June 25th, 2025
Reflecting on the Past Year of Caregiver Connection Groups: Growth, Impact, and What’s Next
By: Tara Smith-Mior, Support Coordinator – Access Specialist
Over the past year, the Caregiver Connection Groups have continued to grow and expand, offering families that are waiting to receive Special Services at Home funding the chance to connect, share, and learn together. Children receive support in a fun play-based group specifically for them, while parents have their own space to take a moment and meet with other adults. What began as a pilot project in 2023, funded by a generous grant from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, has become an ongoing opportunity where children and their caregivers feel supported and connected. It has been incredibly rewarding to see that vision take root and flourish.
This past year, we expanded our offerings to include both a more structured information series as well as informal playgroups, allowing participants to choose the best fit for their family, or attend both. Our caring and adaptable staff team, presenters from the community, and family-friendly, engaging spaces have helped increase engagement. Many families have shared that their children look forward to the program each week and have become more confident and independent as a result of their participation.
We’ve also deepened our relationships with families, offering more individualized support and welcoming feedback to continuously improve. Providing caregivers the chance to feel seen and heard was one of the initial priorities, so seeing the sense of community that’s emerged among Caregivers has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of the past year.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to grow our team and add more specialized programming, including one-time playgroups, opportunities for caregivers of older children, and additional information sessions. As we look ahead, our goal remains the same: to provide a consistent, welcoming space where the entire family feels valued and supported. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to remaining responsive to the needs of our community, guided by the belief that every caregiver deserves to feel empowered and valued. We’re deeply grateful for the support we’ve received so far and can’t wait to see what the coming year brings.
