Family Connect

"When our daughter was diagnosed, we didn't have anyone near us who knew what we were going through. Family Connect gave us a resource nearby not only for parent support, but for our daughter too."
- T1D Parent
Perrysburg, OH

Family Connect is a program intended to provide newly diagnosed families living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) support from a seasoned DYS family who lives in their area.  Through family connections we want to help the newly diagnosed family realize they are not alone and have someone to lean on and learn from.  Below are some FAQs regarding the program:

As little or as much as you have time for!  As a mentor family, we want you to share your knowledge and experience in living in a type 1 household.  Additionally, we hope that you will engage in fun bonding activities specific to your area, like meeting at the park!  We also would like you to make sure they know about upcoming DYS programs, events and camps.

Reach out to us at [email protected] or 419-291-1234.

Using the address you provide us, we will match any new DYS families to you based on location.

All the resources you will need will be in a Welcome and Resource packet.

Our goal for the program is to serve as the bridge connecting seasoned DYS families to new, onboarding families.  Through this connection, we hope you will make new friends as well as enjoy sharing your T1D experience and knowledge.

We expect families to plan activities at their own leisure.

Unless there is a shortage of mentor families, we ask that you only mentor one family at this time.

Of course, but we are going to first look for families who live near each other.

You are not being asked to replace their endocrinologist, nurse practitioner or nurse educator.  You are there to support them emotionally and give them tips on what has worked for your family.  Please see the waiver provided in your resource packet for more information.

Our only requirement is that you show engagement with your newly diagnosed family!

By participating in DYS hosted events, sharing resources, knowledge, and experience with your newly diagnosed family, and by hosting activities you will make a great mentor family.  As well as providing DYS with feedback on how we can strengthen the program.

No, we are grateful for your willingness to help another family.  DYS Family Connect is cost-free.

Please email [email protected] and indicate you are interested in joining the program, include your full address and phone number.  If you have any additional questions not covered within these FAQs, please don’t hesitate to send us an email!