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
- 2026 Super Sitter Training, June 17-19 Flyer
- 2026 Registration Super Sitter Registration Form
- 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
We facilitate Caregiver Virtual Connect Meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month via zoom from 7 – 8pm. These are 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
Upcoming Topics:
September 14: Adult Caregiver Virtual Connect Meeting Join us if you are in the role of caring for adult loved ones (ages 16 and up) with a developmental delay or disability.
October 14: Special Education School Resources Get your Special Education questions answered by Arc Staff
November 9: Whatcom County Community Connections What local resources and opportunities are out there for support, recreation, and connection for my loved one and our family?
Coffee & Conversation
We meet as a group on the 1st Monday of each month from 10am – 11am at The Arc of Whatcom County, 2602 McLeod Rd., in. 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
September 14 (moved to the 2nd Monday due to Labor Day)
October 4
November 2
Navigating the Journey: Medically Complex Families
This peer support group meets a few times a year, typically on a Wednesday during the school day, at The Arc of Whatcom County. We provide 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 @arcwhatcom.org or call 360-715-0170
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 16 at 11am
Dads Social & Pizza
Join Parent to Parent’s Dads Social at Coconut Kenny’s, 1740 La Bounty Dr. in Ferndale. This group is for fathers, grandfathers, and men 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. Parent to Parent will supply the pizza and soda. Beer available for individuals to purchase on their own. This is a confidential space led by another Dad. 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
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 17, 6 – 7pm
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
