Family To Family Network
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We have really enjoyed the services of this network although they are limited in our area. We have a wonderful lady who comes each week to spend time with my two autistic sons. She has been a blessing to us. The other services are not available in our area anymore, or I would give a five-star rating. Thank you Family to Family Network!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My boys look forward to the visits from our friend and I enjoy having someone help me work with them.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The wonderful people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
A family coordinator.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Meet the needs of so many more families with special needs children. This is an underserved group with long wait times for services.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I am the adoptive mother of two special needs children and an adoption and foster care professional. When my family moved to the Houston area, I did not know any resources to help me with getting my children's needs met. The discovery of Family to Family has been a great blessing for us. We have benefited from training for me, and from activities for the children. They have the most comprehensive list of activities for children and families with special needs that I have seen in my more than 20 years of working with children and families. I frequently forward the newsletter to other families and they are able to benefit from the information.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
sharing information that helps families raising special needs children to obtain information about advocacy and activities to build better lives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Seek to create a respite program or engage in advocacy efforts to increase funding for families of children with special needs.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Excellent information...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Courteous, kind and well informed....
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Build additional service networks that could make a difference in many lives.
Ways to make it better...
I can't imagine having a more positive experience. The staff have been courteous and informative. The information has been accurate and timely!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
It is a family to family organization. It is hard for families with special needs children to find time to share with others who may need emergency assistance.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
As a newcomer to houston and having a son with a disablity, Family to Family Network were a fantastic resource. The information and services they provide are invaluable.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my gaining knowledge of the Special Ed system in schools
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the friendly staff
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Administrators, volunteers, trainers
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Ensure that every child with a disability received an education without parents having to cut through the redtape of the special ed system
Ways to make it better...
It could not have been
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Gaining funding and resources to increase services
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have been a member of Family to Family Network since the beginning when we had meeting in our homes. Without the support, guidance, and collaboration of everyone in this organization my daughter would not have become the community member and productive citizen that she is today. When others were telling me "she cannot" they were saying "yes she can" no matter what the situation. We understood and identified with one another and our kids could be friends in an accepting environment. We, including our kids, have all moved on with the course of life but without this orginization in the early years I know I would not have had the strength, determination and knowledge to advocate for my child in all areas and improve the quality of her life. T
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
all areas in the lives of the children and young adults they serve.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
continue to obtain more knowledge and skills about adult issues such as social security, guardianship etc.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the ability of help everyone no matter what the disability or what the issue.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
of the utmost quality in both compassion, knowledge and skills.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do alot more than most of the non-profits that have become so overloaded with administrative costs they have lost sight of what the money is really for....to help the clients they serve.
Ways to make it better...
we would have had more funding for outreach and one and one support for families.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
how to keep good volunteers and staff with the budget issues they constantly face.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
During a time when I had lost all hope of finding a source for help, Family to Family became a buzz-word among people I would meet moving through the maze of bureacacy and service providers. I met individuals with whom I had a lot in common. I was no longer an island. For more than twelve years I looked for someone who would care enough to listen to my woes. Following a lead to Disability Leadership Network, an advocacy training course through Family to Family, I gained a strength I never knew I had. I became the force my son needed to help him rise to a plateau many had said was unattainable. He is now nineteen and I am a relentless advocate, inspired to work on local, state and national issues involving individuals with developmental disabilities. I could not and would never have ventured to serve my community without the inspiration, resources and association with Family to Family. So, impressed and motivated by what I received, I wanted to give back to the institution that rescued me from the pit of desperation, I became a board member.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the changes in attitueds of school districts in dealing with parents in the ARD process
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
open satellite offices throughout the city of Houston that need advocacy training, making sure to include a more diverse demographic.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the dedication of all members involved in keeping the organization in tact.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
warm and caring.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
increase trained staff, provide a facility for IDD education.
Ways to make it better...
I had gotten to Family to Family sooner than my sons pre-teen years.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
increasing membership and maintaining adequate staff.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Family to Family is the best thing that happened for my son with multiple disabilities.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Family to family is absolutely an inspirational organization. The rewards of working with the kids and sharing time and knowledge with them is immeasurable. This quite a satisfaction that surfaces each time I leave after a visit. I truly thankgod for the opportunityto serve.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the smiles of the kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't think of anythingbetter than what they do which is excellent.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The childe=ren, walks with them ad participating in activities with them.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kind,, caring, motivated and challenged.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Have more advertising dollars to solicit new matches ad offer more activities for the children. They would have moe funds to get more parents involved in local, state and federal policy initiatives which affect the children.
Ways to make it better...
I would have spent more time with the children.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
obtaining sufficient fundig, securing human resources to match with kids.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Dear Family to Family, Five years ago we moved to Houston after living in the Kansas City area for more than 7 years. We lived in a small community, were active in a small church, and I worked at a small bank, so moving to the Houston area was a huge adjustment. Four years ago I found myself not having enough to do with my time, and lacking in friends. Our 2 daughters both live out of state and I was feeling the need to do something that would connect me in some way with a family with children. I saw an ad in a local publication that Family to Family needed volunteers to be matched with a family who happened to have a child with a disability. Having had a friend in Kansas with a child in that category, I decided to give F2F a call. I soon found myself at their training where I met several other women similar to myself - looking for a place to volunteer but also feel needed. In Oct. of 2005 I was matched with my family and met with them for the first time. I must say, F2F did a fantastic job with matching us! They have 3 wonderful children - 2 with disabilities. The youngest, who just turned 4, is an adorable little girl (who I'm wildly in love with) who happens to have Down syndrome. The middle son, is their "typical" child of 5 and 1/2 and a most delightful little boy. The oldest son, now 13 and 1/2 has OCD, ADHD and just last year was also diagnosed with Aspergers......quite a plate full for anyone to handle. He can be quite a handful but he has a way of getting under your skin and before you know it you love him! I have grown to love these children and their parents like they ARE my family - not just as friends. They are the missing piece in my life - I now not only have 2 daughters, a son-in-law and 2 grandsons living in other states, I have a family here in Houston. Something that would probably never happened if I hadn't picked up the phone and called Family to Family. I love spending time with each of these special children and their mother - dad is usually at work! I've taken them shopping, to doctor appointments, to movies, to the park, out to eat and even had the oldest and youngest on sleep-overs at different times. I can laugh with them, or cry with them, tell them jokes or scold them - they know me and love me right back. I cannot imagine how my life would be if they would move from this area - it would be empty and sad and I'd have to start over again with a new family. So, I guess I could say that Family to Family has had a profound affect on my life and I am greatful to everyone there for giving me the training and the necessary tools to begin a new relationship that has blossomed into such a special flower.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many ways. They have many great programs for not only the families but for the volunteers. I've seen happy chidren with their family friend who might not otherwise have an older adult in their life to share their adventures with.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try as hard as I could to get the word out to others so they could become part of a great organization.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
getting to meet my family; then being able to share my experiences with other friends and volunteers. F2F office staff is always available for help or suggestions and they're there with a smile on their face!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Helpful, caring, understanding, thoughtful; and most of all the type of people I am proud to call my friends.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make a huge difference in the lives of so many families with childred having disabilities.
Ways to make it better...
I'd have done it sooner!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Not having enough volunteers to match with the families who need a family friend. More money to get the job done probably wouldn't hurt either.
One thing I'd also say is that...
The staff at F2F does an excellent job with their training and special events and need more recognition.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
We have received great guidance from Family to Family in learning how to advocate for our child. Leslie has always been patient and is a wealth of information.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
attend ARD meetings at the schools to further support parents.
Ways to make it better...
an advocate could have been at an ARD meeting for further support.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Our son, and family as a whole, would not be where we are today had it not been for Family to Family Network. F2F validated our vision that our son would have a life filled with the same opportunites and choices that everyone else has, and then gave us the information, tools and resources we needed to be effective advocates on his behalf. The connections we've made with other families of children with disabilities through F2F have been a tremendous source of support and inspiration, and have turned into life-long friendships. Our family will forever be greatful to Family to Family Network for all that they've done for our family, so many other families, and our community at large!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the lives of so many families and their children with disabilities. Families come in to F2F feeling alone and beaten down, but then leave feeling supported, empowered with information, and ready to make great strides for their children.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be very proud of the work that they do!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the support, friendship, wisdom and inspiration from other families of children with disabilities. It's been wonderful to be a part of, and to be able to give back to, this awesome community who share so many experiences.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated, passionate and compassionate people -- most of whom are also parents of children with disabilities. They understand the challenges that families face, and are committed to providing the tools families need to be successful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand to further meet the tremendous needs of families across this very large and diverse state.
Ways to make it better...
F2F had the funding and manpower to expand and reach more families.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the economy and the funding challenges that all non-profits face.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Thank You!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I just wanted to take a minute to let people know what a valuable help and resource Family to Family has been to my family. I have a Autistic son who is now 17 years of age and we are facing the transition years where we are trying to prepare for life after high school. As many parents I talk with we have been through Ard meetings and EIP's since our son first entered school.I felt that with my prior ARD experience and having gone to many seminars, that I had a pretty good knowlegde and grasp on the process and had done well getting services and being an advocate for my child. Because I did not have a great deal of experience with "transition issues" I asked the folks at Family to Family to look over last years IEP and make any suggestions they felt were appropriate or helpful. I was truly amazed at how many mistakes they found with my sons prior IEP and how many suggestions they gave me. I was able to go into this years ARD meeting with a 4 type written pages of suggestions and proposed changes that were so helpful in positioning my son for a better future. I am by no means an expert in dealing with IEP's or special education law, so it is so important to have resources available to us to help us protect our children and give them the best opportuities they can have. The folks at Family to Family were happy to devote their time and expertise to help my son. I will continue to use this valuable resource in the future and would recommend that anyone reading this should as well. Thanks, Mike
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Helping me prepare for my sones ARD meeting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get the word out of the ways they can help
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The people are so helpful.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff is dedicated and knowledgeble.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Help so may families with speacial need children
Ways to make it better...
They were great
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Getting more folks to know they are available to help.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Thank you for your help
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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