Is your child an integral part of your neighborhood community or are you looking for ways to bring your neighbors together to build a more inclusive society? Caitlin Childs, Organizing Director for the Real Communities Initiative at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, shares practical examples on how to bring people with and without disabilities together to build communities that celebrate the gifts and talents of everyone. Click here to view webinar!
Kroger Rewards Benefit P2P!
For every dollar you spend on groceries at Kroger, Parent to Parent of Georgia earns money back! Simply sign up online at:
"I am forever learning new things that help me become a better advocate for my children's healthcare and educational needs."
~ Joanna Jackson-Turner, Dougherty County
Joanna Jackson-Turner is one of P2P's most active Brokers in the Navigator Team Project. Joanna has a passion for human services and loves helping parents as a Supporting Parent for P2P because she was once in their shoes. In Joanna's words, "It feels good to be able to give back."
"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." --Confucius
(Claire Dees pictured with Senator Renee Unterman)
Leadership Through
Advocacy
Advocacy is a year-round activity.
Get to know your state Senator and Representative in your home district before the legislative session begins. Start building a relationship by inviting them to meet for lunch or coffee in your community. You can educate your legislator about what your day-to-day life is like, what your concerns are, and how they can pass legislation to make life better for those with disabilities in Georgia. To find who your legislators are go to: http://www.openstates.org
Parent to Parent of Georgia has collaborated with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish a "Parent Partner Program" in five medical/clinic locations throughout Georgia.
The 5 locations are:
Children's Medical Services offices (Valdosta, Albany and Gainesville)
The Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic at the Georgia Regents University Hospital (Augusta)
The Autism Clinic at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding (Atlanta)
These DPH funded positions are similar to our Regional Coordinator positions except that they are located in a clinical setting. This means that after a family has met the doctor/specialist at the clinic they also have the opportunity of receiving one-on-one assistance from our staff. The Parent Partners help families navigate the healthcare system and/or the special education system and they can also match them to another parent for emotional support. By offering these types of services within clinics and practices, Parent Partners assist professionals in providing family-centered, accessible and comprehensive information just like Parent to Parent of Georgia does!
YOU CAN BECOME A LOCAL GUIDE!
If you are a supporting parent and interested in the next step in our leadership training, consider becoming a Local Guide and being a part of P2P's Navigator Team Project.
