Parent-Peer Partnership Program

Our Parent-Peer Partnership Program offers guidance, resources, and support to parents of children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health needs.

We believe families have a direct role in shaping the system that serves them. We help families gain the confidence they need to become more effective advocates for their families. We advocate for services and supports that are based on family strengths, as well as respect for cultural values and diversity.

Family Partners and Family Support Specialists are themselves parents, caregivers and guardians of children/adolescents and young adults who have first hand experience navigating service systems.

Available Services:

• Provide free on-going parent support groups located in the Framingham and Waltham areas. Each group meets  bi-monthly.
• Provide support, information and resources to families who cannot attend an outside support group. To access please go to www.waysideparents.org.
• Provide free education group for parents of transition age youth 14-25.
• Coach families in developing  advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Assist families in identifying their needs.
• Link families to resources in their communities such as therapeutic activities, camps, and respite care.
• Empower families to understand and exercise their rights.
• Provide information on medications, diagnoses and educate families on ways to navigate Educational, Legal, Health Care Systems, and State Agencies.
• Educate community organizations and schools.

Parent Support Groups & Education Programs

Below is a list of Wayside support groups, which run at various times throughout the year. Please contact the staff listed below for more information.

Education Programs

Monthly workshops and seminars on issues parents face when raising a child or young adult with mental health issues. Topics can include young adults transitioning from high school to adulthood, ADHD, transition portfolios and wellness. For more information and to join our e-mail list, contact Christi Fagerberg at Christi_Fagerberg@waysideyouth.org or Kelley Daron at kelley_daron@waysideyouth.org.

Parent Support Groups – Virtual groups are available during COVID!

Do you have a child with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges? Are you puzzled by your child’s behavior and how to access appropriate services? Are you feeling alone and isolated? Join us on Zoom and meet other parents/caregivers in a free and confidential atmosphere of caring, sharing ideas and mutual support.

Our virtual parent support groups meet regularly, are open to anyone and are completely free. There are support groups for parents of younger children, for parents of children ages 16-25 who are transitioning to adulthood and for parents and caregivers of children who need special support. Click here to view a full list of our Virtual Parent Support Groups.

For more information or for questions, contact Family Support Specialists, Christi Fagerberg and Kelley Daron.

Christi Fagerberg, Parent-Peer Partnership Program, Framingham:
Call 470-601-7602 or email, Christi_fagerberg@waysideyouth.org

Kelley Daron, Parent-Peer Partnership Program, Waltham/Medford:
Call 781-891-0556 or email, Kelley_daron@waysideyouth.org

Community Resources for Parents and Children:

Our Family Partners have compiled this list of support groups offered in the community:

PPAL Parent/Peer Support Groups – Worcester Area – click here

Approved Parent Education Program Providers for Court Required Parenting Class for divorcing parents – click here

Autism Alliance of Metro West – click here

Just for Dads Support Group – click here

Healthy Families – Children’s Trust Fund – click here

Hoarding Support Group – click here

Buried in Treasures Hoarding Support – click here

Mass Housing Hoarding Resource & Support click here

Parenting Skills Workshop – click here

Mass 211 Helpline Support Groups – click here

TEMPO Framingham Young Parents Support Group – click here

Pregnancy and Parenting Support through Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – click here

MSPCC Adoptive Families Together – click here

Learn to Cope – Substance Abuse Support – click here

GRASP – Grief Recovery after a Substance Passing (scroll down to Massachusetts meetings) – click here

Transgender Care – Providers and Support Info – click here

Out MetroWest – LGBTQ Youth Support Info – click here

Parents, Families, and Friends of LGBTQ People – click here

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Massachusetts – click here

Caregiving MetroWest Support Groups – click here

Boston Medical Center – Good Grief Program for Families & Children – click here

Children’s Hospital Boston – Bereavement Program for Parents – click here

Children’s Bereavement Support Group – click here

Jeff’s Place; Children’s Bereavement Center, Inc. – 34 Deloss St. Framingham 508-879-2800

The Children’s Room – Bereavement Support for Children, Teens, & Families – click here

Children’s Friends – Carriage House Bereavement Support – click here

Family Resource Centers – Parenting Programs & Support Groups – click here

Voices Against Violence – Support Groups & Information through SMOC – click here

IM Hear – Online instant messaging program of Samaritans Suicide Prevention for Teens – click here

School Resources for Suicide Prevention – click here