allshouse, executive director of Family Voices of Minnesota.
The nonprofit is hosting its 13th Annual Connecting Hearts and Raising Voices Benefit on Sunday, Oct. 27. Aside from emotional support and encouragement through its parent-to-parent program, Family Voices of Minnesota (FVMN) provides information and assistance to families in need of financial, healthcare, educational and community resources. Through one-to-one connections, support groups, educational webinars and live chat opportunities, parents have options for connection to break out of the isolation many experience.