What's Happening

Announcing Patti Hackett-Hunter
as Project Director

The Federation for Children with Special Needs is pleased to welcome Patti Hackett-Hunter, M.Ed., as the new Project Director for Mass Family Voices. In this role she will also direct and oversee activities of the Massachusetts Family to Family Health Information Center (MAF2FHIC), a federally funded grant from HRSA/MCHB (grant #H84MC08005). MA FV, a project of the Federation, and a State Affiliate Organization of Family Voices, provides families and the community with information and resources on how to access health care and how to qualify for health care insurance benefits. In addition the Center provides families with the skills and tools for navigating the health care system and working collaboratively with health professionals.

Patti is known to many in Massachusetts and around the nation. She has been an active family advocate for many years and raised a son with significant disabilities. Her work on the national health care policy level includes serving as the co-director and founder of the HRSA/MCHB Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center. Patti brings a variety of expertise in Health & Transition, Medical Home, tools to empower families and to increase youth involvement in self-care management. She has a background in teaching regular and special education. Her belief is "What's health got to do with it? Everything!"

Beth Dworetzky served as founding project director of both Mass Family Voices and the Massachusetts Family to Family Health Information Center for 11 years. Recently, Beth accepted a position as Assistant Director of the Catalyst Center, a national center that works to improve financing of care for children and youth with special health care needs, a subject about which she is passionate. The Federation is proud to have had her as our colleague and look forward to a continued relationship with her through our partnership with the Catalyst Center.

The MAF2FHIC, staffed by parents, provides free, confidential assistance to families raising children and youth with special health needs, professionals, and others. Contact us at 1-800-331-0688, ext. 304, or massfv@fcsn.org for information.

Share Your Experience

MassHealth and the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative has two opportunities of interest for families whose children have mental, behavioral, and emotional health needs.

• Masshealth is hosting three focus groups to learn about families' experiences with IHBS (In Home Behavioral Services and the role of "the Hub." Visit the Calendar of Events for the November dates or download the focus group flyer.

 

• Job Fairs to learn about Family Partner Opportunities. Attend a learning session and job fair to find out more about this opportunity.

 

Resource Highlights

Manitas Autismo developed by families, for families. This site provides information and resources about Autism for Spanish-speaking families.