“At FOCUS, we have a place to ‘plug in’ and feel ‘normal.’
FOCUS offers a variety of supportive services to our parents and families: a shoulder to cry on, an understanding of all the acronyms, a visit when a child is hospitalized. We
have support groups, special activities just for moms, and specialized childcare so parents can enjoy a few hours off. We want parents to know that they are not alone – there are many others who have ‘been there’ and are available to help!
Parent Support
Support, or Share, Groups are the backbone of FOCUS, the first program ever offered. Share Groups are free and meet monthly (September to May) in several locations around metro Atlanta so parents can meet other parents and share tips, fears, and joys. Parent volunteers facilitate the groups to keep them positive, constructive, and uplifting. Please register for all share group by sending an email to [email protected]. Dates are listed on the website calendar. More about Share Groups.
FOCUS also offers special days just for moms: Mom’s Day Off on Lake Lanier in October and FOCUS on Moms in September. Pre-registration is required for both events.
From a FOCUS Mom: “Why did I wait so long to go to a Share Group? What an uplifting morning! I found another mom with similar problems and we shared stories and swapped tips…..so nice to connect and not feel so alone.”
Visits to Children’s Healthcare
Hospital Visits – FOCUS volunteers and staff visit children who are hospitalized at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Egleston, bringing small treats for the parents and child. Parents must call or email FOCUS that their child is hospitalized – or give permission to a friend to call for them. You are not alone – let FOCUS support you with ‘hope and chocolate!’ More about hospital visits
From a FOCUS mom: We love you all so much!!!!! It’s a very stressful time but you guys are always so thoughtful and go out of your way to make us feel loved, not forgotten about and lift our spirits!!!!! Thank you a million times over for thinking of us!!!!!!
Childcare to Give Parents a Break
FOCUS offers Extra Special Saturday Respite (ESS) in different locations around metro Atlanta. Children have fun under the watchful care of trained staff and parents enjoy a few hours off! More about ESS.
From a FOCUS parent about ESS: Everybody knows my son’s name. EVERYBODY! The staff and volunteers are clearly happy to see him and he’s more than happy to go. He’s very comfortable being at respite and I love that if I arrive a little early, the kids are circled up for music time. It feels like someone from my own family is watching my kid.
How to Become a FOCUS Family
If you are a parent of a child/teen who is medically fragile or has significant physical and/or developmental disabilities, please complete this Parent Intake and send us an email. We’ll be in touch!