From Hand to Hold, this month’s Get Involved spotlight non-profit:
Mission: To provide comprehensive navigation resources and support programs to parents of preemies, babies born with special health care needs and those who have experienced a loss due to these or other complications.
Vision: To enable a network of families to offer support, comfort and understanding to one another, and to provide them with knowledge, information and resources to reduce the impact of prematurity and ensure the best outcome for their children and family by:
- Empowering parents to advocate for their children
- Encouraging individual, couple and family counseling when needed
- Providing resources and information for managing insurance and financial issues
- Educating parents about the challenges their babies might face and preparing them to meet those needs
- Sharing support and resources necessary to help all children thrive and enjoy a full and satisfying life
Hand to Hold, a nonprofit based in Austin, serves NICU families nationwide, providing comprehensive navigation resources and support programs to parents of preemies, babies born with special health care needs and those who have experienced a loss due to these or other complications. Hand to Hold’s core service is matching experienced peer mentors with new parents who have had a child in the NICU to offer support and equipping parents with education they need to care for their baby, family and themselves.
Hand to Hold was the 2012 recipient of the Becky Hatfield Family Support Award, given by the National Perinatal Association. All services are offered without charge.
Volunteer Opportunities
Hand to Hold has a number of seasonal and year-round volunteer opportunities. Positions are tailored to individual talents and schedules. Some volunteers even work from home. Call toll-free 855-424-6428 ext. 702
Peer to Peer Support: Parents who have a child with a NICU stay or experienced the loss of a child are needed as volunteers to provide one-on-one emotional support to families who are new to the experience.
Hospital Events: Volunteers are needed to help organize, plan and staff NICU Reunion, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Winter holiday events. Opportunities also exist to assist with providing support on a weekly or monthly basis in the hospital.
Fundraising: Volunteers chair, plan and execute events, solicit donors and research grant opportunities.
Fundraising on Team Hand to Hold: Team Hand to Hold is recruiting members to participate in the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon/Paramount 5K, held on February 15, 2015.
Board of Directors: Serve as an active member on the Hand to Hold Board of Directors.
13492 Research Blvd, Suite 120
Mailbox: #237
Austin, TX 78750-2254855-424-6428
