Parent support allows parents of children with hearing loss to share the resources, triumphs, challenges, and feelings that are unique to families of children with hearing loss. During their journey, parents slowly gain a sense of self-esteem and hope for the future of their children.

Bolesta's Parent Support Program helps parents who have or may have a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Activities are open to all parents of a deaf child, not just Bolesta clients. Activities include Parent Support Meetings, an Expert Speakers Series, a Reference Library, Parent Communications, a Parent Mentoring Group, Parent Events, and a Referral Network.

Bolesta’s Parent Mentoring Group is the service parents find most valuable of all. While information and advice from professionals is important, talking to someone who really understands what you’re going through is invaluable. Parents are assigned a mentor from a list of mentors, all who will receive training. Mentors are asked to call their parent at least once a month. A log is kept of interactions. Parent mentors meet regularly to encourage camaraderie, to facilitate communication, and to give direction to the program based on the experiences parents are undergoing. This keeps the program timely and relevant.

Annual Parent Events are a time for parents and kids to just have fun for a change! Last year, families gathered at Lowry Park to enjoy the park, hamburgers and hotdogs, crafts, and lots of fun. Free entry to the zoo was included. While lots of valuable networking happens at Parent Events, the power of relaxing and playing is not underestimated.

Parent Support Meetings are held at least quarterly and open to all Bolesta parents and the general public. A speaker of interest is engaged for each meeting and meetings include an open question and answer forum. Topics can include behavior management of a deaf child, integrating Auditory-Verbal techniques into daily life, or stress management for parents. Free childcare and dinner are provided to encourage participation. Meetings are held in various areas around the Bay Area to facilitate ability to get to the meeting.

Bolesta’s Expert Speakers Series is offered every September and March to the public. A world-famous Auditory-Verbal therapist is engaged to see and evaluate children’s progress with learning spoken language, to help train professionals so even more children can receive services, to host a round-table luncheon with parents to discuss a topic of interest, and to lecture on subjects that parents need to know. Direct services to children and parents, such as evaluation services and the parent’s roundtable lunch, are offered free of charge.

The Reference Library includes a multitude of books, magazines, CD-ROMs, videos, pamphlets, research papers, toys, Auditory-Verbal play kits, and other items that parents can check out for home use. Or, if a parent desires, they are welcome to browse our materials in our waiting room. All items are lent free of charge and on the honor system.

Frequent Parent Communications are designed to inform parents of what is happening both at Bolesta and in the community at large that may apply or help them as they work to make the right decisions for their child. Communications can take the form of an email blast, press releases, mailings, letters, invitations, or phone calls, all planned to keep parents in-the-know.

Bolesta’s Referral Network is the result of community collaborations and knowledge of the community. We strive to help parents find all the resources, services, and information available to them. It can mean a therapist visits a preschool to discuss how children learn best with their cochlear implant; makes a phone call to find close-by lodging for parents who need to travel for services; or researches needed conference or seminar scholarship opportunities for parents.