Family Provider Partnership

This group represents the Quality Council at Villa Maria, parents of former and current children of the Villa Maria Continuum programs, who play an integral role in the governance and functioning of the organization.

St. Vincent’s Center and Villa Maria believe that family members are integral and equal partners in the care and treatment of their children. Why? Research shows that “family involvement, family action, family investment, families who care…produce positive outcomes for children in the fields of education and mental health.” (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).

The Family Provider Partnership at St. Vincent’s Center and Villa Maria is recognized as vital to family-centered care. Families share the power and responsibility of making decisions about the way services are provided. Family members are involved in all facets of the St. Vincent’s and Villa Maria organizations. Families are active members of the treatment team and participate on program committees aimed at improving our quality of services to children and families.

Family Resource Center

The Family Resources Center, staffed by family members, is a central hub of activity. Families assist other families in participation, practicing advocacy skills, identification of resource, navigation of service systems, and providing support.

Support

Vital family-to-family support is accomplished through the St. Vincent’s/Villa Maria’s network of family support groups, which are free and open to all, and are offered in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County.

For more information about the Family Provider Partnership, Family Resource Center, or Support Groups, please contact Bev Butler at 410.252.4700.x.265 or bbutler@cc-md.org

Training Schedule

Family members are invited to empower themselves by learning new skills at trainings on a wide variety of topics.

For more information or to register for training, please contact Christy Ferguson-Kulacki at 410-252-4700 x117 or ckulacki@cc-md.org

Family Navigator Services

Baltimore County Family Navigator is a free service for Baltimore County parents, guardians, or other family members of children with intensive needs related to mental health or developmental disabilities. The Family Navigator offers support and guidance while helping families identify their strengths and challenges, find resources, and develop a plan of action. Raising a child with intensive needs can be frustrating, exhausting, and full of rewards. Families who have private health insurance, public health insurance, or no health insurance are encouraged to take advantage of this free service funded by the Baltimore County Local Management Board and provided by the Villa Maria Continuum.

For more information about Family Navigator Services, please call Linda Pearl at 410-252-4700 x265 or LPearl@cc-md.org. 

Testimonials

“We had been in crisis for a long time. Villa Maria has been amazing in helping my child. My experience with Villa has truly been the sun peeking through the dark clouds.” –Villa Maria Parent

“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you have done for our family and child. I know things are going to work a lot better this time. He has definitely come a long way since he has been at St. Vincent’s. And I love you guys—you guys are like part of our family now.” - St. Vincent’s Center Parent

“St. Vincent’s has made great strides to include the child’s family in all aspects of the child’s treatment and provides them with ongoing updates in regards to the child’s progress.” - DSS Worker

“St. Vincent’s was very helpful with addressing our son’s problems and improving his behavior tremendously. I’ve seen only good from our experience with St. Vincent’s. Thank you very much!” - St. Vincent’s Center Parent

“At Villa Maria, my opinions are valued. The staff seemed to understand my concerns and hopes about my child and even asked me to help them improve their program by being part of a group of other family members who participate on the Quality Council.” – Villa Maria Parent

“I wanted to take the time and thank all of you for your support. I know leaving Saint Vincent's was bitter sweet for my son…Still to this day my son brings up things that he did when at Saint Vincent's. He remembers all the staff and often says things that someone told him during his stay. He still pulls from the love and support that was provided to him during those years… I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for loving and caring for my child until we could find each other and complete our family.”- St. Vincent’s Center Parent