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.
Information about Services
Provides information on the services that are available in Region 7.
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.
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 our office if you are interested in our education services.
Transition Services (ITP)
Assist individuals 16 years old and older and their families identify and locate services that are available to them. Contact our office if you are interested or need more information about our transition services.
Point of Information and Referral
Once a family is referred to Northwest Louisiana Human Services District 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.
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.
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 policy makers is necessary. If you are interested in becoming a member contact Duane Ebarb at 318-688-4830 or 318-226-4541.
Lending Library
Videos, books, magazines, resource and equipment catalogs are available for loan on a wide variety of disabilities and relevant subjects.
Support Groups
Facilitates support groups in the Region 7 parishes where parents can get together to share experiences, decrease isolations and gain understanding.
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.
Travel Stipend
The Children’s Special Health Services Medical Transportation Assistance Program offers access to medical services for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) in Louisiana who meet eligibility requirements to receive services in Children’s Special Health Services and Genetics clinics by offering transportation assistance to medically necessary services that cross parish and/or regional boundaries. The parent of an eligible child will receive a stipend for transportation assistance. This stipend is for in state travel only.
Workshops
Offers families and individuals workshops to encourage, enlighten, and empower; topics are family-driven, timely, and relevant.
Newsletter
Published semi-annually and provides most current information, education, and inspiration.