National Family Week 2008 Advocacy Award

The National Family Week Advocacy Award is presented in recognition of outstanding support of policies that enhance the lives of children and families for the betterment of the community of Ellsworth, Maine

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network is being recognized for their efforts to empower parents of children with special needs to build on their family's strengths and to advocate for their family's needs; for making support, education, and social opportunities available to families. G.E.A.R. reaches families, communities and organizations. G.E.A.R. bridges gaps and brings people to the table continually seeking ways to collaborate and bring families in communities together to raise awareness about needed support and advocacy. G.E.A.R. advocates for families working with organizations and educates families about the organizations and systems they are working with.

Opportunity for collaboration and meeting needs almost always seems to be on their radar and as a result those potentially vulnerable families are strengthened and lives and services are improved.  We have enjoyed attending the "What Families and Youth Want" conferences co-sponsored by the G.E.A.R. Parent Network, they have helped us grow and develop our own thinking - and we thoroughly value our collaborative efforts to offer a Parent Support Group on campus monthly for over a year now. G.E.A.R. makes us a better provider and for that it is with great pleasure that KidsPeace New England and the Alliance for Children and Families recognizes Carol Tiernan and the G.E.A.R. Parent Network with this year's National Family Week Advocacy award!