The ParentVOICE program provides information, support and opportunities that strengthen and inspire youth with behavioral, emotional and mental health challenges, and their families/caregivers, to learn, lead, participate and advocate for quality services and successful outcomes. Family Support A key component is providing Family Support Specialists to attend school, DJJDP, - and service provider meetings and/or court hearings with parents. Prior to attending these formal meetings, ParentVOICE staff spend time planning, as needed, with parents to review the purposes of the meeting, familiarize them with terms they can expect to encounter, and empower parents to be their own best advocates for their child's needs.

Support Groups
ParentVOICE offers separate monthly support groups for parents, youth, and grandparents who are primary caretakers. Respect for confidentiality allows parents to talk with other parents about concerns like ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and more. Support groups are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at Grace United Methodist Church, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Dinner is provided for all participants.

Parent/Caregiver Empowerment Group
Every 4th Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM
Grace United Methodist Church
737 Woodlawn Road, Charlotte 28209
(704) 432-4524 for more information about the Empowerment Group.

A.C.T.I.V.E. Youth Support Group
Every 4th Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM
Grace United Methodist Church
737 Woodlawn Road, Charlotte 28209
(980) 406-1527 for more information about A.C.T.IV.E. Youth.

Grandparents Support Group
Meets Monthly
Carlton Watkins Center
3500 Ellington Street, Charlotte 28211
(704) 336-7128 for more information about the Grandparents Group.

	Trainings and workshops for parents, youth, and provider agencies, at NO COST to families
	Attendance at meetings with schools and service providers as a support for parents and caregivers
	A specialized lending library for parents and professionals as well as resource information to youth and their siblings
	Monthly support groups for adults and youth
	Recruit participants to serve on local and state boards and committees
	We are also recognized as a benefit of Mecklenburg County System of Care (MeckCares)

	Family Support Specialists assist parents and caretakers achieve their goals by advocating with the family; educating them about specific mental illness diagnoses and navigating the mental health system; standing up for the family's point of view; promoting awareness and working to remove barriers to personal success and independence. Please call one of the following numbers to reach a Family Support Specialist: 704) 336-7128; (704) 432-4524; or (704) 432-4568.
	A.C.T.I.V.E. Youth provides emotional and social support, workshops, and activities within a safe and structured environment for youth. Please call (704) 432-4522 (office) or (980) 406-1527 to reach our Youth Engagement Specialist.
	For general questions about the ParentVOICE program, please call the ParentVOICE Program Director at (704) 432-4521(office) or email cwilson@mhacentralcarolinas.org.

	ParentVOICE Highlights Jan.-June 2011 PV Program Highlights.pdf
	PhotoVoice Flyer - Youth Project PhotoVoice 2012.pdf
	Unite Information Letter Unite letter.pdf
	MeckCares http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/MeckCARES/Home.htm
	MeckLink http://MeckLink.Charmeck.org
	NC Families United http://www.ncfamiliesunited.org