What is ParentVOICE?

ParentVOICE is dedicated to empowering you
to be a strong voice in the life of your child and
helping you:

• Learn
• Lead
• Participate
• Advocate

What is ParentVOICE?
ParentVOICE is a grassroots organization, staffed by trained parents and caregivers of youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns, that offers:

• The skills, resources, and knowledge that YOU need to meet the needs of YOUR child.
• Advocacy for parents;
• Advocate training;
• Resources for services and information;
• Information about serving on local and governmental committees, boards, and agencies that are mandated to serve the needs of all youth;
• Education about our local, personcentered, family-focused system of care;
• Support and educational groups for parents, caregivers, family members, and youth;
• Workshops and training for professionals and the mental health community.

Who comes to ParentVOICE?
Parents and families raising youth with severe emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorders such as:

• Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity, or ADHD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Reactive Attachment Disorder
• Other emotional/behavioral challenges

Why you should contact ParentVOICE:

• ParentVOICE is an independent organization that works for parents.
• ParentVOICE advocates can go with you to meetings or conferences with schools.
• Through individual assistance and training ParentVOICE will teach you how to advocate for your child, know your rights within the education and mental health systems, and assure that your child's individual needs are respected and met.
• We have all raised youth with severe behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues, and have "walked a mile in your shoes." You are not alone! We love our challenging youth, but we also know what it is like to be tired, frustrated, overwhelmed and angry. Our Parent-Advocates asked questions, received the answers, and found solutions. Now we want to share our knowledge, experience and strength with YOU.
• Learn the language so that you can work effectively within Mecklenburg CARES and establish clearer communication with professionals.
• Become an advocate and teach other parents to become their own, best advocates.

ParentVOICE Meetings:
Parent Empowerment Group
Every 4th Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM
737 Woodlawn Road
United Grace Methodist Church
Contact: Nancy Kothandapany
704-432-7128 parentvoice01@aol.com

A.C.T.I.V.E. Youth
Every 4th Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM
737 Woodlawn Road
United Grace Methodist Church
Contact: Wallace Baker
704-432-4522 parentvoiceWB@aol.com

SIBs Youth (siblings group)
Contact: Barbara Baker
704-432-4524 parentvoiceBB@aol.com

Advocacy Coordinator
Contact: Kate Williams
704-432-4523 parentvoiceKW@aol.com