The Parent to Parent Support Programs provide emotional support and information to families of children with developmental disabilities, delays, and ongoing health care needs.
A Program for Parents
Learning that your child has a disability or chronic health need can be a traumatic experience. Parents have many questions and concerns when coping with their child’s need and their own feelings. You are not alone. We have been there.
Parents Helping Parents
Personal support from another parent, who has a child with similar needs, can be helpful in coping with many challenging experiences and feelings. Helping Parent volunteers have completed a training program and are available to provide support and information to other parents. All information will be kept confidential. There is no cost for this service.
Free Services Offered
- Providing Personal Support – You are not alone
- Community Resources
- Matching parents in one-to-one relationships with trained, experienced parents, with similar diagnoses
- Support Meetings
- Social & Recreational Events
- Sibshops (sibling support)
- Newsletters
- Educational Workshops & Trainings
- Training for parents who want to become Helping Parent peer mentor volunteers
- Lending Library
- Public Awareness & Outreach
- Super Sitter Training
- Quarterly Dads Social
- Join our Private Facebook group – This group is for parents, grandparents and guardians in Whatcom County who have a child with developmental delays, disabilities, and/or ongoing healthcare needs
Virtual Parent Connect
2nd Monday of each month
June 9, July 14
7 – 8pm
Zoom Platform
This is a virtual meeting for parents and caregivers of children with developmental delays, disabilities, and ongoing health care needs. After registering you will receive an email containing the link for you to join the Parent Support Meeting via Zoom. Please register early so you can get the link. Must be able to connect through a cell phone, tablet or computer. Register: p2p@arcwhatcom.org
Coffee & Conversation
1st Monday of each month
June 2, July 7
10am – 11am
The Arc of Whatcom County, 2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham
Parents and Caregivers of loved ones with developmental delays, disabilities, and on-going healthcare needs are welcome to join us for coffee (or tea) and a relaxed and friendly chat. Meet other caregivers in our community, find out new resources, and share your thoughts, insights, triumphs and experience. Adults only please! Light refreshments provided. RSVP is welcome but not required. Email p2p@arcwhatcom.org or call 360-715-0710 ext 302 *Date moved due to Spring Break
Navigating the Journey: Medically Complex Families
Next date tba
The Arc of Whatcom County
2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham
This peer support group provides a safe and supportive place for sharing feelings and challenges commonly experienced when navigating the unexpected outcome of having a child with medical complications, complex care needs, and rare or undiagnosed conditions. Logistics of care, juggling medical and therapy appointments, and unique support needs can create an isolating and overwhelming experience. Come share, connect and learn. You are not alone. Adults only please! Light refreshments provided.
RSVP is welcome but not required. Email p2p@arcwhatcom.org or call 360-715-0170
Dads Social & Pizza
Next date tbd (typically held on a Thursday at 6pm)
Coconut Kenny’s, 1740 La Bounty Dr, Ferndale
Join Parent to Parent’s Dads Social. For fathers raising loved ones with developmental disabilities and chronic healthcare needs. A chance to be able to meet and talk with other dads that are dealing with similar issues and enjoy wonderful pizza.
Please RSVP so we can get a heads up on how many people will be there. For questions or to register contact P2P at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or p2p@arcwhatcom.org
Contact Parent to Parent
- Karlene Umbaugh, Program Coordinator: (360) 715-0170, ext. 302, or KarleneU@arcwhatcom.org
- Melissa Abraham, Parent Assistant: (360) 715-0170, ext. 301, or MelissaA@arcwhatcom.org
- Hilary Scheibner, Parent Assistant: (360) 715-0170, ext. 200, or HilaryS@arcwhatcom.org
- Marta Mejia, Padres a Padres: (360) 715-0170, ext. 308, or Familia@p2pwhatcom.org
- Alina Zollfrank, Padres a Padres: (360) 715-0170, ext. 308, or alinaz@arcwhatcom.org
- Parent to Parent Facebook Page
