For the past several months, the Vermont Parent Information Center (VPIC) and Parent to Parent of Vermont have been discussing ways in which the two organizations could work more closely together in order to better serve families of children with special needs and disabilities in Vermont. As a result, a planning committee made up of board and staff members from each organization developed a proposal to explore a merger over the next year.

The boards of the two organizations came to an agreement on the process by which they would formalize their work toward exploration of a merger. This was done in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) accepted by both organizations in January 2006. The MOU calls for outreach to families and partners to inform them that this exploration is underway and to invite suggestions and comments.

A Steering Committee, comprised of parents, staff and board members, has been formed to explore the feasibility of a merger and to examine potential areas of collaboration. By July 1, 2007, the Steering Committee will submit a final recommendation to the boards of both organizations.

As a parent of a child with special needs or disabilities, we want you to hear this important news from us directly and we are inviting your input. Linked below, you will find a brief survey that has been developed in order for us to gain a better understanding of how families access and utilize the services of each organization. We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking here or on the link below. We would appreciate a response by September 10, 2006.

If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact either of us directly via phone. Connie can be reached at Vermont Parent Information Center, 1-800-639-7170, ext 13, and Steve at Parent to Parent of Vermont, 1-800-800-4005, ext 35. In addition, staff at both organizations are available to talk to you about this exciting process. We look forward to hearing from you and to continuing to serve you and your family.

Sincerely,

Connie Curtin Executive Director Vermont Parent Information Center

Steve Mason Executive Director Parent to Parent of Vermont

Vermont Parent Information Center's Home Page	Parent to Parent of Vermont's Website