We know what it’s like to walk in your shoes.
Your strength is their strength.
You know your kid best.
Her joy is your joy.

Transformative programs for kids with special needs in Alameda County. (Always free of charge)

"You got this!" | 2018-19 Annual Report

Stories of parent leaders like Sameena who bravely started a playgroup for her son
Highlights from the past year, and the newest graduating class of Parent Leaders
What we're planning for 2020 - conferences, new programs and more

Programs that improve & transform lives

There are thousands of families in Alameda county who don’t know who to call for help. Some have bad experiences and don’t feel respected. Others are afraid because they’re not sure who they can trust. We’re different. We are all parents who have kids with special needs, too.

(Parent leaders standing up and clapping)

Get Trained & Connected

We offer group learning opportunities throughout the year: Playgroups, IEP Clinics, Workshops, Support Groups, and community events.

Get Trained

(Baby with hand in her mouth stares over her mother's shoulder)

Find the Support You Need

Have a burning question? Not sure how to get the right services for your child? Need a coach to help you navigate & advocate? We can help.

Get help

(Man proudly displays parent leader badge)

Become a Leader

Parents are experts. Ready to help other families and advocate for better policies? Join a cadre of parents supporting others and making a difference.

Signup Now

Parenting a child with a disability is an unexpected journey

Parents are amazing

When your kid has a disability, it’s harder to hold down a job and it’s easy to be isolated. That’s why parents of kids with disabilities are 3x as likely to experience depression. The right support makes all the difference.

All kids can flourish

There are 1.5 million people and 53 languages in Alameda county. An overly complicated system of services means that 4 out of 5 kids with disabilities aren’t getting the care they need.

Disability is common

One in 6 kids has one or more disabilities. Some are diagnosed before being born and others years later. Parenting a kid with disabilities means learning to face new challenges with joy.

“Many families need more than just connecting to services. They need someone who listens to them and understands what they are going through.” -Martha, Marvin’s mom
“As a primary care physician for many children with complex medical and developmental needs, I don't know what I would do without Family Resource Navigators! I regularly refer my patients and can count on them to support families in navigating the complicated and confusing system and to advocate passionately for my patients and families.” - Dr. Noemi Alice Spinazzi (UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland)
"Family Resource Navigators allows clients and their families access to case workers who are familiar with and have had similar experiences with the issues that impact access to care for children with special health care needs. These services are critically important in promoting health equity and in supporting our case management efforts." - Francine Crockett, Alameda County Children’s Services (pictured with FRN parent volunteer Sameena Ishaq)

Photographs by Malcolm Wallace & courtesy of Alameda County Father's Corps.