Maddie’s Story

What do you do when your daughter hates school, but teachers and administrators aren’t helping solve the problem? Such was the case for nine-year-old Maddie, and her mom, Ann. In frustration and desperation, Ann called the Parent Driven Schools’ Helpline one cold day in January 2008 seeking answers and support.

Ann immediately reached a resource specialist who was able to listen to her story and connect in such a way that Anne cried tears of relief. “This has been going on for over 3 years and I feel like I have just been heard for the first time,” she told the resource specialist.

The resource specialist then got details about her area and her daughter’s school district. The specialist offered to research some local agencies that might be able to help. Ann and the resource specialist agreed to speak by the end of the business day.

The PDS helpline reached out to area agencies to determine how Ann could get the service and support she needed. The mother, so overwhelmed and discouraged, perceived lack of support was systemic of the education district. By opening the doors for other agencies to hear Ann’s story, the PDS Hotline connected her with other options, and allowed for the school and the parent to work better together. 

The helpline delivered:

• A listening and compassionate ear when the parent needed it most
• “Fresh eyes” to see resources and contacts into the local community
• Support and encouragement for the parent
• A report emailed to the parent with resources, names and numbers to call, connecting her with local level for support within 24 hours of the phone call

As a result of her phone call, this parent got in the driver’s seat and charted a new direction for her student’s services and support. Every day, the PDS helpline assists parents, and in turn their students, by answering questions and connecting them to choices that will make a difference in their child’s education process. Will you be next?