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.
- 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.
Learn more about the Family Leader Program in the Summer 2021 Update.
