Families often support other families in ways professionals don’t. Families offer suggestions based on their own experiences, listen to one another, watch each other’s kids, or bring over a meal when times are tough. Families also give each other strength and help each other see possibilities for their children. And when families come together, they have more power and can make change.
molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov
608.266.0266
Meet Our Partners:
ALAS, Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones
Elsa Diaz-Bautista, Executive Director
ALAS is a non-profit in Milwaukee that primarily serving families who speak Spanish. ALAS promotes the independence of families of children and youth with diverse abilities through educational workshops, parent support groups, family events, community building activities, and service referrals.
Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones
Ph: 414-643-0022
Fax: 414-643-0023
Alasinc@Alianzalatinawi.org
Family Voices of WI
Danielle Tolzman (Executive Director), danielle@fvofwi.org
Ashley Hoover (Project Coordinator), ashley@fvofwi.org
Family Voices of WI helps families navigate health care and disability services through learning sessions, information, and resources. It’s a statewide, family-led nonprofit based in Madison. Grant activities aim to support Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian community members in southeastern Wisconsin.
Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA)
Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA)
Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy (Executive Director), lonengk@hmongfriendship.org
Lang Xiong (Community Advocate), lxiong@hmongfriendship.org
HAFA is a non-profit in Milwaukee that works to improve the self-sufficiency of the Southeast Asian community, including people from Myanmar and Laos. HAFA also strives to preserve and share Southeast Asian culture.
Hmong Autism Neurodiverse Disability Support (HANDS)
Hmong Autism Neurodiverse Disability Support (HANDS)
Kerry Yang; info@hmonghands.org
HANDS, located in Green Bay, is a nonprofit that focuses on the special needs of Hmong youth and helps Hmong parents navigate the often-confusing systems of care.
Ho-Chunk Nation and LOV, Inc.
LOV, Inc., partnering with Ho-Chunk Nation
Stefanie Primm (LOV, Inc Executive Director), stefanie@lovinc.org
Dr. Cheryl Funmaker (Ho-Chunk Nation, Disabilities Director), cheryl.funmaker@ho-chunk.com
LOV, Inc. is a family-led organization based in Dane County working to unite people with disabilities to engage and build their best lives through innovative services focused on empowerment, independence, and community integration. Since 2019 LOV and Ho-Chunk Nation have partnered to provide education and support to more than 50 tribal youth with disabilities and their families.
Mommy Beautiful Sunrise
Dr. Shanice Baquet (Founder), info@mommybeautifulsunriseinc.org
Mommy’s Beautiful Sunrise Inc. is a Black-led, Milwaukee based community wellness organization dedicated to supporting Black families through grief, healing, and holistic care. Since Black families are disproportionately impacted by mental health disparities, caregiver fatigue, and limited access to culturally affirming services—especially when raising children with intellectual or developmental disabilities—they provide information and advocacy to help families and children reach their full potential.
New Beginnings for Refugees, Inc.
New Beginnings for Refugees, Inc.
Yee Leng Xiong, yeeleng@newbeginningswi.org
Toufue Xiong, toufue@newbeginningswi.org
New Beginnings, a nonprofit located in Wausau, equips refugee and immigrant families with resources, supports, and systems navigation. Their clients arrived from seven countries (Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, Myanmar). Several adults have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and many children seem to have developmental delays but have not yet been evaluated or connected to services.
Padres E Hijos en Accion
Hector Portillo (Executive Director), portillohm99@gmail.com
Padres E Hijos en Accion is a grassroots organization, based in Madison, of individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, and community members building fulfilling and community-centered lives for Latino children. They envision a world in which all people with disabilities can enhance their quality of life and strengthen the civic life of the community by focusing on the assets of Latino Children with disabilities and their family members.
Parent University
Delores Sallis (Director), deloressallis@gmail.com
Parent University is a Milwaukee-based resource center for people with disabilities of all ages. Run by Delores Sallis, Delores supports families of children with disabilities to connect with information, supports, and services available to them in their community. She organizes her families in three groups so that she can focus on their specific needs: Bronze group for families of children ages 0-15 years old; Silver group for 15–21-year-olds, and Gold group for 22 years old and up.