Families Helping Families Of Greater New Orleans

The organizations single program is to provide informational support and educational services to area Families who have family members with special needs (disabilities) through a coordinated network of resources, support and services.the organizations mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their Families to have high expectations for themselves or their loved ones with a disability through effective advocacy. Individuals with disabilities core expectations should be an inclusive education, independent living, and employment. The organization accomplishes this through three primary services: 1) peer-to-peer support is recognized as an effective evidence-based practice that strengthens a network people belong to and depend on for human service needs. The organization offers this support through their trained, knowledgeable staff with the same or similar lived experiences. 2) training is an important key for individuals to gain the knowledge they need to become effective advocates. Teaching individuals about the laws that govern the services they are entitled to is critical to successful advocacy. The organization uses malcolm knowles theory on adult learning as the foundation for all training development. Using knowles assumptions about adult learners motivates individuals with disabilities and their loved ones to engage in advocacy opportunities. 3) the organization provides information and outreach to individuals with disabilities and their Families who often feel isolated because they are unaware of others that are experiencing the same thing. This is provided at in-person events, through literature provided to community agencies, medical staff, and others providing needed services to this population, website, social media, e-blast, and more. The organization provided 7,744 incidents of peer support to individuals and conducted 137 training webinars during the year. The organization participated in 26 outreach events.