Mom2Mom is a 24-hour, 7 day a week helpline coordinated by UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare. The helpline  features peer support, telephone assessments, a network of referral services and support groups.

Becoming a mother can be a miraculous experience. When your child is identified as having special needs, it is potentially the most devastating experience of your life. As the primary caregiver, mothers try to “fix” everything for their child. Some challenges cannot be "fixed", but rather adapted to.

Mothers with special needs children are at risk for depression and related disorders (Reuters, 4/18/2008). Studies show parents of special needs children have significantly higher divorce rates than those with typically developing children. Medical illness, financial stressors, faith based issues, and employment struggles often accompany the challenges of being a primary caregiver of a special needs child.

The MOM 2 MOM Peer Support Helpline Program answers the need.

Many resources for children with special needs have been established with a focus on advocacy, education and financial support for those loved ones. The missing link however has been the recognition for the needed services for the primary caregiver’s mental health and wellness, specifically a service for mothers.

Community Services	Family & Support Services Parenting & Caregiving
Health Services	Intellectual and Developmental Needs Special Needs

Last Updated: 05/23/17