The Family Leader Program at Grandview Kids comprises parents, caregivers, clients and siblings who support Grandview Kids as our advocates, ambassadors and advisors. We recognize clients and families/caregivers as important partners in care and consistently seek to embed their voices into our programs, services and decision-making processes.
The Family Leader Program, supported by staff from our Family Engagement Team, includes many forums for families, caregivers and clients to get involved to make a difference for others in their community who access Grandview Kids programs and services.
- Family Advisory Council (FAC): A 12-person volunteer panel of parents/caregivers to Grandview Kids who provide advice and guidance from a client and family perspective. They aim to improve the planning and delivery of programs and services at the Centre and across the broader paediatric health system.
- Youth Advisory Council (YAC): A 15-person volunteer panel of clients, siblings and grads who host events and provide feedback to the organization on topics that affect our youth clients, while earning valuable volunteer hours.
- Working Groups: Parents and caregivers who volunteer to work together on topic-specific tasks, in support of the Centre. New groups are established as needs arise.
- Events Working Group: Plan and host events for Grandview Kids clients and families (e.g. Resource Fair).
- Education and Networking Working Group: Plan and host networking events; facilitate education sessions and support resource navigation for parents caregivers and families.
- New Build Working Group: Provide feedback and support for the Centre’s New Build (capital) project.
- Ambassador Program: Families tell their stories to support the Centre and Foundation in fundraising initiatives, media opportunities and events.
- Family Advocates: Paid volunteers who assist in the development, implementation or evaluation of projects or research, using their lived experience as either Grandview Kids clients or caregivers.
- Community/Committee Representatives: Parents, caregivers, clients and grads represent Grandview Kids on community committees, using their lived experience to provide feedback on specific topics that affect children or youth with disabilities (or their families).
- Peer Mentors: Parents and caregivers sign up to provide informal mentoring and support to other families, who are matched based on similar interests and needs.
