Business Details
40 Years
experience
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities in Miami
Founded in 1986, Parent To Parent Of Miami has dedicated over 35 years to empowering families of children and young adults with disabilities in Miami-Dade County. Our organization was established with the vision of creating a community where families receive the support, information, and education needed to navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs. As a non-profit organization, we provide free resources, workshops, and advocacy services to ensure families are equipped to make informed decisions about early intervention, education, and future opportunities. Our team of specially trained parents, families, and education professionals understands the unique challenges faced by these families, offering personalized guidance and emotional support. We collaborate with local schools, government agencies, and community partners to expand access to critical services. Through initiatives like our Parent Enrichment, Empowerment, and Resiliency (P.E.E.R.) Project, funded by The Children's Trust since 2004, we strengthen family functioning and improve outcomes for children with disabilities.Our annual events, including the Journey of Dreams Benefit and Give Miami Day participation, raise awareness and resources to sustain our mission. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs since 1998, we operate as a Community Parent Resource Center, providing legally informed but non-legal advice to help families understand their rights. Our commitment to transparency and community-driven solutions has made us a trusted resource for over 1,400 families annually. We continue to evolve while staying true to our founding principle: ensuring no family faces these challenges alone.
Services
Parent Workshops
Advocacy Support
Transition Planning
Educational Training
Community Resource Referrals
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience supporting families in Miami-Dade County.
- Our team includes specially trained parents and professionals with lived experience.
- We provide free, personalized guidance and advocacy services.
- We partner with schools and agencies to expand access to critical resources.
- Our programs are funded by trusted institutions like The Children's Trust.
What people say
Compassionate support
Valuable workshops
Effective advocacy
Community engagement
Personalized guidance
Services
Parent Workshops
Our workshops provide one-on-one and group sessions covering parenting strategies, leadership development, and postsecondary transition planning. Led by experienced team members, these sessions equip parents with tools to navigate educational and vocational systems. Topics include disability advocacy and financial planning, ensuring families gain actionable knowledge.
Advocacy Support
We offer guidance on navigating laws protecting the rights of children with disabilities, including early intervention and employment opportunities. Our team helps families understand Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and connect with legal resources when needed. This service focuses on empowering parents to advocate effectively for their child's needs.
Transition Planning
This service supports families in preparing children for postsecondary education, vocational training, and independent living. We provide resources on college applications, job placement, and community integration. Our goal is to ensure young adults with disabilities achieve long-term success through structured planning and resource access.
Community Events
Annual events like the Family Engagement Picnic and Journey of Dreams Benefit create spaces for families to connect and share experiences. These events foster community bonds while offering access to agency resources and sponsor partners. They celebrate children's abilities in a supportive environment.
Resource Referrals
We connect families with local agencies, educational programs, and financial assistance options tailored to their child's needs. Our database includes specialized services for disabilities, ensuring families find targeted support. This service simplifies access to critical community resources through personalized recommendations.
People
Farides Garcia
President & CEO
Farides Garcia leads Parent To Parent Of Miami with a commitment to expanding support for families of children with disabilities. Her leadership focuses on community engagement and strategic partnerships to enhance service delivery.
Hilda Maiz-Vargas
Operations Manager
Hilda Maiz-Vargas oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient delivery of programs and resources to families in Miami-Dade County. Her work focuses on maintaining organizational effectiveness while supporting the team's mission-driven goals.
Maday Aulet
Board Chair
Maday Aulet chairs the Board of Trustees, guiding strategic initiatives and governance to strengthen the organization's impact on families. Her leadership ensures financial stability and long-term growth for sustained community support.
Richard A. Bruguera
Vice Chair
Richard A. Bruguera supports organizational strategy and advocacy efforts as Vice Chair, leveraging his expertise to advance the mission. He works closely with stakeholders to expand access to resources for families across Miami-Dade County.
Valerie Zenni
Training Manager
Valerie Zenni develops and implements training programs for parents and professionals, focusing on disability advocacy and educational systems. Her work ensures families receive up-to-date, actionable information to support their children's development.
Questions
What services does Parent to Parent of Miami offer?
We provide free workshops, advocacy support, transition planning, community events, and resource referrals for families of children with disabilities.
Is your organization only for parents in Miami-Dade County?
Yes, we specialize in serving families within Miami-Dade County, Florida, with tailored local resources and support.
How can I attend your workshops?
Register through our website for in-person or virtual workshops covering topics like disability advocacy and educational planning.
Can you help with legal issues related to my child's education?
We provide information about educational rights but do not offer legal advice. We can connect you with local attorneys if needed.
How is your organization funded?
We receive funding from grants, foundations, community partners, and individual donations to sustain our free services.
Are donations to your organization tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax-exempt as we are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
