In 2009, individuals with disabilities and their families in LOV Inc. worked together to identify a major barrier to creating fulfilling, community-centered lives. They realized they needed someone to help build a bridge into community life. Based on a desire to be valued members of a community marked by self-direction, independence, and meaningful relationships, the Bridge Builder Project was established.
Individuals with disabilities work one-on-one with Bridge Builder Project staff, known as Bridge Builders. Bridge Builders are paid staff who support individuals to identify personal interests, set goals, and make lasting, natural connections in community settings.
The Bridge Builder Project is a unique way of receiving support. Since we began the original Bridge Builder Project in 2009, we have seen some truly amazing successes for adult project members. We are expanding, and the Bridge Builder Project is now designed also to support young adults in upper high school and community transition programs to prepare for the transition to adulthood
El Colectivo de Familias Latinas trabaja con familias de habla hispana para ofrecerles a las families consultas individualizadas, empoderamiento y acceso a proveedores de cuidados de relevo o de respiro que hablen español, a través de oportunidades de educación y capacitación.
El personal de habla hispana se pondrá en contacto con las familias para encontrar ecursos y apoyo familiar en áreas que incluyen:
servicios de cuidado de relevo o respiro con proveedores de cuidados que hablan español y capacitación en cuidados de relevo para cuidadores;
comprensión de los servicios de Apoyo a Largo Plazo para Niños (CLTS por sus siglas en inglés);
conexiones con otras familias de niños con discapacidad y oportunidades para compartir recursos;
identificación de recursos para una amplia gama de necesidades, desde adaptaciones o modificaciones del hogar hasta asegurar el bienestar en materia alimenticia y de vivienda;
comprensión de los sistemas escolares y los apoyos educativos para usarlos de manera efectiva.
Póngase en contacto con nosotros en esta dirección de correo electrónico: familias@lovinc.org
The Colectivo de Familias Latinas works with Spanish-speaking families to provide individualized consultations, access to Spanish-speaking respite care providers, and family empowerment through education and training opportunities. The Colectivo is a joint initiative between LOV Inc., the Catholic Multicultural Center, and Dulce Respite Center.
Spanish-speaking staff will connect with families to identify resources and family support in areas including:
Respite care services with Spanish-speaking care providers and respite care training for caregivers
Understanding Children’s Long-Term Support
Connecting with other families that include a child with a disability and sharing resources
Identifying resources for a wide range of needs, from home modifications to food and housing security
Navigating school and educational supports
The Madison United IEP Parent Support Program aims to provide support and advocacy to the parents and all kinds of caregivers of students with disabilities in the MMSD special education community. The program's objective is to bring these individuals together to share resources, ideas, and feedback to improve the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for their students and create a better learning environment.
We understand that being a caregiver can be tough, especially when it comes to supporting your student's education. That's why we're here to help connect you with other caregivers who are going through similar experiences.
We'll match you with other caregivers based on your student's age, IEP classification, and school (if possible). Then, you'll be able to exchange emails and offer each other support, resources, and an open line of communication.
You can sign up as either a "Support Parent" or a "Match Parent". If you're a Support Parent, you'll mentor another caregiver. If you're a Match Parent, you'll receive support from another caregiver.
Having a child with special health care needs sets parents on a different journey than the one that was originally expected. Fortunately, many parents have “gone before” and can be a source of strength, direction and empowerment. Through a one-on-one match, Parent to Parent of Wisconsin pairs parents in need of guidance with a trained Support Parent who has walked a similar path. Like each family, every match is unique.
At Parent to Parent of Wisconsin, we help parents find a one-to-one connection with a trained Support Parent, who knows firsthand about the feelings and realities that come with having a child with special needs. No parent should feel alone. Ever.
No provider referral is necessary. Any parent of a child with special needs who is interested can self-refer on our website.
For Spanish-speaking parents: Our program coordinator is bilingual and we have some trained Support Parents who speak Spanish.
Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT) is a statewide, parent-run organization in Wisconsin working with families that include children with social, emotional or behavioral challenges. We walk beside families to provide emotional support while helping to navigate the complex service and treatment systems with which they are involved.
Wisconsin Family Ties Parent Peer Support Program links trained parent peer specialists (PPSs) with parents who, for a variety of reasons, need help and hope. Our PPSs are parents or primary caregivers of children with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. They use their experience and training to help families navigate the complex systems that serve children. We offer a variety of training webinars for parents, and annually put on the Children Come First Conference.