Pierce Parent to Parent (P2P)
Pierce County Parent to Parent (P2P) is part of the national network focused on support, training, technical assistance, and education to parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs. The program also helps reduce isolation by connecting families with others who understand their experiences. Visit Parent to Parent USA to find support across the country and/or to share with others.
In WA, Pierce P2P, is a program of PAVE and partners with Pierce County Human Services and The Arc of Washington State which coordinates P2P in other counties. To find P2P in your county or to share with others here is a listing across WA.
The purpose of the Pierce P2P program is to provide support, guidance, and peer-mentorship to parents navigating specific challenges or circumstances related to their children’s health, disabilities, or special needs. The goal is to empower families, strengthen their understanding of their child’s unique needs, foster a sense of community, and reduce feelings of isolation often associated with parenting challenges.
How Pierce P2P Supports Families:
Family and Youth Support Groups
PAVE’s Pierce County Parent to Parent (P2P) Support Groups create a welcoming and understanding space for families and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities or special health needs. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences, exchange practical strategies, and celebrate both significant and small victories together. Through connection and empathy, participants build a strong network of mutual support, helping one another navigate the challenges and joys of raising exceptional children. Each gathering promotes understanding, resource sharing, and community strength, empowering families to thrive.
Interested in connecting with other parents? Join a Parent 2 Parent support group! Explore our calendar of events to find the group that fits you best and register today!
Parent Match
Through PAVE’s Parent to Parent (P2P) Match Program, experienced and trained volunteer parents, often referred to as Helping Parents, are thoughtfully paired one-on-one with families new to the journey of raising a child with a disability or special health need. Matches are made based on shared experiences, disabilities, and family concerns to ensure meaningful connection and understanding. This peer-to-peer support helps new parents feel heard, supported, and empowered as they navigate resources, services, and the emotional aspects of their family’s unique path.
Education, Information, and Referrals
PAVE’s Pierce Parent to Parent (P2P) program provides families with educational materials and reliable information to help them better understand their child’s disability or special healthcare need. Parents receive guidance on a wide range of caregiving topics from navigating early intervention and school supports to accessing community and health resources. Families connect with professionals and local resources designed to enhance their child’s development and support the family’s journey.
Leadership Development and Civic Engagement
PAVE’s Parent to Parent (P2P) program empowers families to become confident change-makers and community leaders. Through Legislative Advocacy Coaching Sessions and a 3-Module Civic Engagement On-Demand Series, individuals and families learn how to share their stories, connect with decision-makers, and encourage meaningful change.
The Legislative Advocacy Coaching Sessions, are 60- to 90-minute sessions to share, learn, and develop or refine your story to share during legislative sessions, with system partners for change, to represent on councils and/or committees, during conferences, and more!
Sign up for one or come for all three! Drop in for any part of the hour from 5 – 6pm on November 20th, December 16th and January 13th, 2026. Register to the Legislative Advocacy Coaching Sessions
Download the Speak Up and Be Heard flyer
The On-Demand Civic Engagement Series empowers families and caregivers to grow as change-makers at every level, whether in the classroom, local community, state representation, or national advocacy efforts. These three self-paced modules offer tools, examples, and guided reflections to help participants enhance their advocacy and leadership skills at any time and from anywhere.
The Tools 4 Success Conference
This one-day conference is free for youth, young adults, and community members who experience a disability focuses on career and college readiness and independent living. The Tools 4 Success Conference brings together the community to share their wisdom, insights, volunteer and paid work experience, college aspirations, resources, and more! All of us need a circle of support. It is held on the last Tuesday in March. To learn about the Tools 4 Success Conference
Need help finding Pierce County support and resources?
Explore Pierce County Resources
“I don’t feel alone when I participate in the support group”
Pierce P2P Support Group Participant