About WFN
Our Story — Westfield Family Network
WHO WE ARE
The Westfield Family Network exists because of a simple but profound truth: families supporting loved ones with disabilities are stronger when they're connected to each other.
We are a community-based network of families, neighbors, and partners rooted right here in Westfield. We show up at events together. We share what we know. We make calls on each other's behalf. We sit with each other in the hard seasons and celebrate together in the good ones. And we work alongside organizations and city leaders to make sure Westfield is a place where every family — and every person — truly belongs.
We believe that no family should ever have to navigate this journey alone. And we're doing something about it.
Vision
A community where every family supporting a loved one with a disability has someone they can call.
Mission
To connect people and organizations, to elevate voices, and mobilize support to build a more welcoming and accessible Westfield — where everyone belongs and no family ever has to navigate alone.
HOW WE SHOW UP
The Westfield Family Network does its work in three ways:
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We create spaces where families can meet, build friendships, and find their people. From social gatherings to one-on-one peer matches through our Family Connectors Program, we believe that belonging is built through relationships.
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We bring families together around topics that matter — navigating the waiver system, transitioning out of school, finding the right supports. When one family figures something out, we make sure others can benefit from it too.
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We elevate the voices of families so that the people and systems that shape Westfield can hear what's actually needed. We are a community partner to the Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities and the Westfield SEPAC — together, we make sure families aren't just represented, but heard.
OUR MODEL
Everything we do flows from the Connected Families Development Model — a two-part framework built around peer-to-peer support and community development. We believe that when families are genuinely connected to one another and to the broader community, quality of life improves — not just for individuals with disabilities, but for whole families, and for Westfield itself.
A part of something bigger - The Westfield Disability Collective
The Westfield Family Network is one of three connected but distinct groups working together for inclusion in Westfield. While each has its own role and focus, we are aligned in our shared commitment to making sure every person belongs here.
Westfield Family Network — community-focused; supporting and connecting families
Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities — city-focused; ensuring Westfield is accessible and inclusive
Westfield SEPAC — school-focused; partnering with educators to strengthen special education
Learn more about how these organizations work together.
Whether you're a family looking for connection, a community member who wants to help, or an organization that shares our values — there's a place for you here at Westfield Family Network.