Children with emotional or behavioral challenges have their own unique needs. At The Support Network our Family Support Specialists provide resources,1:1 and group support, as well as assistance navigating systems of care.
We are a program of The Western MA Training Consortium and are funded by the MA Department of Mental Health. We serve families in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties
Our Mission
We are committed to families whose children have mental health needs by broadening knowledge, building resiliency, reducing isolation and stigma and imparting hope through the sharing of lived experience.
Our Values
The Support Network prioritizes cultural humility and values strength based, collaborative, family driven and individualized support. We believe that by empowering families to be a strong voice for their children we can together achieve the best possible outcomes. Through the sharing of our own lived experience as well as the experiences of families we support, we strive to enlighten our local, state and national authorities about the difficulties families encounter while working to access the best possible care for their children.
What We Do
At the Support Network, , we work together with parents, caregivers and providers to make a difference in children’s and families lives.
Family Support Specialists are here to guide you:
- Discover your child and family strengths
- Participate in peer facilitated support groups where there is opportunity for mutual support, information and resource sharing in a safe, confidential, and respectful environment
- Learn how to work collaboratively with your child’s school district as well as increasing awareness of special education regulations and 504 plan guidelines
- Educate yourself by attending trainings and workshops
- Keep abreast of the most recent research regarding children’s mental health and wellness
- Learn about community resources and how to navigate the many systems of care
- Build resilience, hope and healing through connections with other families
- Discover ways to reduce stigma and amplify the family voice
- Engage in local, state or national campaigns to raise awareness of children’s social and emotional needs
“The Support Network has been my primary source of information regarding mental health services available for my child. It was difficult to acknowledge that my child has emotional challenges and my Family Support Specialist has been a knowledgeable, compassionate and caring source of support throughout this ordeal. She has listened patiently and offered suggestions for resources available in Western Massachusetts. At the monthly support group meetings I have met other parents who struggle with similar challenges and I have learned from their experience.”
Sixteen years ago, I was first introduced to The Support Network during my advocacy training through the Federation for Children with Special Needs. From that moment forward, The Support Network has played an essential role in my life as a parent, an advocate, and an individual. Through countless workshops, trainings, and support groups, I have gained not only knowledge but also the confidence to find and use my own voice.
Local Mental Health Center
If you need immediate support, call the suicide help line at 988
You can also get help at these locations:
Services
We provide a variety of services ranging from parent support groups to referrals to medical professionals and agencies. Because we understand that as a parent or caregiver of a child with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges, one often feels alone, isolated and stigmatized. We don’t often discuss our child’s difficulties with extended family, friends, neighbors, and community members out of fear of being blamed or judged. At the Support Network, we are here to help and to provide a place of mutual support and connection.
Upcoming Events
Our virtual Monday meetings are every 2nd Monday of the Month and our in-person Tuesday meetings are 1st Tuesday of the month. For more information, please reach out. All meetings are free of charge, so join us!
Nuestras reuniones virtuales de los lunes se realizan el segundo lunes de cada mes, y nuestras reuniones presenciales de los martes, el primer martes de cada mes. Para más información, contáctanos. ¡Todas las reuniones son gratuitas, así que únete!