Our mission is to inform and guide parents of preemies so that they may confidently navigate the journey of prematurity.
Preemie Parent Support
Become A Preemie Parent Mentor
The Preemie Parent Mentor Program is at the heart of our mission.
Thank you for your interest in our Preemie Parent Mentor Program.
To get started, please review our program's guiding principles. These will help you determine if you are a good fit and ready to become a mentor.
Next, apply to become a mentor. Our Preemie Parent Program Director will contact you for an interview and to assess your readiness.
If the Program Director determines that you are a good fit and we have an opening, you will need to complete our training program to become a Graham's Foundation Preemie Parent Mentor.
Guiding With Heart and Experience
Guiding With Heart and Experience. As mentors, we understand the delicate balance between listening and sharing. While your own NICU journey provides valuable insights, your first role is to create a safe space where parents can tell their stories and express their needs. We follow their lead in conversation, offering our experiences when helpful, while upholding our commitment to supportive, respectful mentorship.
Timely Responses
As our Program Director receives mentor requests, they are sent to the Parent Mentor who is the most appropriate match. When you receive an email, please follow up within 48 hours. If you are unable to do so, it is important to let the program director know right away.
Comfort Sharing Your Journey
The most effective support comes from a place of emotional readiness. As mentors, we've learned to share our NICU experiences with clarity and composure, offering parents the steady, confident guidance they need during challenging times.
Acknowledge Your Role
As mentors, we're here to support and encourage, while recognizing that medical guidance comes from your child's healthcare team. Our role is to offer emotional support, share coping strategies, and help you feel less alone – while always encouraging you to turn to your healthcare providers for medical decisions.
Maintain A Sympathetic Approach
We support with empathetic hearts and understanding ears, offering the kind of comfort that comes from having walked this path before. When parents have medical questions, we can share our personal experiences while lovingly guiding them back to their healthcare team for expert advice. Our greatest strength isn't in medical knowledge – it's in being a compassionate friend who truly understands what NICU life feels like.
Attend Training and Conference Calls
Log Parent Communications
As part of our compliance as a Parent-to-Parent partner organization, we must keep timely and accurate communication logs with preemie parents.