Westfield Family Connectors Program

The Family Connectors Program is for families who have a loved one with a disability and could use a little more connection or resource help — wherever they are in their journey.

This program is for you if you are:

  • New to disability and still finding your footing

  • Navigating a change, transition, or season of uncertainty

  • Looking for one-on-one connection with someone who truly gets it

  • Wanting to be part of a small group with families who share your experience

  • Searching for resources, referrals, or guidance on what's available

  • Ready for community, at whatever level feels right for you

You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to be ready to connect.

How it works

WFN’s Family Connectors Program empowers families through two connected supports: Social Connections (one-on-one connections and Family Circles) and Resource Connections (Recommendations, referrals, and navigation support from the Westfield Family Network Connected Family Resource Corner).

Family Connectors are matched to families based on lived experience and preferences, starting with a simple intake and optional ongoing check-ins. Connections are in-person or online, and participation is voluntary.

  • Whether you're looking for connections or ready to offer it, there's a place for you in the Family Connectors Program. Families join to receive connection, learning, and resources. Family Connectors join to share their lived experience and walk alongside others. Both roles matter. Both are welcome.

  • Family Connectors lead their own circles — which means every circle has its own personality. Connectors decide the format, the frequency, and whether they meet in person or virtually, based on what works best for them and the families they're serving.

    What you can always expect, regardless of the circle:

    • A facilitated space led by someone with real, relevant lived experience

    • A focus on connection, not perfection — circles are conversations, not classes

    • Flexibility that respects the reality of life with a disability, because some seasons are fuller than others

    • The ability to step in, step back, or shift between connections as your needs change

  • Onboarding — Families

    Getting started is simple and low-pressure.

    1. Fill out a short intake form — Tell us a little about yourself and what kind of connections you're looking for.

    2. Connection call — Our Family Connector Coordinator will reach out personally for a warm, informal conversation to learn more about you and what would be most helpful.

    3. Get matched — Based on your conversation, WFN will connect you with the right Family Connector or resource.

  • Onboarding — Family Connectors

    Becoming a Family Connector is a meaningful commitment.

    1. Apply: Submit a short application telling us about your lived experience and what draws you to this role.

    2. Get vetted: Our team will review your application and connect with you to make sure it's a good fit for everyone.

    3. Complete training: You'll go through WFN's onboarding cohort alongside other incoming connectors. Training covers the skills and tools you'll need to facilitate well — things like trauma-informed listening, sharing your lived experience, and running a circle.

    4. Get matched and launch: Once you're onboarded, WFN will work with you to connect you with families and help you set up your first circle on your own terms.

Our program model

Our program offers families two main forms of connections. Both are designed to empower families through trusted, peer-based connection, natural bonds, shared learning, and access to community resources.

Two young women engaged in conversation at a meeting table, with laptops and coffee mugs, in a modern office setting.

Social Connections

One-on-One Connections with a Family Connector

Family Circles: Topic-based events, family trainings (e.g., Sibling Support Program), and skill-building opportunities facilitated by Family Connectors

A group of people join hands, illustrating unity and support.

Resource Connections

Recommendations, referrals, and navigation support provided by Family Connectors who utilize the Westfield Family Network Connected Family Resource Corner. This includes WFN partner information and community resources for healthcare, education, housing, employment, social services, respite, and other family supports.

Join Family Connectors Today!

Two young boys are playing outdoors in a park, engaging with a water activity. The boy on the right has light brown hair, wearing a dark blue shirt, and is smiling with an open mouth. The boy on the left has darker hair, wearing a green shirt, and is focused on the water. Green trees and parked cars are visible in the background, indicating a sunny day.
Two young boys are playing outdoors in a park, engaging with a water activity. The boy on the right has light brown hair, wearing a dark blue shirt, and is smiling with an open mouth. The boy on the left has darker hair, wearing a green shirt, and is focused on the water. Green trees and parked cars are visible in the background, indicating a sunny day.

Join as a Family

Be a part of our Family. Join our Family Connectors program and choose from one or both connections: One-on-One (peer mentoring with an empowered Family Connector) and Family Circle (Small group gatherings facilitated by Family Connectors).

A woman with curly black hair, glasses, and a nose ring, smiling and engaging in conversation with a person whose face is not visible, wearing a white shirt with a blue sleeve. The woman is sitting on a blue couch with a yellow pillow, wearing an orange t-shirt and yellow pants, with a small tattoo visible on her arm.
A woman with curly black hair, glasses, and a nose ring, smiling and engaging in conversation with a person whose face is not visible, wearing a white shirt with a blue sleeve. The woman is sitting on a blue couch with a yellow pillow, wearing an orange t-shirt and yellow pants, with a small tattoo visible on her arm.

Become a Family Connector

Volunteer to be a resource to families in the program. Family Connectors are peers with lived experience who are empowered to connect with other families. They walk alongside families with respect and warmth, listen with care, and increase connection to resources and community. Family Connectors are empowered with knowledge rooted in the Connected Families Community Development Model.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No problem! Participation is not limited by geography.

  • Absolutely. You choose the resource(s) that meet you and your family where you are at. Participation in either is completely voluntary and you can opt out at any time.

  • The Westfield Family Connector program is completely free as a service of Westfield Family Network.

  • If you know of a family that can benefit from the Westfield Family Connectors Program, send them a link to this page where they can learn more and sign up to participate.

  • Nope! Participation is completely voluntary and both families and Family Connectors can opt-out at any time.

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See What's Happening

Check out the calendar to see Westfield Family Network events coming up near you!