ParentLink

What Does ParentLink Do?
ParentLink supports anyone raising a child in Missouri, helping them understand and meet the needs of the children in their care! We LISTEN to understand their unique situation, then we CONNECT them with the knowledge, resources, services, or supports that meet their unique needs. We help them NAVIGATE barriers to service so they can connect with the many services and supports already out there for them. Respectfulness, knowledge, and kindness are hallmarks of the ParentLink experience, and there is never a charge.

How Parents Connect with ParentLink
No parenting problem is too small and no family issue is too big for our caring and skilled professionals.  We are available by phone, text messaging, email, or social media to meet the differing needs of caregivers!  There is never a charge for ParentLink assistance, and translation services are available.  

What are ParentLink's Services?

The WarmLine serves as the "front door" of ParentLink, connecting parents to knowledgeable guidance from real people who care.  Here they find listening support, problem-solving assistance, connection to vetted resources, and evidence-based information.  The KIN-4-KID line is specifically for kinship families, raising children who were not originally their own. Here, kinship families connect to the resources of ParentLink plus a Family Resource Center in their area.  ParentLink's Access Navigators can help families sign up for Medicaid (acting as an authorized representative on their behalf), SNAP benefits for food security, other government programs such as WIC and TANF.  

Funding

While ParentLink is a part of MU, we do not receive funding from the university. However, this does allow ParentLink to bring the resources of the University to every partnership in ways that other organizations cannot.  Through our university faculty we have the best and most current information to assist families.  Through our Extension colleagues, we have connections with rich relationships in every county that offer local opportunities.  ParentLink is another example of why MU is often thought of as the University for Missouri!

Our "Secret Sauce"
ParentLink brings respectful dignity during vulnerable times in a family’s life. We make a difference because we know the value of the human element. We never dump callers into a queue or make them pick from options on a list. After assistance is provided, ParentLink will follow up to make sure the family’s needs were met. For funders, this ensures that impact is achieved from every dollar.  For families, this ensures they know that someone cares.

Healthy families add richness to their communities and inspire their neighbors to do the same! ParentLink helps caring adults get what they need at critical times to guide children in their care towards positive futures.