What is it?

The Mentor Parent Program is a community-based parent project created in 1989 by parents of children with special needs to support, assist and provide expertise to parents in rural northwest Pennsylvania.

What is the mission of the program?

The Mentor Parent Program exists to provide support and services to parents of children with disabilities through a coalition of united efforts of parents, educators, service providers, and professionals to effectively meet the needs of children with disabilities in the rural Appalachian region of Pennsylvania.

The purposes of the Mentor Parent Program are:

• to provide assistance and training to parents and professionals.
• to provide one-on-one mentoring and support.
• to provide information and appropriate referrals.
• to develop home-school partnerships.
• to foster parent involvement with the early intervention & education systems.
• to develop community awareness of the needs of children with disabilities.

Why should you call?

If you are a parent or professional who needs information or support, the Mentor Parent Program can help you. The program is operated by parents who understand your questions and concerns.

Who is involved?

The Mentor Parent Program’s director is Gail Walker. Working with the Mentor Parent Program are Family Consultants and Mentor Parent volunteers who are trained to provide you with support, assistance and information.

If you are interested in working with the Mentor Parent Program as a volunteer or contributing other talents to support the program, please contact Gail Walker at 1-888-447-1431or email the director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .