Children with behavioral or emotional challenges have their own unique needs. The Support Network works to support the needs of families in Western Massachusetts who have a child age 19 or younger with behavioral or emotional challenges. Each family determines its own needs. The Network’s mission is to support the unique strengths, insights and skills of families so they may best achieve their individual goals.

Family Support Specialists staff the Network in the Berkshires, Franklin, Hampshire, N. QUABBIN and Hampden Counties. Through one-to-one contacts, parent meetings and participation in workshops and conferences, the Support Network for Families provides:

Support- sharing experiences in a nonjudgmental setting of trust and acceptance Advocacy- supporting and empowering families in their advocacy efforts through education and training Resources- providing information about community programs and services Networking- developing a collaborative relationship with professionals as well as other parents in the community. Families who are part of the Network:

• Become connected with other families in ways that help reduce feelings of aloneness and isolation
• Learn ways to reach their goals
• Participant in support meetings
• Attend local, state and regional conferences and workshops (the Network helps with costs)
• Meet with state and federal legislators to discuss health care, health insurance, managed care issues, education issues, respite care concerns and service needs.
• Participate in Department of Mental Health area and state advisory boards and committees.

Contact:
Pauline Curry, Director
(413) 536-2401 x 3007
pcurry@theconsortiumwmtc.org

Margery Jess-Reid, Family Support Specialist, Franklin/Hampshire and North Quabbin Counties
(413) 536-2401 x 3005
mjess-reid@theconsortiumwmtc.org

Juanita Molina, Family Support Specialist, Hampden County
(413) 536-2401 x 3002
jmolina@theconsortiumwmtc.org

Janet Polanski, Family Support Specialist, Berkshire County
(413) 445-7262
jpolanski@theconsortiumwmtc.org

This project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health