Parent-2-Parent: Where Families Come First
The Arc of Essex County’ s Parent-2-Parent program serves new and expectant mothers and fathers welcoming children with Down syndrome into the world. Since the program’ s founding nearly 40 years ago, countless families have begun their journey raising a child with special needs with a call to The Arc.
Upon receiving a diagnosis, doctors, nurses, and social workers provide an introduction to the Parent-2-Parent program. Employees and trained parent volunteers of The Arc of Essex County are available for families on a moments notice to provide emotional support, resources, and a lifeline to other families who have embraced the experience of raising a child with special needs.
The bonds formed between parents, children, and families during the Parent-2-Parent program often last a lifetime, and, since its inception, nearly 300 families have benefitted. The Arc’ s focus on serving the needs of the entire family do not end with the Parent-2-Parent program.
At six-weeks old children typically begin receiving early intervention services in a home or day care setting of their parent’ s choice through the state’ s early intervention system. Many Parent-2-Parent families and others, will also supplement these early intervention services by participating in The Arc’ s Stepping Stones Early Intervention program. Stepping Stones teaches parents how to advocate for their child and prepares the whole family for the transitions to come. It is the only program in the state offering parent support groups, centerbased therapies, and a formal, individualized development curriculum especially for children with Down syndrome.
This individualized development plan coupled with a focus on supporting the entire family provides children and parents with the foundations they need to succeed. The vast majority of school districts note Stepping Stones graduates are better prepared academically, physically, and socially. And, the bonds formed between participating families are cited as the most valuable aspect of the program.
The Arc’ s family-first commitment begins on day one and families can be assured knowing a supportive hand and lifelong resource will be available for years to come.
A child enrolled in Stepping Stones Early Intervention Step II works with a volunteer to build muscle tone.
“ The Parent-2-Parent program provides vital emotional support and mentorship to families during a time filled with questions and uncertainty. This family focus continues through the Stepping Stones Early Intervention program where parents and children bond with their peers, receive customized therapies, and build the foundation for a bright future.”
- Kathy Hinnigan-Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, The Arc of Essex County