Peer Support
Our Peer Support Program is designed to provide ongoing support to a parent navigating childhood illness, hospitalizations, and/or child loss.
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This program was established with 2 Corinthians 1:4 in mind, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
Parents are matched with a Praying Through volunteer who has navigated a similar experience. The volunteer provides a listening ear, shared experience and understanding, and one-on-one prayer and encouragement via the preferred method of communication at least once a week for however long the parent would appreciate support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I ever meet my Peer Support?
It is very unlikely that you will ever meet your Peer Support in person. Peer Supports at this time are a virtual (by phone/email) support only, but this is a hope for the future of our program.
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What “qualifies” my Peer Support?
All Peer Supports have experience with their own child journeying through childhood illness, hospitalizations, or experiencing child loss. They are also required to read educational documents as an informal training on topics like active listening and Postpartum Depression, as well as sign a Peer Support Agreement.
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What will my Peer Support do with what I share?
This information is to be kept confidential, unless stated otherwise, or deemed unsafe. You will however be asked to complete an optional anonymous survey about your care to better improve our Peer Support program.
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What if I no longer wish to receive support?
This is a voluntary, optional program. If you no longer wish to connect, we ask that if you can, just notify your Peer Support that you no longer need this program’s support.
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What if my child leaves the NICU, but still has ongoing needs that I would like support for?
There is not a set timeline for our program. It is until you and your Peer Support decide that you have reached your goal and you no longer feel the support is needed.
Why Choose a
Peer Support?
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According to the March of Dimes, roughly 30,000 (1 in 10) babies are born pre-term (before 37 weeks) each month in the United States alone, and 1 in 4 women experience pregnancy loss.
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Pre-term babies are more likely to have hospital stays and long term health issues. These are contributing factors to increased stress and declining mental health among parents.
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Parents who receive ongoing support, like our 1:1 Peer Support, are more likely to feel that they are not alone, can feel seen in their experiences, and often have a better chance to become resilient, feel empowered, and heal.
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Parents who receive a Peer Support connection can also have higher confidence, problem solving capacity, coping, acceptance of their situation, and self-esteem.
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https://www.marchofdimes.org/prematurity-awareness-month
Requesting Peer Support
Please complete the form below. You can expect to be contacted by a team member within 1 week.