Services

Services and programs of Families Helping Families Region 7 are FREE.

These services will evolve from the voice of the families and be sensitive to the diverse and changing needs of the communities.

For more information about Families Helping Families Region 7 services please feel free to contact us at (318) 226-4541 or 1-877-226-4541.

We offer the following services:

Information and Referral

Provides a variety of information/services on disabilities and will refer to other organizations for more information. TOP

Information about Services

Provides information on the services that are available in Region 7. TOP

Early Steps

The Early Steps Community Outreach Specialist is depended upon to coordinate activities related to the support of parents and families served by Louisiana's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with special needs. Contact Monica Stampley if you are interested in Early Steps services. TOP

Early Childhood Support and Services

ECSS is a local intergrated comprehensive system of prevention and care for young children, age birth to age five. It is a coordinated group of community supports and services promoting optimal functioning of these young children and their families. These children who have been identified at risk receive interventions that involved coordinated screenings, evaluation, referral, and treatment. Staffings are done once a month. Contact Carolyn Short if you are interested in ECSS services. TOP

Training on Education Laws (IEP)

Offers workshops to keep families informed of their education rights and responsibilities under law; attend IEP meeting to support the family. Contact Monica Sullivan if you are interested in our education services. TOP

Transition Services (ITP)

Assist individuals 16 years old and older and their families identify and locate services that are available to them. Contact Minnie Jenkins if you are interested in our transition services. TOP

Point of Information and Referral

Once a family is referred to Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities to be determined eligible for services they are referred to Families Helping Families. Our office contacts the family and places them on our mailing lists. We then address the support issues that need to be dealt with. We pursue community resources and refer to other local agencies and collaborative work to resolve crisis. Contact Mary Russell if you are interested in OCDD services. TOP

F2FHIC

Provide support to families; provide information to families on their child's health care challenges and on navigating the health care financing maze. We attend health fairs to reach the public making them aware of programs and services that are offered in the community. We also provide trainings on services and resources available to families and on how to advocate for better health care services in our state. TOP

LaCAN

LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals & families who have worked together since 1998 advocating for a service system that supports individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes, rather than having to move to a facility to receive needed services. Specifically, they have advocated for implementation of Louisiana's Community & Family Support System Plan.

Regional LaCAN teams include parents, individuals with disabilities, & advocates for individualized supports. Team members are linked by telephone tree and the internet to mobilize when communication with state policymakers is necessary. If you are interested in becoming a member contact Duane Ebarb at 318-688-4830 or 318-226-4541. TOP

Lending Library

Videos, books, magazines, resource and equipment catalogs are available for loan on a wide variety of disabilities and relevant subjects. TOP

Support Groups

Facilitates support groups in the Region 7 parishes where parents can get together to share experiences, decrease isolations and gain understanding. TOP

Peer to Peer Support

Support by phone or in person to individuals who need to talk to another parent or individual who has “been there”; links them with similar situations locally or statewide. TOP

Stipends

Funds that are available to family members and/or individuals with disabilities to attend conferences, workshops or other events. TOP

Workshops

Offers families and individuals workshops to encourage, enlighten, and empower; topics are family-driven, timely, and relevant. TOP

Newsletter

Published semi-annually and provides most current information, education, and inspiration. TOP