Thanks to Staunton Farm Foundation, More PA Families Will Get the Support They Deserve
- Christina Paternoster
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Families raising children with mental health challenges know how confusing, frustrating, and lonely the system can feel. When you’re just trying to get through the day it’s hard to know where to turn. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some exciting news.
The Staunton Farm Foundation has awarded the PA Parent and Family Alliance a two-year grant to continue providing parent peer support in eight southwestern Pennsylvania counties: Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland.
This couldn’t come at a more important time. Recent federal funding cuts put many of our services at risk. With Staunton Farm Foundation’s support, we can ensure that hundreds of parents in these counties will continue to receive one-on-one help from someone who gets it, someone who’s been there.
We call them Parent Peer Support Professionals (aka FSP's). They are parents who have raised children with mental health needs, navigated systems, attended school meetings, and sat through late-night ER visits. And now, they’re walking alongside other parents so no one has to do it alone.
A Small Story with a Big Impact
One of the families we support in Lawrence County recently shared a powerful story. Their 15-year-old son, who has autism and experiences school-avoidant anxiety, was bullied by another student, something that would have once led to total school refusal. But not this time. His mom, working closely with a Parent Peer Support Professional, helped the school create a plan to ensure his safety and hold others accountable. He didn’t miss a single day. That’s the kind of strength that grows when parents have the support they need.
Why Peer Support Works
Unlike traditional clinical services, our Parent Peer Support Professionals aren’t just trained - they’re experienced. They understand the emotional weight of caregiving because they’ve lived it. And when parents feel seen and supported, their children are more likely to succeed. That’s what we’re here for.
And here’s what’s even more exciting: when a parent learns to advocate, they don’t keep that knowledge to themselves. They share it, with friends, with neighbors, and with other families at the bus stop. Many of our staff started out as parents who were once supported themselves. This work multiplies. The impact grows well beyond a single family.
We’re Celebrating Staunton Farm Foundation
This grant is more than funding - it’s a lifeline. Staunton Farm Foundation’s commitment to mental health and family voice is helping us continue our mission in a time of real uncertainty. Their belief in our work means hundreds of families will be met with compassion, not confusion - and that’s worth celebrating.
But We’re Not Done Yet
While this grant secures services in eight counties, there are still many areas in Pennsylvania where families have no access to parent peer support. Our phones ring from every corner of the state. Parents are asking for someone to listen, someone to help.
We want to answer every call.
You can help us do that. Consider donating to support our mission. With your help, we can make sure every family - no matter where they live - has the support they need to raise resilient, thriving kids.