Mesa Partnership for Children With Special Healthcare Needs

 What would a wheelchair-bound child give just to swing in a swing? How does a child who is incapable of following instructions go to the dentist?

These questions and others are being asked—and answered—by the Mesa Partnership for Children with Special Health Care Needs. This parent-led community action team consists of parents and professionals working together to improve services and the quality of life for children in our community with special health care needs and their families. Mesa United Way supports their efforts to improve services, communication, and resource accessibility in our community, including:

Participating in a website in conjunction with the Southwest Institute for Families and Children with Special Needs - www.swifamilies.com - to connect parents and professionals with resources benefiting special-needs children and their families.

• Providing leadership on children's special health care issues.
• Giving parents a collective voice.
• Offering parents networking opportunities with other families and professionals.
• Raising community awareness about special needs issues.
• Recognizing initiative and excellence in the community.

If you would like to help with this effort, the Partnership would love to meet you. Here are some suggestions for what you can do:

• Join the group! The Partnership meets on the second Thursday of every month from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the offices of Mesa United Way (137 E. University, Mesa). If you wish to receive advance meeting notices, contact Cindy Warthon at (480) 981-1269.
• Let us know if you provide resources (products, services) of interest to children with special needs or their families. For information on how to submit your resource, contact Maria Gongora, at Mesa United Way, 480-834-2118. After you apply and your resource is verified, it will be added to the resource website at www.swifamilies.com. 
• Help out at the annual Family Fun Day  this November. This special day provides fun activities for children with special health care needs in a safe, nurturing and accepting environment. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate the event and help run games on event day. You may also consider donating goods or services for the event (i.e. food, drinks, art supplies).

For more information, call the Partnership's information line directly at 480-858-1972.