It’s back-to-school time! Things are always a bit hectic, and maybe even stressful, during the transition from summer to school: even more so if your child needs extra support. That’s where South Sound Parent to Parent comes in. They have been providing crucial services to families with children with a disability or illness since 1987. This year, they have added more Spanish-speaking staff in Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties just in time for the back-to-school rush.
“[They] will be much-needed support in expanding connections and being able to offer a variety of resources, support groups, and building a bigger and stronger connection with the Spanish-speaking community,” shares Sylvia Davenport, Helping Parent program director for South Sound Parent to Parent.
“We offer a unique resource to our community in providing support groups for moms, dads, and siblings, one-on-one peer matches, family-friendly events, educational opportunities, and so much more,” she adds. “With additional support staff for the Helping Parent and Peer Mentor Information and Support programs, we will be able to grow in our support, especially in our Spanish-speaking community.”
Meet the New Spanish-Speaking Staff at South Sound Parent to Parent
Alejandra Heredia is the new staff member for the Helping Parent and Birth to Three programs in Thurston County.
“I’m excited to be joining as a Bilingual FRC/HP,” Alejandra shares. “I’m a proud mom of three amazing kids, including my oldest son, who is a cerebral palsy warrior, making this opportunity even more meaningful. I recently worked as a substitute teacher with ESD 113 Head Start program. Before that, I spent over 19 years working in community health as a dental supervisor. I’m grateful to join the team, I’m ready to learn and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!”
Samanta Quintana Alonso will be supporting the Peer Mentor Information and Support (PMIS) coordinator in Grays Harbor.
“I’m a lovely, caring and hardworking person,” Samanta shares. “Some things about myself: I’m a very family-oriented person, I adore being surrounded/ working with kids, and I enjoy exploring and admiring nature. I am currently enrolled in college to become a Medical Assistant and keep on pursuing my career to get into the pediatric side of the healthcare industry.”
Ani Andrade is supporting the Helping Parent and Birth to Three programs in Mason County.
“I recently moved to Washington with my partner and our two pups,” Ani shares. “I love to backpack and camp, and am diligently working to learn all the names of all the fowl I encounter in the Pacific Northwest. I enjoy creating and will often pick up a new favorite seasonal hobby! This last year, I dabbled in ceramics and watercolor. I am so excited to be a part of the team and look forward to meeting each of you. Feel free to share your favorite hike, recommend a restaurant, or expand my knowledge on your favorite craft.”
Roughly 15% of the families they serve speak Spanish. These three new hires will help South Sound Parent to Parent better serve these families. “We will be able to reach even more Spanish-speaking families than we already do,” shares Sylvia on the new hires. “Having extra staff for our Helping Parent program along with the Peer Mentor Information and Support programs will make a big difference. We are seeing more and more families reaching out to us needing support.”
For example, in Mason County, this means more access to small events like Date Night coming up in October. In Grays Harbor, it means more support for things like the Brick-to-Brick program, where children who need social communication support receive it while playing with LEGO. And in Thurston County, it means a brand-new support group!
New and Expanded Family Support Groups in Thurston and Mason Counties
Along with new hires, South Sound Parent to Parent is expanding its support groups and has added new ones to serve its communities better.
A brand-new Spanish-speaking Mom to Mom support group will be starting in Thurston County in January 2027. “This will be a group of moms coming together to make connections, get support from one another, and have some fun together, modeled after our Mom to Mom groups in Mason and Grays Harbor counties,” shares Sylvia.
Starting this September, there will also be a new group in Mason County called Create and Connect. Parents will get to come together, connect and craft!
These new and expanded groups with Spanish-speaking support help remove the feeling of isolation families often experience. It also removes barriers to critical services and support for youth with disabilities or illnesses.
To learn more about their services, visit the South Sound Parent to Parent website.
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