Welcome to Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans!
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans (FHF of GNO) is a family-directed resource center serving the entire state of Louisiana since 1991. We provide information and referral, training and education, and peer-to-peer support on disability-related issues. FHF of GNO is also home to the Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center, a federal education grant that provides training and support to families throughout Louisiana on special education and transition topics.
In 1989, the Louisiana Legislature enacted the Community and Family Support Act in response to a grassroots effort by parents seeking resources for their children with disabilities or special health care needs. Parents wanted the option to care for their children in their homes rather than being forced to have them live in an institution. Research shows that the state saves substantial funds by caring for individuals with disabilities in their homes and community versus large institutional settings. Families Helping Families was born out of that Act and the need to provide resources for these families.
Families Helping Families is unique to Louisiana and has ten resource centers serving families across the state. FHF staff members either have a disability themselves or have a close family member with a disability or special healthcare need. These individuals have a combination of real-life experience and training that allows them to assist parents and others in navigating the service delivery systems they depend on to meet the unique needs of their families. In addition, a board governs each FHF center, and most board members must have a child with a disability or special health care needs.
We at FHF understand that the family as a whole is essential and that each family member is impacted by the needs of the others. We work to address the health of each family member as well as the family unit. Because of our own life experiences, we understand the challenges a family living with disability faces, and we are committed to reaching out to other families with similar experiences.
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is YOUR resource center. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge, support, and confidence you need to be the best advocate for yourself or your family member. Our services are always free of charge!
updated 6/28/2024
