Family Support Organization of Essex County

I am writing to tell you about our organization, which could be a valuable support for both schools and parents.  Family Support Organization of Essex County (FSOEC) provides free support services to parents of children who have emotional, behavioral, mental health, and/or substance use, intellectual or developmental challenges. Although we were founded in 2004, we are not widely known. Some of the services we provide to families are:

·Information and referral to specialist services over the phone.

·Consultations, either over the phone or in person, to help families obtain needed services and supports.

·Workshops to foster parental education regarding child development and caregiver coping, resilience and advocacy

·Weekly peer led support groups for parents. 

We can also help school personnel by talking to parents who are reluctant to seek services for their children. Our staff is made up primarily of parents who have lived experience raising children with challenges. Our peer support model enables us to communicate with parents in a way that is often difficult for schools and service providers. Since many of us have been through what the families you serve are going through, we can help them navigate the systems and supports that are available to them.