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Before Nereida Feliciano facilitated a parent-to-parent support group at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM), she was a parent using Montefiore services for her child, who has spinal muscular atrophy. She then met Judy Lalane, a parent of a child with autism, who connected her with other parents experiencing challenges. "I felt her pain and saw the impact on her family," said Lalane. "I saw that she was calmer after finding others who would listen and understand her concerns."
Rhonda Lieberman, MSW, clinical manager of social work at CHAM, recognized that parents like Feliciano and Lalane benefited from connecting with other parents whose children had complex healthcare needs, especially after first receiving an initial diagnosis of a severe and lasting medical condition. "Parents expressed appreciation for opportunities to gain information and share experiences about changes that happen when dealing with unique issues," said Lieberman, who then organized a regularly scheduled support group with meetings accommodating both English- and Spanish-speaking families. "This year, the Find-a-Friend support group just celebrated its sixth anniversary."
Lieberman ultimately hired and trained Feliciano and Lalane as part-time family representatives who offer peer support to other parents. "They have a genuine desire to provide a supportive environment," said Lieberman. "They are ‘authentic' in relating to other parents because they are in the same situation."
Feliciano, now a CHAM 5 case manager pursuing a master's degree in social work, said family representatives work in CHAM units and invite parents of children with chronic medical conditions or developmental disabilities to come to the group's meetings and workshops. "We also help connect parents with agencies and other resources," she said. "You have to learn how to navigate the educational system and know your rights to receive appropriate services. We serve as guides in a learning environment."
For more information on support programs at CHAM, please contact The Family Learning Place at 718-741-2357.
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