Jo Yoder
Most people familiar with Parent to Parent of Vermont know Jo in her various professional roles within the organization: Family Support Coordinator, Director of Family Support, and Family Faculty Director.  However, there are several fortunate parents who know her as a Supporting Parent. Many of these formal One-to-One Matches developed into long-term relationships, as Jo is so easy to talk with, understanding of their experiences, non-judgmental of their fears and frustrations, and always responding in a comforting and hopeful manner.

“In the course of our lives we meet many people, some we just say hi to, others stay awhile and we call them friends, and a special few we will never forget for they have touched our hearts. Jo, you are one of the special few, you have a beautiful sprit and a generous soul. This world could use more people like you! Thank you for all you have done, and for all I know you will continue to do. You will be missed!” - The Dufresnes (Joseph, Karen, Travis and Lynn-Ann)

Jo’s gentle spirit and superb communication skills have been noted by families in her peer matches and mentoring relationships, as well as by community members, as attributes that they would like to emulate. Jo listens intently and never interrupts, as she truly practices the “art of listening”, which we teach in our Supporting Parent Training.

“I sometimes called when I was overwhelmed with all that was going on.  Jo had that special way of listening and talking, so that once again I was ready to face the care needed by my child or to work with the professionals in our lives.” - Betty Morse

The respect we all feel for Jo goes beyond her role as a Supporting Parent, as she lives her life in harmony with all the attributes that we call the “Major Ingredients of Caring” - knowledge, patience, trust, humility, hope, courage, genuineness, non-defensiveness, consistency, and warmth. These qualities are reflected in all her roles, whether she is supporting families, volunteering in the community, collaborating with colleagues, or being with family and friends.

“Jo has been the light in the window for me, I know someone is there when I need to check in and "refuel”. I am very sad to think she will not be close by, but I'm thrilled that she will be able to share her knowledge and caring with children and families in another part of the country.” - Liz Sykas-Ringgenberg

Jo’s smile and warmth of spirit will be missed by all who know her. We wish her the very best in Colorado, and hope she’ll always be a part of our lives.   ©

Fall 2003 - In this Issue:
From our Director
Board & Staff Update
Thank you, Richard Tarrant!
Family Support Report
Supporting Parent Honor
Vermont Medical Home Update
Family Voices of Vermont
Partners In Care Conference '03
Inn Raffle #2!
Family Story Update: Demeritt
Our Calendar | News & Note

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