MAP Parent Mentor Program

It can make a world of difference to know that you are NOT alone…

Stone Soup Group offers Mentor-Advocate-Partner Program (MAP), a volunteer peer support opportunity adapted from nationally recognized Parent-to-Parent USA programs, specifically for Alaskans. As parents ourselves, we know one of the best resources for families is connecting with other families who have had similar experiences caring for a child with special needs; who have already come to accept and understand their child’s unique needs.

Regardless of your status, (parent, grandparent, foster parent, sibling, etc.) you can be connected with more “seasoned” family members based on characteristics such as a shared diagnosis, language or location.

What’s the Benefit?

We’ve all had times in our journey when we have felt overwhelmed and alone. Looking back, it would have helped to talk with someone who has already gone through that experience and made it out on the other side. The goal of Mentor-Advocate-Partner (MAP) is to tap into the amazing resource of “seasoned” parents we already have among us, both locally and nationally, to help fill this void and create a stronger community support system.

Who will I be talking to?

For the most part, parents are paired with other trained support parents in Alaska. In some situations, such as a rare diagnosis, we may match you with an experienced trained support parent in another part of the country. As a family member seeking support, you determine what qualities are most important to you for this connection.

How much of my information will you be sharing?

Stone Soup Group takes confidentiality very seriously. We will only share the information you want us to share. You may be matched based on a number of factors, but we will not share all these reasons with either you or the other parent. These are your stories to tell. The person you are being connected with will receive your name, contact information as well as the age and diagnosis of your child. The rest is up to you.

NEW! MAP Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Mentor Parents and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guides

Are you a parent of a child or youth that is deaf/hard of hearing? Are you caring for a child or youth that is deaf/hard of hearing? Are you interested in being a Mentor Parent? Are you a deaf or hard of hearing individual who is interested in becoming a Deaf Guide or Hard of Hearing Guide? Let us know you by filling out the form below!