South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P) is a valuable connection in our community for families caring for people with disabilities. The agency provides comprehensive services that begin at birth and continue through a lifetime. The agency’s bi-annual food drive for families it serves is a highly anticipated activity by the team members. “It is a great opportunity to give back to our community. It is so much fun,” says Amy Lepien, South Sound Parent to Parent human resources coordinator.
South Sound Parent to Parent Grocery Shops for Families’ Holidays
The Food Drive is an all-agency team building adventure. South Sound Parent to Parent, which employs over 60 people, divides into teams of four or five to collect food. “It’s how many people fit into a car,” Amy says, adding, “it is one of our staff’s favorite events.” Teams often pick costumes or wear holiday garb for the designated shopping day on November 18. If you happen to be at the Westside Grocery Outlet or other local grocery stores that morning, you might see a team filling their carts. In the past, store customers would get into the spirit either donating items or offering cash. You can donate ahead of time on the South Sound Parent to Parent website, and use “on behalf of” to designate “food drive.” The agency provides seed money to each group. Team members also collect additional donations.
When the teams have completed shopping, everything is organized into boxes with items selected specifically for each family. “We like to provide a few things that are special or unique,” notes Amy. “We work with great families and get to know them quite well so our staff are able to customize boxes.” Considerations are taken for allergies, a family’s favorite food items and snacks that may not usually show up in the home. “The boxes help to fill the pantry during the holiday season,” she adds.
South Sound Parent to Parent knows the families that like to bake, so these families get the necessary staples such as flour and sugar. “It’s important to have those staples so that they are able to bake traditional family recipes to create those memories that really make the holidays special,” Amy says. The entire staff then puts together the many boxes. Last year the staff created boxes for over 40 families, with a few extra boxes on hand. The demand this season will be greater.
Making Food Donations in Thurston, Mason, and Grays Harbor Counties
People can drop off non-perishable items at the Olympia office or at the locations in Shelton or Aberdeen. Canned foods like tuna and chili are always welcome. Other canned or packaged goods like soup, fruit, vegetables, beans as well as whole grain pasta and rice.
South Sound Parent to Parent has Served Families Since 1987
If you don’t have a child with a disability or serious health consideration, you may never have considered how complicated and challenging the situation is for the entire family. South Sound Parent to Parent could see there are extra demands of parenting of children with developmental disabilities or chronic illness. These families can be helped by professionals as well as other families in related situations. The shared experiences of other families bring an intimate connection that other types of support do not create. SSP2P utilizes professionals with a wide range of services and local families who are walking the same walk. This integration of services from many avenues has been the hallmark of SSP2P since its inception.
Early Childhood Intervention With South Sound Parent to Parent
South Sound Parent to Parent knows the critical importance of getting help to children, however big or small the need, as soon as possible. Families and their children are evaluated to provide services in areas such as the following:
- Audiology or hearing services
- Speech and language services
- Counseling and training for families
- Medical services
- Nutrition services
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
There is an Individualized Family Service Plan to provide assessment, intervention, consultation, and education in order to support children, families, and caregivers. When families are qualified for support services, a home visitor is identified who will stay with the family as life moves forward.
Helping Parent Program
The Helping Parent program is there for emotional support, community resources, peer mentorship and fun family events. It is so helpful to have help navigating the complex health systems and educational opportunities.
South Sound Diverse Abilities Autism Program & Resources
Families seeking assistance with autism and neurodiversity have help from birth to eight ears through home visiting and communication/social groups. The South Sound Parent to Parent team has guidance and connections to resources and activities that may be beneficial to the whole family.
Connect with South Sound Parent to Parent
South Sound Parent to Parent is available to connect with you with supportive programs for the entire family when a member lives with a disability or chronic illness. Visit and subscribe to South Sound Parent to Parent’s Facebook, YouTube Channel, and Instagram. Spanish line: 360.462.0362. It is also possible to make a referral for yourself.
Food Donations and Financial Gifts for the Food Drive are Welcomed
Thurston County
2108 Caton Way SW, Olympia
T: 360.352.1126 (Main)
T: 360.742.3061 (Diverse Abilities Autism Program)
F: 360.352.0761
Grays Harbor County
418 E First St 207 A&B, Aberdeen
T: 360.637.8586
F: 360.352.0761
Mason County
2505 Olympic Hwy N. #140 & #150, Shelton
T: 360.462.0383
T: 360.462.0362 (Espanol)
F: 360.352.0761
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