Supporting a loved one with unique needs can feel overwhelming, especially when caregivers have minimal support or are left navigating a complex system alone. A program started seven years ago, the Family Advocacy Network (FAN) is a confidential support service for parents and unpaid caregivers supporting seniors, youth, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism in inclusive education, navigating resources for special needs, and supporting independent living in Manitoba.
For one Morris mother, having FAN has helped alleviate the frustration she initially felt in 2021 when trying to make sense of “a government system that isn’t as efficient as it could be.”
This mother, who declined to give her name to protect her child’s privacy, feels much calmer knowing that someone out there has her back.
“Somebody somewhere knows the challenge I’m facing and where to go next. I don’t feel like I’m banging my head against the wall anymore,” she shared at a recent FAN meeting. “Sitting down with someone who is walking the same road is comforting. I understand that I’m not alone.
“FAN is light to a family that only feels ‘I don’t know where to go.’”
She has struggled over the last decade with accessing resources for her now adult son.
“We don’t talk about our autistic child. We speak of our child with autism. Autism should be viewed of as a trait, like curly hair or brown eyes,” she said. “Many people associate autism with IQ, yet there are many children [with] autism [who] are incredibly bright and intelligent. [With help from FAN,] my child is proud of who he is and it’s taken many years to get there.”
Autism is only one condition that families might need assistance with. Audra Latschislaw, Manitoba’s FAN coordinator, ensures that no families are turned away due to the cross disability nature of the organization’s advocacy work.
“We are all advocating for the same thing. We support parents with resources and action—how do we figure this out together?” Latschislaw said. “I’ve also navigated things alone, while in crisis, in a rural area.” FAN ensures a strong provincial voice of ‘I should be able to raise my child where I want, not where resources are.’”
The Morris Family Advocacy Network branch meets monthly and is a safe place for families to be open about their struggles in the various systems interacted with on a regular basis: school, government, community living resources, or special needs accessibility.
Latschislaw says the families involved in the various branches across the province are “a passionate bunch” through their advocacy for change at both community and government levels.
“No one needs to be alone. There is power behind hearing and sharing stories. We have to keep the conversation going.”
The Family Advocacy Network has grown exponentially since its formation in 2017 due to a grant from the Manitoba Government’s Department of Families’ Community Based Assisted Decision Making Pilot Project.
“We have developed peer groups and several action groups that report quarterly to the province. It is powerful and exciting to have families heard and recognized,” said Latschislaw.
Despite grant funding running out in January 2025, new provincial branches continue to emerge, and commitment to the organization remains strong. Carman will be holding their first meeting on Nov. 7 from 7-9 p.m. at the Carman Memorial Hall. FAN’s Morris branch will hold their next Peer Support Group on Nov. 23 from 2-4 p.m. at the Davidson Memorial Centre.
Visit fanmb.ca for additional information or reach out to 431-489-2542.
You can also connect with the Family Advocacy Network of Manitoba Facebook group.
