Join the Secondary Transition Mastermind!
Parents United: Mastering Transition Together!
Are you feeling a bit uncertain about what comes next for your child with mental health needs after high school? We understand it can feel far off or overwhelming, but you are not alone. Join the Parent Alliance's Transition Mastermind, a compassionate community of parents just like us, committed to supporting each other and preparing our children for adult life.
Our group will begin meeting in September and monthly meetings will continue through the year, ending in May. Participants must register in advance. Registration to be a part of this unique group closes Oct 31, 2024.
Read below for more details.
Due to funding limitations this is the only 'support group' we will be offering for the 2024 - 2025 program year.
What is a Mastermind?
A mastermind is simply a group of peers coming together to mentor one another, solve problems together, answer each other's questions, and get advice and inspiration from the other members pursuing a collective goal.
In our Transition Mastermind we'll be focusing on all aspects of helping our children with mental health challenges prepare for life after high school.
Scroll down to learn more and find out if our group is right for you!
Why Join?
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Monthly Virtual Gatherings: Engage in heartfelt conversations with other parents, ask questions, and share your stories.
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Educational Webinars Each Month: From college or work accommodations through waivers, we'll hear from experts who will arm you with knowledge to help your child find success after high school and beyond.
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Long-Term Planning: It’s best to start when your child is 14, but it’s never too late. The earlier we start, the better prepared our children will be so don't wait to start but jump in no matter how old your child is.
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A Community Of Parents Just Like You: Connect with parents who understand your journey and offer genuine support and empath.
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Sign up once and we'll send you 1 email each month with all the information you need to participate in that month's events. That email will include a link to our monthly meeting (1 Tuesday each month at 7 pm) and a link to the monthly educational webinar. Can't make the webinar? No worries, we'll send you a link to watch it when you have time. We'll also make sure you're the first to know about other opportunities such as conferences focusing on Secondary Transition, optional book groups, fun surprises and more. We know how busy you are so we'll make participation easy!
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Who should attend? Parents* of children who have a mental health challenge who are of transition age (14 - 25) who are curious about what their child's life after high school could be and want to learn about options and how to plan and prepare their child for independence (whatever that may look like for their individual child).
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How will this Transition Mastermind work? We'll offer 2 events each month, 1 professional learning opportunity (a free webinar) on a variety of topics related to secondary transition by an expert in the field. The other event will be a virtual get together (1 Tuesday each month at 7 pm). Which will be a chance to get together and pose questions to the group, share what's happening on your journey and discuss whatever is on your mind including that month's webinar or other pressing concerns.
Not every webinar topic will apply to every family. Take what you need! The Mastermind members will be here to learn, share and support no mater each members need.
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Is there a charge to participate? No. Participation is free. Of course as a nonprofit, donations are always welcome but not expected.
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But my child doesn't have an IEP or any special supports, will this still help? Certainly! What others may see as "just" depression, anxiety, or ADHD can limit our children's post high school opportunities too. Our children all have different levels of needs and available supports. If your child doesn't have/need an IEP or 504 plan at school you're stuck figuring this out on your own. This is a great opportunity for you to find your community and learn what's out there to help you and your child despite not qualifying for other services.
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Does my child's mental health challenge qualify? Sometimes it's not made really clear to parents that their child's behavior challenges are lifelong mental health conditions. Here's a list of many of the most common ones. Be sure to scroll all the way through and if your child's condition isn't listed feel free to reach out and ask. We do consider Autism a mental health challenge. https://psychcentral.com/conditions/conditions-index
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What if I can't make a meeting or webinar? As parents ourselves, we get it. Webinars will be recorded so you can watch or re-watch at a time that works for you. For the privacy of our participants, virtual get togethers are not recorded, simply join the following month.
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What if I want personal attention or specific help for my situation? Our Family Support Partners (FSPs) are peers, raising children with metal health challenges. They'd be happy to work with you one on one outside of the Mastermind get togethers. (This option is only available to parents in Pennsylvania).
*Please note that our use of the word "parents" enthusiastically includes those in a formal parent/primary guardian role. That includes grandparents raising their grandchildren, foster parents, adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, step parents, etc.
Hear What Parents Are Saying About Mastermind
"My child is going to take longer to launch than my friends, they may live with me forever. Sometimes I feel so alone listening to their plans for life after their child graduates. I'd like to have others to talk to about what our life will look like once my son turns 18."
"Adulting is hard in the best of circumstances. I'm happy to have found a community so I can be sure I know what I need to help my daughter through this tough time."
"Parenting can be a huge challenge, as a mom of 3 young adults, one of which is a soon to be high school senior I have become more overwhelmed in the past few months. I just need a community that understands and will guide me through all the transition."
"As a parent of four, I have learned that each time one of my children left home it did not get easier. It has only gotten harder. Having other parents in my corner helps me navigate each transition with grace and less tears."