The primary goal of PROJECT REACH (REsponsive Advocacy for Children's Health) is to provide state level leadership and community focus in the establishment of Health Care Information and Education Centers for families of children with special health care needs. PROJECT REACH is a collaborative effort between the Maine Parent Federation and the state's Maternal and Child Health Title V administering agency (the Division of Family Health within the Bureau of Health, Maine Department of Human Services). Maine Parent Federation's program focus is the establishment and support of regionally based cadres of trained volunteers who are themselves parents of children with special health care needs.

Maine Family Voices, the Maine chapter of the national organization has an emphasis on access to health/health related services for children with special health care needs. The major program goal of Maine Family Voices is the creation of a statewide Parent to Parent program.

Parent–to-Parent of Maine is a program offered through our Family-to-Family Health Information Centers funded by a Maternal and Child Health grant. We are families connecting families in similar situations so we may share experiences, information and support.  Through a matching process we pair up parents of a newly diagnosed child with a trained, support parent who has a child with a similar disability or health care issue.  This program is designed to help parents, who are just becoming aware of their child’s diagnosis or are going through a transition, “learn the ropes” by providing them with information and support. 

Support Parent Training. We will help prepare the experienced parent by providing information about the Parent-to-Parent program; the role of a support parent; some useful communication skills; and how to access resources.  Mileage and a stipend are available for attending the training

Primary Audience:  Parents or other family members

Recommended length: 4- 6 hours