While the holiday season is meant to be a cheerful time, for many families, it is a time of great financial and emotional stress. This can be especially true for those who care for children with behavioral challenges or mental health needs.
If you or someone you know is a parent who meets that description and could use some extra support during the holidays, please reach out to The Home’s Parent Support Program (PSP) this month to learn more about how we can help. Our PSP team and services work to provide a safe and empathetic support system around caregivers, offering open-ended groups and workshops, expert-led one-on-one consultations, and community resources completely free of charge, with no insurance required. Our primary service areas include: Boston neighborhoods, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Revere, Somerville and Winthrop.
HOW WE HELP:
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
The Home’s Parent Support Program is a great resource for families seeking clothing donations and hygiene items, as well as baby and toddler supplies during the holidays and year-round.
HOLIDAY TOY & GIFT CARD DONATIONS (LIMITED SUPPLY):
Using donations collected through The Home’s Big Wishes Gift Card Drive, PSP distributes toys and gift cards during the month of December to fulfill the holiday wishes of children and families in our care.
PARENT AND CAREGIVER GROUPS:
PSP’s groups and workshops, designed specifically for parents caring for children with behavioral challenges and mental health needs, enable participants to build and expand their vital support system. Programming is flexible, with new groups being added throughout the year to respond to the needs of the community.
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT FOR PARENTS:
Our team of professionally trained Parent Support Specialists lead caregiver groups and individualized guidance to those who need it. Staff have lived experience and are experts in navigating the mental and behavioral health system, making sure that parents do not feel alone in their journey.
EDUCATIONAL GUIDANCE:
We know that having a child in the special education system can be challenging. Our Educational Advocates are here to help you and your loved one feel prepared, whether it be for next semester, a move to a new school, or navigating other changes. Parents may request a consultation or attend one of our workshops that focus on topics such as IEPs, 504s and special education testing.
REFERRALS FOR THE NEW YEAR:
Our PSP team works to meet the individualized needs of each parent we serve, and can offer connections to other community resources within The Home’s network of 25+ programs. Depending on their unique needs, many parents and caregivers are referred to programs such as The Home’s Community Service Agencies, Family Resource Center and Preschool Outreach Program, to name a few.
Ready to get started? Contact PSP@thehome.org or 617-469-8696 to speak with a PSP team member today.
