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A Conversation About…The Caregiver 2 Caregiver Respite Network
October 2 @ 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
A Conversation About the Caregiver 2 Caregiver Respite Network: A community of caregiving rooted in shared experience
We hope you join us to learn more about this amazing program and to have your questions answered.
With Speakers Valeryia Pederson from the Federation and Elizabeth Bostic from DPH
Deadline to register Saturday September 28th
The Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network was developed by a parent of a child with a disability. C2C is funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds though a special state respite initiative and is a program of the Federation for Children with Special Needs in MA. The network is composed of families of children and youth with disabilities and specialized support needs ages 0-26 who agree to both give and receive respite.
The webinar presenters will discuss the extensive planning process they undertook for implementation, the essential components of the respite opportunity based on reciprocity, and the match process that combines best practices from Parent to Parent USA, feedback from professional partners, as well as wishes and concerns expressed by caregivers. They will also share how they are working to engage diverse families and caregivers.
Visit the website to learn more and watch the welcome video available in six languages.
About the speakers: Valeryia finds her purpose in building supportive and accepting communities. Whether she is organizing a local parent support group or planning and implementing an innovative respite program, her focus is on bringing culturally and linguistically affirming services to children and youth with disabilities and their families. She is committed to tirelessly highlighting and celebrating the talent and a multitude of contributions made daily by marginalized communities, especially those who identify as neurodivergent, disabled and immigrant. She is a proud parent of two neurodivergent children. Her academic background includes health education, pedagogy and linguistics. Valeryia joined the Federation for Children with Special Needs during the pandemic and her current role is Project Director for the Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network.
Elizabeth (Beth) Bostic is the Assistant Director for Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and a LEND Faculty Instructor and Fellow at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMASS Medical School. She is also the proud parent and humble servant of King James, a medically complex young man. Beth was a Project Manager for a training and consulting organization before starting her own Special Education Advocacy practice more than 15 years ago. She is a trusted and frequently requested facilitator of workshops and stakeholder meetings across the Commonwealth, known for her ability to facilitate candid conversations about special education, caregiver needs, disability rights and healthcare disparities among underrepresented and disenfranchised populations.