The Heart Of It, Fall 2006 Newsletter - Parent to Parent of Vermont

Thank you to the following donors for their support of Parent to Parent of Vermont. Their gifts are making a difference for Vermont families with children with special needs.

Thank You, Patty!
Patty Prelock outgoing Board President

“As I approach the end of my tenure as a member of the Board of Directors for Parent to Parent of Vermont for the past seven years, and as its President for the last six years, I have cause to reflect on the many reasons for becoming involved in the organization, for staying involved, and for considering my future involvement.
During my long relationship with Parent to Parent of Vermont, I have seen our staff create, implement and sustain programs that enhance the quality of life for our families with children who have special health needs. The tremendous commitment to family-centered care that is so evident and continually modeled at Parent to Parent has influenced the way I think, work, teach and engage in research. It has also guided my service as a community volunteer and contributor.
My time with Parent to Parent has been a critical part of my life and I hope, in some ways, my involvement has succeeded in fostering a community spirit for service and giving. I look forward to continuing my commitment to this amazing organization as a contributor and as a volunteer. My family, friends and colleagues know well that when they ask how they can support me in my work, I say, please make a contribution to Parent to Parent because this organization makes a difference. I want to thank all of you – the families I have learned so much from, the board members who have supported my leadership, and the staff who have shared their talents – for the privilege of knowing you, working with you and guiding my understanding of what it means to be truly family-centered.”

Thanks to Jim Jeffords on his retirement!

Thanks to Jim Jeffords on his retirement!

On your retirement from the Senate,
Thank You, Senator Jeffords
for your tireless dedication to all Vermonters and your staunch advocacy on behalf of children and families.
You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

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Thanks for the Funding!
Once again this year, Parent to Parent of Vermont has recently received a grant that allows for funding for parents to attend conferences or trainings as related to their child's special need or diagnosis. Families can access this funding up to an allotted amount per calendar year. We were also recently awarded a grant to provide families with one time respite funding. For more information about these opportunities and other programs at Parent to Parent, give us a call or check our website at http://www.partoparvt.org/Funding.html.

I think this is a great
program. It allowed my
family and I to have new
experiences and get
a break from normal
society here
in Vermont.
–CHRISTINA KARL

Thanks to the Agency of Human Services for flexible respite funding through the Children and Family Council for Prevention Programs, families were able to enjoy respite time this past summer. For some families respite was a family outing to Storyland or Great Adventures, or a whale watch. For some families, respite was time for the parents to spend alone without children.

“A little 8-year-old girl struggled with sleeping in her own bed at night; she got her parents up every night which disturbed the whole family. One day this little girl and her daddy got to go and buy her a CD player with the help of special friends from Parent to Parent of Vermont. They spent a little more than expected because it had a remote with it so the little girl can turn it on from her bed. That was three nights ago, this morning the little girl woke up and said "Mom I did it again! I slept ALL night in my own bed!!! I love my music and I can turn it on when I get scared" So you see, because of organizations like yours you have provided our family with a wonderful thing. Of course this little girl's name is Holli Trudo, and we are so proud of her. Thank You, Thank You!”
–THE TRUDO FAMILY

“Without the help from Parent to Parent we never could have made this dream trip come true for Skylar and our family. Parent to Parent you are an amazing organization, so many times in my life, I don't know what I would have done without you. Thanks again.”
–JESSICA LEVI

"Every family should receive a respite grant. It helped us through times when we needed time to be with family and relax with no stress."
–KEITH & GLORIA JUDD

“Respite for me was having time to sleep late, catch up with family and going places very different from home."
–TERRY HOLDEN

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