Family to Family Network empowers children with special needs

In the heart of Houston, a remarkable resource is making a significant difference for children with disabilities and their families.

The Family to Family Network, a parent-run organization, offers invaluable guidance and training to ensure these children have the tools they need to grow into independent adults.

How Family to Family Network helps

What they're saying:

Mary Jane Williams is the Executive Director of Family to Family Network and emphasizes the importance of their mission.

"Families, when they receive that initial diagnosis, they really don't know where to turn or where to even start," she states. "Oftentimes, families call us, and they don't even know the questions to ask. So, we really start with some basic information with them," says Mary Jane.

Local perspective:

The Network has been a lifeline for families like Tyler's. He's a young man with an intellectual disability and hypotonia (decreased muscle tone/weakness) and has thrived with the support of the Network.

"Family to Family has just been invaluable. They helped us when Tyler was in school, through the different processes and evaluations, and just kind of held our hands," says Mary Clark, Tyler's mother.

The Network's assistance extends beyond education.

"They helped with Tyler with his job, they did job coaching through Summer House. They also showed him how to do Metro Lift, and he was doing that independently," explains Mary.

Big picture view:

Mary Jane highlights the broader impact of their work.

"It's really important for families to realize that education is free and adult services are not. We have to use the education system to get all those skills so that kids can transition into adulthood, whether it's a day program or we love individuals going into employment," states Mary Jane.

Family to Family Network offers free services

The Network's efforts culminate in events like their annual fundraiser. They're trying to raise crucial dollars that help bring their dreams to life, because their services are free to families! Tyler and his family are thrilled to be recognized for his hard work.

"We are so happy and honored that Tyler is being honored today, along with his friends for their jobs. Jobs are so important, so our focus is to help Tyler to have a happy, productive life, and a job is part of that," Mary shares.

What's next:

Looking ahead, Family to Family Network aims to expand its reach. Within the next six years, Family to Family hopes to help 25,000 families see possibilities for their children with disabilities. Through their dedicated work, Family to Family Network is changing mindsets about disabilities, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to live their best life.

Dig deeper:

For more information, head to: https://f2fn.org

The Source: FOX 26's Melissa Wilson spoke with the executive director of Family to Family Network and a family impacted by their services.

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