February 4, 2016 | By: Family to Family Network
Categories: Family Support
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Earl J. Brewer, Jr., M.D., and Tina Bentsen-Smith founded Family to Family Network (F2F) in 1986. Their original mission was to help parents connect with other parents and to learn how to navigate the medical system.
In 1993, a group of parents of children with disabilities came together. They shared a hope that their children’s futures would not be determined by a diagnosis. They envisioned schools, professionals and families working together to build communities. A world where children with disabilities are included, valued and encouraged to pursue their dreams.
F2F stays true to this idea today. For more than 30 years, F2F has helped families understand their rights and duties. It has also helped them see new possibilities for their children. When families create a positive vision for the future, they can plan. They also teach parents how to talk about their child’s needs so they can build better relationships with their school.
F2F believes that “if you teach a person to fish, you feed them for a lifetime.” Their Connections training does this for families. F2F provides training on special education and transition to adulthood topics. F2F believes in lifelong learning. There are new rules for every new system a parent faces. By learning, parents can best advocate for services to meet their child’s needs.
Connections is also the basis for Texas Project FIRST. This website provides reliable information on the special education process. F2F also offers a free annual conference for parents and youth, as well as an Autism 101 Academy for families with a new diagnosis of autism.
F2F holds many family events. Trips to see the Astros, theater productions, Lil Rustlers with Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and holiday parties are some examples. They offer families a chance to relax and network with others. Expanding circles of support helps build a community for yourself and your child.
F2F believes early parent involvement is a key to success. Families can help their children become contributing members of our community when they have the knowledge and support they need. When kids get what they need, they can live meaningful lives after high school.
Call Family to Family Network at 713-466-6304 or check out their website. And be sure to check our Find Services, Groups and Events page for even more resources and support in your area.
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