Connecting Families Series 

Conectando famílias     Conectando famílias     连接家庭      Konekte Fanmi yo     Kết nối gia đình      가족 연결

Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network
A community of caregiving rooted in shared experience

Presented by: Valeryia Pedersen, MS, Senior Lead of Programs, FCSN & Ashley Woodman, PhD, Director of the Developmental Disabilities and Human Services Program, UMass Amherst

The Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network was developed by a parent of a child with a disability. The network is composed of families of children and youth with disabilities and specialized support needs ages 0-26 who agree to both give and receive respite, aka a break from caregiving. Caregivers in these families may include parents, foster parents, grandparents or older siblings who have custody of a younger brother or sister who apply to join. The program then matches them with another family member to share respite based on the child’s medical and support needs, where the family lives, and language and cultural identities and preferences.

During the presentation, we will discuss the extensive planning process prior to implementation, the essential components of the respite opportunity based on reciprocity, and the match process that combines best practices from Parent to Parent USA, feedback from professional partners, as well as wishes and concerns expressed by caregivers, as well as share how we are working to engage diverse families and caregivers. We will also give an overview of the highly anticipated C2C expansion which involves engaging college students who will provide respite to families throughout the state while gaining meaningful practical experience supporting families of children and youth with specialized support needs.

Connecting Families is our monthly series designed to bring parents, caregivers, and professionals together for learning, support, and real-time connection. Each session features expert presenters, practical strategies, and opportunities to engage with others who share similar experiences. Whether you’re navigating special education, exploring community resources, or looking for guidance and encouragement, we are here to help you feel informed, supported, and connected.

Join us each month as we learn, grow, and strengthen our communities—together.

This registration is for all Connecting Families presentations. You do not need to register for each one separately.