Find Support and Community Through Peer Mentorship
Helping Parents
Helping Parents
Find Support and Community Through Peer Mentorship
The Helping Parents program is built on the belief that the best support often comes from someone who has walked a similar path. This nationwide Parent to Parent initiative connects Spokane families in one-to-one mentor relationships based on similar diagnoses and family experiences. Whether you are seeking a trained mentor to offer guidance and a listening ear, or you are ready to use your own experience to lead as a volunteer, this program provides the tools and connections needed to build a stronger, more supported community.
Connecting Spokane Families Through Lived Experience and Leadership
The RISE program at The Arc of Spokane helps students and young adults ages 16 to 22 gain practical work experience. If you are currently enrolled in school or a transition program, you can apply for a paid internship at a local business to build the skills you need for your future career.
No Parent Should Feel Alone. Ever.
The Helping Parents program removes the isolation that can be felt by families of individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD.
Whether you are seeking a listening ear or ready to mentor other parents, we provide the connection you need to move forward with confidence.
When you join a Helping Parents group, you can find strength in a community that understands the unique rewards and challenges of raising a child with an IDD.
Join Our Next Helping Parents Leadership Training
Become a volunteer mentor and use your experience to support other families in the Spokane IDD community. This two-part virtual training provides the skills needed to offer peer-to-peer emotional support and guide others through local systems. Register now to secure your spot in this three-hour training, and complete a volunteer application online or on paper if you intend to continue as a Helping Parent mentor.
Date: March 11 and 18, 2026 | Time: 1:00 PM (1.5 hours per session) | Location: Virtual via Zoom | Cost: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Participation in the Helping Parents program is free for all families. We believe that peer support and community connection should be accessible to everyone without financial barriers.
-
We prioritize matches based on specific diagnoses and shared family experiences. By pairing you with someone who has navigated similar hurdles, we ensure the guidance you receive is relevant and practical.
-
All volunteer mentors complete a specialized leadership training program that covers active listening, emotional support techniques, and how to help families find local Spokane resources. We offer these training sessions throughout the year.
If you missed our most recent session, please check this page frequently for upcoming dates and application openings.
-
The Arc of Spokane specifically serves families and mentors within the greater Spokane area. However, Helping Parents is part of a nationwide Parent to Parent network. If you live outside of Spokane, we can help connect you with your local chapter or a mentor within your own region. Please reach out to us with any questions about finding support in your community.
-
Childcare options and family accommodations vary depending on the specific meeting or training session. To ensure we can support your needs and provide a comfortable environment for everyone, please contact us or check the specific event details before attending.
Apply to become a volunteer mentor and turn your lived experience into a resource for others. Complete our specialized leadership training to gain the skills needed to provide high-quality peer support and information to Spokane families navigating similar disability diagnoses.