Parent Advocacy & Support

Family Support Network of Region A (FSNRA) – Region A Partnership for Children  

Counties: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain. 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, provide information, access to resources, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance.  

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

• Jackson County: 
  • FSN Caregiver Connections for Jackson/Swain/Qualla Autism Chapter: 
    • 1st Tuesday of each month in Bryson City 

• Jackson Caregiver Connections: 
  • 2nd Thursday of each month in Sylva 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. Services are for children aged pre-natal to 5 years old.  

Contact: Phone: (828) 631-3900 Ext: 126 (CDSA office); Email: jmiller@rapc.org 

General Special Needs 

Family Support Network of Western NC 

Counties: Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk Rutherford, Transylvania 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; who are in a foster care system. 

Contact: Jessica Edwards, Jessica.edwards1@hcahealthcare.com, (828) 775-4969 

First Resource Center 

Counties: Buncombe, Haywood & Henderson Counties 

Description: First Resource Center provides community navigators who can help locate and access community resources, and develop relationships that promote community inclusion and support the individual and family in implementing their person-centered plan. Many of the staff members at FIRST are parents of children with special needs or disabilities. Team members are trained in special education law and procedures, community support and resources, specific mental and developmental disabilities, and associated issues. 

Programs:  

• Community Parent Resource Center 

• Information about the special education process and parents’ rights. Staff can also attend IEP meetings, but this service is limited due to funding and schedules. 
• Inclusion resources that show how students can be successfully included in general education classrooms 
• Community and online trainings  
• Assist the family with problem-solving strategies and direct callers to other community resources by telephone 
• Referral to medical, educational, community services, and support groups 

Eligibility: Any parent in Buncombe, Haywood, or Henderson counties whose child has special needs or disabilities 

Contact:  

• Email info@firstwnc.org, or call for a personal appointment (828-277-1315) 
• Community Parent Resource Center Director, Janet Price-Ferrell, janet@firstwnc.org;  
• Parent Educator, Amanda Berry, amanda@firstwnc.org;  
• Parent Group Facilitator and Latinx Outreach, Amy Moose, amy@firstwnc.org 

Parent 2 Parent Family Support Network 

Counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey 

Description: Parent 2 Parent Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Phone: (828) 262-6089; Email: hayeskl@appstate.edu 

Family Support Network HOPE (FSN H)  

Counties: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Phone: (828) 256-5202; Email: Vickifsnhope@gmail.com

Family Support Network Of Trusted Parents (FSN TP) 

Counties: Mecklenburg  

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

• Parent Focus Group: 4th Thursday every month 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contact: Phone: (980) 229-723; Email: Nikia Bye, Nikiafsntp@trustedparents.org 

Mental Health America of Central Carolinas  

Counties: Mecklenburg & Cabarrus 

Description: Mental Health America of Central Carolinas offers support services for parents, caregivers and their youth with emotional, behavioral and/or mental health concerns. 

Services:  

• ParentVOICE: Family Support Specialists offer one-to-one support by preparing parents for and accompanying them to meetings with schools, service providers, and child & family teams. Family Partners also serve as an educational resource to parents and caregivers seeking ways to improve children’s ability to function successfully at home and in school. Family Partners also offer Triple P: Positive Parenting Program with tips, tools and strategies to help parents manage misbehavior and raise happy, confident kids and teens. 
• Compeer Program: Compeer matches adults living with a mental health diagnosis with compassionate community volunteers who provide one-to-one supportive friendship and mentoring relationships to offset the social isolation and loneliness that can accompany mental illness. Compeer matches meet virtually or face-to-face at least twice a month. Many go to a movie, have lunch, walk and talk, or enjoy other social activities together. Compeer volunteers make a minimum one-year commitment to the friendship. 

Eligibility: Any parent or caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral and/or health concerns who resides in Mecklenburg or Cabarrus counties.  

Contact: Contact (704) 365-3454 for help navigating mental health support services. Contact a Family Support Specialist: (704) 365-3454 ext. 219. 

Family Support Network of Greater Forsyth (FSNGF) 

Counties: Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin. 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources.  

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

• Specific to Forsyth County: 
  • El Grupo de Esperanza: (Spanish Speaking Families) 
  • 2nd Monday from 7-8:30pm 
    • To Register, Contact: Rosa Sanchez at, RosaFSN@thecfec.org 
  • Fella-ship (Group for Dads): 
    • Meets quarterly 
    • To Register, Contact: Chris Gentry at ChrisFSN@thecfec.org 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Phone: (336) 703-4289; Email: chrisfsn@thecfec.org

Amazing Grace Advocacy 

Counties: Cabarrus, Iredell 

Description: Amazing Grace Advocacy supports families and children who are struggling with the challenges of Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health/Illness Disorders, Childhood Trauma, Substance Use Disorder and other Neurological Disorders. They provide navigation and support to improve the quality of life for all. 

Services: Highly trained navigators that can provide support with navigating/connecting with resources in some of the following areas: 

• School Supports 
• Therapy & Mental Health Services 
• Medical Providers; Insurance and Medicaid Programs 

• Community Supports; Recreation for Families 
• Parent Self Care 
• Long Term Planning 
• Complex Children Services 

Eligibility: Families in need of support with navigating care and advocacy for their child. 

Contact: Family intake form to get started  

Family Support Network of Southern Piedmont (FSNSP) 

Counties: Cabarrus, Iredell, Rowan, Stanly, Union.  

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contact: Main office: (980) 522-8740; ccranford@fsnsp.org

Family Resource Center – South Atlantic (Houses FSN of Greater Triangle) 

Counties: Durham, Guilford, Wake (FSN of Greater Triangle serves Chatham, Durham, Orange, Person, Wake) 

Description: Family Resource Center helps families of color and children with special health care needs acquire the skills and resources to help their child/youth obtain optimal health. Family centered practice to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being. Create a partnership with the family and provide services that engage, involve, strengthen, and support families to become self-sufficient. 

Services:  

• General support and navigation through systems 
• Day 2 Day Dads: Works to improve employment and economic mobility opportunities foster healthy relationships and strengthen child-family engagement among fathers.  
• Parenting Wisely:  Provide tools and tips to parents to get their children through difficult times  
• Teens against bullying: Peer led victimization assistance program for youth who have been victimized through bullying 

Eligibility: Any parent in the counties listed above whose child of color or has a disability or special healthcare need.  

Contact: You can make a referral here. 

• Resource line, 1-800-852-0042 
• Office phone, (919) 834-9300, ext. 103  
• Health Information Resource Specialist, (919) 714-2465 

Family Support Network of Central Carolina (FSNCC) 

Counties: Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham.  

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

Some parent groups that run in this chapter include: Dad’s Group, Black Parent’s Group; Mom’s Group. 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Main Office: (336) 832-6507; support@fsncc.org; Click here for upcoming parent support group locations & dates.

Education Justice Alliance (EJA) 

Counties: Wake 

Description: The Education Justice Alliance is a group of concerned individuals in Wake County working for a reduction in the number of public-school students pushed off the academic track through unfair suspensions, harsh discipline policies, and academic failure. They envision a relationship-centered public school system that truly values parents and students as the decisions makers and active agents of change. 

Services: EJA is a hub for parents of Wake County students to connect around issues, provide support to each other, and act to demand changes. They provide assistance to parents when navigating various aspects of the public school system. EJA also runs various trainings and workshops for parents, educational and inspirational talks on school transformation, and run various campaigns in Wake County including: 

• #CounselorsNotCops: A campaign that aims to educate WCPSS officials on the importance of divesting from law enforcement and investing in school support staff, such as school psychologists, mental health therapists, school counselors, nurses and other support staff such as Peacebuilders. 
• Too Young to Suspend: A campaign that seeks to reduce the racial disparities in elementary school suspensions. EJA demands that WCPSS prohibits pre-K to 5th grade students from being suspended or expelled from school with limited exceptions. The intent is to prevent suspensions or expulsions of young students who misbehave or willfully defy school authorities but are not any danger to other students.   
• Protecting Immigrant Students: A campaign of community activists, organizers, parents, and students that demand Wake County Public Schools System (WCPSS) implement protections for immigrant and undocumented students. Continues to advocate for policy changes to WCPSS Superintendent and Board of Education.  

Eligibility: Anyone concerned with public education in Wake County Public Schools, or wanting to connect to make promote change; parents/guardians of children in WCPSS 

Contact: info@ejanc.org 

El Centro NC 

Counties: Durham, Wake, Orange, Person, Granville, Vance, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Harnett, Cumberland 

Description: El Centro Hispano (ECH) is the largest Latino-led/Latino-serving organization in the state and has been working with and on behalf of the Hispanic/Latino community in Durham, Wake, Orange, and neighboring counties since 1992. ECH strives to dismantle systemic, institutional, and historical barriers, so they no longer determine the population’s socioeconomic, education, health opportunities and status.  

Services: El Centro Hispano’s Education Department focuses on school readiness & achievement and adult education through expanding the capacity of academic institutions, educators, parents, and education leaders to promote and assure the learning and achievement of Hispanic/Latino/Latinx community members. 

• Advocacy In Early Education: This program is aimed at Latino parents with children ages 0 to 10 through dialogues that reflect issues that affect early education with the participation in decision-making tables at the state level. 
• Family Academy Program: This program supports families to understand the school and university system with monthly workshops that offer academic tools for positive impact, unifies parents and educational organizations. 
• Padres Comprometidos: The parents’ workshops enable parents to discuss pertinent topics about their children’s development and education in weekly workshops facilitated by guest experts and educators. Click here to register.  

Eligibility: Any Hispanic/Latino family in Durham, Wake, Orange, Person, Granville, Vance, Franklin, Johnston, Lee Harnett, & Cumberland County.  

Contact: To contact for more info, please email lhickey@elcentronc.org, or call (919) 687-4635 x 131. 

Empowered Parents in Community (EPIC) 

Counties: Durham 

Description: EPIC works to dismantle systemic racial inequities in the education system through collective organizing and intentional engagement of Black parents, caregivers, and communities. They empower people to advocate for high quality educational opportunities and the equitable distribution of resources within schools.  

Services: 

• Circle of Hope Program: To support parents’ mental health in an effort to build parent capacity, share resources and support each other to do the work that lies ahead in disrupting systemic racial inequities in education. 
• Empowered Families: They bridge home and school through creating a safe space to hear from parents/caregivers lived experiences and organize and empower parents/caregivers to collectively advocate for a common goal – high quality, culturally competent education for Black children so they can thrive. 
• Community Building: They bring parents, caregivers and community members together across the community to build on shared values, share educational concerns and resources, and learn to advocate for Black children at the school and district levels. 

Eligibility: Parents of children in Durham County 

Contact: info@EPiC-NC.org 

The Ari Advocacy Center 

Counties: Durham 

Description: The Ari Advocacy Center directly supports and advances the educational development of Black school-aged children, including those with a full range of disabilities, and their families through a cohesive collaborative strategy of evidence-based practice, research, direct support services, and support.  

Services:  

• Collaborative care guidance  
• Review of IEP records, assessment and progress monitoring 
• Support at IEP meetings 
• Explore Post-secondary education options 

Eligibility: Black children, young adults, parents, family members, and caregivers of North Carolina’s school-aged children 

Contact: Nicole Jimerson, TAC@thearicenter.org

NC Cooperative Extension – Parent & Family Support and Support Training (PFAST) 

Counties: Durham 

Description: NC Cooperative Extension offers a Parent & Family Support Training program; a free 8-week training for parents of children in the NC public school systems. The training covers information and strategies for how to navigate your child’s school and how to help support transform their educational experience. It is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters each year.  

Services: Virtual and in-person trainings focusing on parent engagement, navigating the public school system, communication styles, and school accountability.  

Eligibility: Families who reside in Durham County 

Contact: Email: shouse@dconc.gov 

Durham Children’s Initiative 

Counties: Durham 

Description: Durham Children’s Initiative aims to create a pipeline of high-quality services for youth and their families that helps them to overcome the barriers to their success. The vision is that every youth graduates from high school and is ready to transition to college or a career.  

Services:  

• DCI Family & Youth Advocates: DCI’s Youth and Family Advocates walk alongside families to ensure that they receive the highest-quality interventions possible aligned to their unique needs. Advocates develop and implement programming for students and provide direct advocacy services to assigned students and their families. Advocates work to promote academic, social, and personal success for DCI youth. Their focus is on developing healthy relationships by maintaining weekly contact with youth and families and ensuring that each receives empowering, high-quality, and appropriate supportive services. 
• Out-Of-School Learning: Supports students by offering before school, after school, and weekend programs, academic coaching support, literacy support, summer learning camps, and tutoring and homework help.

Eligibility: Families with children and youth in Durham County 

Contact: Email: TheDurhamChildrensInitiative@dci-nc.org; Phone: 919-908-8709 

Family Success Alliance 

Counties: Orange  

Description: The Family Success Alliance (FSA) was formed as a place-based initiative to work with Orange County families to ensure success from cradle to college and career. FSA uses a “collective impact” approach to bring together community members, local government agencies, non-profits, and other community leaders who are committed to ensuring that all children in Orange County have the opportunity to thrive in school, jobs, and community. The initiative is designed to reduce the effects of poverty on children’s development and academic achievement by implementing evidence-based practices that are responsive to the priorities and needs of families, and by influencing larger systems and policy change to create a more just community. 

Services:  

• Navigator Program: A peer support program in which navigators support families in reaching their goals, connecting with schools and community services and programming, and bringing family perspectives to help improve services and break down systemic barriers to success 
• Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program and other summer & afterschool enrichment activities, available through zone schools in both the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Districts 
• Coordination & support for programming that aligns with family goals, provided by partner nonprofit agencies (e.g., mental health services, financial planning, childcare scholarships, etc.) 

Eligibility: 

• Family has a child 0-18 in the home; located in their service areas in Orange County 
• Family is eligible for Free and Reduced-Price Lunch 

Contact: Main office: (919) 245-2071; fsa@orangecountync.gov; Facebook page 

ISLA NC 

Counties: Durham 

Description: ISLA NC builds community leadership through educational Spanish language and cultural immersion programs. They support Spanish speaking families to navigate the public education system. Some of their goals through their advocacy and programs are: 1) Provide Spanish-speaking parents access to resources to raise happy, healthy, bilingual families, 2) Lessen the academic opportunity gap between Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino students, 3) Give primarily low-income, Spanish-speaking students the opportunity to gain literacy skills in their native language of Spanish.  

Services:  

• Support staff available to support families navigate the school system 
• Isla Padres: Helps Hispanic/Latinx parents get access to resources and information about raising their children, particularly with the educational system in the US 
• Isla Los Sabados: Weekly educational heritage language immersion program for children ages 3-17 that aims to close the opportunity gap and open doors for Hispanic/Latino youth, their families and community  
• Isla Verano: Kindergarten through rising 5^th grade students learn Spanish through culture in a fun and interactive environment 

Eligibility: Children ages 3-17; Hispanic/Latino student’s families primarily in Orange County 

Contact: hola@laislaschool.com, 919-265-7692; Office located in Chapel Hill 

Student U 

Counties: Durham 

Description: Student U is a program that offers academic support and whole family support for Durham students. The program follows students from middle school through high school graduation. 

Services:  

• Support staff available to help families navigate the school system 
• Learning specialist on staff to support the development and evaluation of IEPs, and social worker on staff who can support development of BIPs 
• After school one-on-one academic support 

Eligibility: Student who receive free or reduced school lunch (FRL) or are first generation, and that have academic or behavioral needs can enter the lottery. They encourage students to apply at their main entry point in 5th grade (elementary school students), and then work with them through high school and post-secondary plan. They have a few spots in other grades each year (7th and 8th grade, but mostly not past 9th grade). 

Contact: admin@studentdurham.org 

Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children  

Counties: Wake 

Description: Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children is a parent-based organization advocating for students who attend public schools. Their goal is to empower parents to become effective advocates for their children while providing them with information on WCPSS’s laws, policies, and procedures that govern children and to assist parents in helping their children make choices that will enhance their children’s educational opportunities.  

Services: 

• Work with parents to become advocates in their child’s education and the public school 
• Provide information on WCPSS’s laws and policies  

Eligibility: Any parent of a child in WCPSS 

Contact: ccaac_aacca@yahoo.com; Facebook Page 

We Are (Working to Extend Anti-Racist Education) 

Counties: Durham County 

Description: We Are provides anti-racism training for children, families, and educators. They use a three-pronged approach to dismantle systemic racism in education by offering summer camps for children in rising 1st-5th grade, professional development for educators, and workshops for parents & families. 

Services: We Are’s newsletter offers information, articles, links, videos and resources for parents and families. They can support families in envisioning an anti-racist education at their child’s school, and ways to organize around that. They offer anti-racist education workshops & presentations, and you can click here to learn more.  

Eligibility: Any parent who is concerned about racial equity in their student’s school in Durham County 

Contact: Email: admin@weare-nc.org; Click here to contact a member of We Are.  

VOW (Village of Wisdom) 

Counties: Durham County 

Description: VOW seeks to uplift Black youth and families by closing the academic opportunity gap between students of different races and cultivating a positive racial self-concept for Black children. To eliminate racial injustice in education, VOW develops resources and tools for students, teachers, and parents to support Black students in their intellectual pursuits and encourage curiosity.  

Services: The VOW newsletter, Village Updates, makes parents and students aware of opportunities related to education and equity in the Durham area. VOW also runs a Black parent fellowship called the Dreamship. 

Eligibility: Any Black parent/guardian or parent/guardian of a Black student, focused on Durham area  

Contact: Email: Nadiah Porter, Parent Amplifier: nporter@villageofwisdom.org   

General Special Needs 

Family Resource Center – South Atlantic (Houses FSN of Greater Triangle) 

Counties: Durham, Guilford, Wake (FSN of Greater Triangle serves Chatham, Durham, Orange, Person, Wake) 

Description: Family Resource Center helps families of color and children with special health care needs acquire the skills and resources to help their child/youth obtain optimal health. They engaged in family centered practice to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being. They create partnerships with families and provide services that engage, involve, strengthen, and support families to become self-sufficient. 

Services:  

• General support and navigation through systems 

• Day 2 Day Dads: Works to improve employment and economic mobility opportunities foster healthy relationships and strengthen child-family engagement among fathers.  
• Parenting Wisely:  Provide tools and tips to parents to get their children through difficult times  
• Teens against bullying: Peer led victimization assistance program for youth who have been victimized through bullying 

Eligibility: Any parent in the counties listed above whose child of color or has a disability or special healthcare need.  

Contact: You can make a referral here. 

• Resource line, 1-800-852-0042 
• Office phone- (919) 834-9300, ext. 103  
• Health Information Resource Specialist- (919) 714-2465 

The Durham Special Needs Advisory Council (D-SNAC) 

Counties: Durham 

Description: D-SNAC is a group of families working in collaboration with education professionals and community members to support and improve the educational experience and outcomes of students with special needs in Durham Public Schools. D-SNAC serves as a link between EC parents and the district by sharing information, identifying concerns, and improving collaboration.  

Services: 

• Forum for parents to connect with each other around their children’s special needs and making changes to support their children in the DPS 
• Webinars for parents to learn more about their rights and responsibilities, services provided by Durham Public Schools for students with special needs, self-advocacy tools, and other areas of concern related to the education of exceptional children.  
• Publishing resources for families of Durham students with disabilities (here) regarding learning & curriculum, IEPs & 504 Plans, parents’ rights in special education, resources for learning at home, therapy services, and wellness at home, and other community resources provided by Durham Public School Exceptional Children Services Department, the Durham Special Needs Advisory Council, and the Community Equity, Data & Information Lab at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science. 

Eligibility: Any parent or caregiver of a child with special needs enrolled in Durham Public School System.  

Contact: durhamsnac@gmail.com. Click here to find your DPS facilitator by school

Community Partnerships – Community Guide Services 

Counties: Wake 

Description: Community Guide services are designed to help children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities as they work towards achieving their personal goals. The purpose of Community Guide services is to encourage self-determination and self-direction; increase participants’ ability to be involved and included in their community; and to help participants develop social networks and connections within their own community. Community Guide services are short-term, temporary (up to 6 months), and phase out when goals are achieved. Services are also provided as needed: participants can enter, exit, and re-enter the program as their needs change. 

Services:  

• IEP advocacy and parent education 
• Locating financial assistance to meet basic needs (housing, utilities) and to pay for other necessary items. We can also help participants access donated items 
• Locating after-school programs, social activities or social interest groups that include children with disabilities. 
• Educating participants and their families about how to navigate the disability services system 
• Linking to non-Medicaid resources related to financial planning, renting or purchasing a home, or applying for public housing. 

Eligibility:  

• Live in Wake County 
• Age 3 or above with an intellectual/developmental disability 
• Have Medicaid 

Contact:  

• Jeanette Kelly, Program Manager, Phone: 919-781-3616, ext. 287 
• Office: 3522 Haworth Drive, Raleigh 

SEEDS of HOPE Project & Disaster Recovery Center 

Counties: Robeson 

Description: Seeds of Hope came together to serve the residents of Robeson County during a disaster and in recovery with a focus on economic development. They aim to enhance communities by creating employment, engage in economic development projects and provide educational and law programs that will provide empowerment and sustainability for families.  

Services: 

• Relief and recovery site and support for disaster survivors 
• Business case management and services  
• Intake referral  
• Education justice advocacy 
• Parent power division  

Eligibility: Robeson County residents  

Contact: Adrienne Kennedy, (910) 802-0081, hopeslcdc@gmail.com; Shalonda Regan, snregan87@gmail.com  

Connect Community 

Description: CONNECT Community, Inc. connects adolescents and their caregivers who live in rural, southeastern North Carolina to community resources and opportunities. They promote parental resilience, foster social connections and provide knowledge of parenting and child development. 

Services: 

• Caregiver Training and Workshops 
• Family Events and Gatherings 
• Adolescent Summits and Support Groups 

Eligibility: Robeson County residents 

Contact: Kewanda Merritt, kewanda.merritt@connectcmty.org  

Connect Community 

Counties: Robeson 

Description: CONNECT Community, Inc. connects adolescents and their caregivers who live in rural, southeastern North Carolina to community resources and opportunities. They promote parental resilience, foster social connections and provide knowledge of parenting and child development. 

Services: 

• Caregiver Training and Workshops 

• Family Events and Gatherings 
• Adolescent Summits and Support Groups 

Eligibility: Robeson County residents 

Contact: Kewanda Merritt, kewanda.merritt@connectcmty.org  

Love Our Children NC 

Counties: New Hanover 

Description: Love Our Children is an education advocacy organization focused on improving the experience of children in New Hanover County public schools. The organization brings together families and community members to encourage the New Hanover School Board to make policy changes that would best support children in school.  

Services:  

• Campaigns focused on ending school suspensions and seclusion 
• Providing a space for parents to organize and advocates for school policy changes 
• Connections related to early childhood education and mental health 

Eligibility: New Hanover County residents 

Contact: Peter Rawitch, loveourchildrennc@gmail.com or visit their contact page. Click here for Love Our Children NC’s Facebook page.  

North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center 

Counties: Robeson

Description: The North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center (NC-YVPC) supports the needs of youth and families by providing a continuum of services to prevent future violence, support victims, and promote resiliency in coping with life stressors. 

Services: 

• Teen court: A restorative justice approach to reducing crime, Teen Court developed alternative pathways to empower youth to avoid further involvement in the judicial process by diverting them to community service.  
• VEEP: Addresses victims of school-related crime such as bullying and teen dating violence, child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.  
• RACER Initiative: Robeson Adverse Childhood Experiences & Resilience Initiative, raises public awareness using effective messaging, helping residents understand, recognize and prevent adverse childhood experiences, establish a task force designed to map resources, inventory services and implement a strategic plan for creating a service continuum for prevent & intervention efforts focusing on ACES, and facilitate educational opportunities on the causes of ACEs and the universal impact  

Eligibility: Robeson County residents  

Contact: James Barbee, James.barbee@co.Robeson.nc.us  

Family Support Network of Southeastern NC (FSN SENC) 

Counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Pender, Robeson, Sampson. 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources.  

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Main office: 910-792-6133; fsnsoutheastern@gmail.com

Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County 

Counties: Pitt County 

Description: Parents for public Schools of Pitt County advances the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for each child. 

Services: 

• Parent Engagement Program: A cohort that meets one day per month to prepare parents to be well equipped and empowered advocates of public education. 
• Community Conversations: Data gathered from Pitt County citizens throughout a school year regarding their experiences with Pitt County Schools. Themes and issues are reported to the BOE with changes.  

• School Tours: Tours are given to community leaders, families, and elected officials to show that school quality does not match school report card grade. 

Eligibility: Any parent/guardian whose student attends Pitt County Schools. 

Contact: Phone: (252) 758-1604 ext. 201; Email: info@ppspittcounty.org

Family Support Network of Eastern NC (FSN ENC) 

Counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Carteret, Craven, Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Hyde, Johnston, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pitt, Wayne, Wilson. 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources. 

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates Offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

• Specific to Pitt County: 

• Coffee and Chat Virtual Parents Connection Group: 2nd Thursday of every month 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Faith Mosley at faith@aacfnc.org; Director@fsnenc.org; Phone- 252-917-4110

Family Support Network of Northeastern NC (FSNNENC) 

Counties: Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, Washington 

Description: Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages with all types of special needs. They match families with parents who have children with similar disabilities, coordinate parent support and education groups, offer training on topics of interest for families and professionals, one-on-one assistance, and provide information & access to resources.  

Services: All FSN Regional Affiliates offer: Parent-to-Parent Support; Parent Mentor Orientation; Information & Referral; Support Groups & Workshops; Service System Navigation Support; Parent to Parent Matching for Rare Disorders. 

• Circle of Parents Support Group: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and Thursdays of each month 

Eligibility: Parent of child who were born with or “at risk” for developmental disability; who have special health care needs; who have complex developmental, medical, behavioral issues that impacts developmental success; who have learning disabilities; who have mental health/behavioral disorders; and/or who are in a foster care system. 

Contacts: Office-252-333-1233; Work Cell-252-339-0695; faith@aacfnc.org