POPS (Parents Offering Parent Support)
The POPS Program (Parents Offering Parent Support) is a FREE resource offered to all Children’s Mercy parents and caregivers. They can be connected with trained parent volunteers (parent mentors) to talk about the challenges of their child’s health condition and/or developmental and behavioral differences. Parent mentors provide a unique perspective because they have been through similar experiences with their own children. They offer non-medical guidance and encouragement through one-on-one conversations via phone calls, text messages, or email correspondence.
The Patient & Family Engagement Team at Children’s Mercy oversees POPS. The Team consists of parents of medically and developmentally complex children. Team members recognize that experienced families are uniquely qualified to provide support to other families in a way that staff cannot. Many people may offer advice, but how many times do you wish you could talk to someone who has had a similar experience? POPS can help make that connection.
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Examples of mentorship
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Coping with the emotional challenges of a new diagnosis
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Building your child's health care needs into the daily routine
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Advice on transitioning back to school
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Maintaining energy while meeting complex demands
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Meeting long-term care needs such as chronic conditions or transplant recovery
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Sharing unique perspectives such as being a single parent or having limited access to resources
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Getting regular, positive encouragement to overcome challenges
“Thank you so much for connecting me with someone else that has gone through the procedure. It definitely helps alleviate some of the anxiety and fear with such a surgery. The mentor was very quick to respond and I appreciate her time.”
– Children’s Mercy Parent
“The mentor was and is just what I needed for comfort and support. I never imagined to be on this side as a parent with a child that has cancer.”
– Children’s Mercy Parent
“Talking to the mentor made a difference.”
– Children’s Mercy Parent
“I became a POPS Mentor during the summer. It has been a great experience for me. I highly recommend becoming a POPS mentor to anyone! It is a great feeling being someone that can help others!"
– Children’s Mercy POPS Mentor
How to request a POPS mentor
Parents and caregivers interested in peer support are encouraged to complete the form below. A Children’s Mercy Parent Support Program Specialist will match parents with suitable mentors who have completed the required training.
Request a POPS mentor (English or Español)
How to become a POPS mentor
Parents, caregivers and former patients interested in becoming a POPS Mentor are encouraged to complete the application below. Applicants must be a current or former Children’s Mercy parent or patient who is at least one year past diagnosis and over the age of 18. Mentors are hospital volunteers that must undergo a background check every two years, complete the Children’s Mercy volunteer education module annually. Additional POPS Mentor training is provided.