A local non-profit organization is collecting data from a unique
survey in an attempt to determine the most pressing needs of
Hollister families.
A local non-profit organization is collecting data from a unique survey in an attempt to determine the most pressing needs of Hollister families.
The Special Parents Information Network mailed out 1,200 surveys – called the Family Needs Assessment – in November to families raising children with special needs, such as physical and mental challenges.
“The purpose is to find out what they need in terms of support and information as they face the challenges of raising and educating a child with special needs,” said Mary Balzer, who runs the local SPIN office, in a statement.
The survey is a first for the Central Coast. SPIN also mailed the surveys to families in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. The total number of surveys mailed was estimated at 4,800.
Interested families had a December deadline to complete the surveys and SPIN plans to release the results sometime in March. The organization intends the information to help families and schools deal with gaps children may face and determine the projects and programs that deserve priority.
A grant from the state Department of Education funded the survey project.
Examples of survey questions include: What areas of your child’s functioning are affected by his or her condition? What types of support would be useful to you and/or members of your family at this time? What information about community resources would be useful to you at this time?
For more information, contact Balzer at (831) 722-2800.
