Have you ever wanted to connect with other families and parents that are going through the same experiences as you? Signposts Ministries is working together with the Family Support Network of North Carolina to help put you in touch with the families you are looking for.
In Mecklenburg and Union counties the process is simple, and I’m sure it is similar for the rest of the state as well. You simply call your local coordinator and describe to them the type of support you need. For example, you might say, “I am looking for a younger family that has a girl with Cerebral Palsy. We would prefer a family that uses doctors in the uptown area of Charlotte.”
The coordinator may not be able to match you exactly, but they will do their best to make the best match they can. If they can’t find anyone in your county, they will start to geographically move outward by contacting other coordinators. They even have ties to a national organization that can help find support for rare disabilities and diseases.
The best part is that the support parents have been through training. Thanks to the training and “screening” process, you don’t have to worry that you’re going to be introduced to someone who might be a little too much on the eccentric side, or pose a threat to your family. Even so, your contact information will never be given to anyone without your permission, and the FSNNC likes for you to make contact with your support family first — they respect your busy schedule.
You can find more information about your county’s coordinator and the Family Support Network of North Carolina at their website:
If you are interested in becoming a support parent yourself, please contact Signposts Ministries. FSNNC will be holding a special training session just for Signposts families at the beginning of next year. Stay tuned for times and dates!
Live outside of North Carolina? Contact Signposts Ministries and we will help you find a local organization that performs the same function as FSNNC.
We’re very excited to be connected to and training with this wonderful group!