Buddy Programs
Buddy Programs
Some of the staff that support the Buddy Programs
Our Buddy Programs are virtual. Caregivers who have been through a health challenge with a child and are a few years out from the start of that challenge (a Buddy Mentor) are matched up virtually with a caregiver who is just beginning the journey (a Buddy Mentee).
We have the following Buddy Programs:
- NICU Buddy Program
- Trach Buddy Program
- G-Tube Buddy Program
- Bereavement Buddy Program
- Caregivers of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
* NICU families must be 2 years out from their time in the NICU to serve as a NICU Buddy Mentor.
* Other Buddy Programs also have participating timeline suggestions for Buddy Mentors.
Our program received an award from the Greater Rochester Quality Council.
Requested Training
- Complete "Unconscious Bias Training for Volunteers" (virtual)
- Complete "Empathetic Listening: Canadian Premature Baby Foundation" (PDF or Video format)
Written form: Introduction to NICU Peer Support
Video form:
CPBF video part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBclR-24Smw&t=685s
CPBF video part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq4lnQ-a-Hk&t=583s - Read your assigned Buddy Handbook.
- Attend a Zoom review session with GCH Buddy Program organizers.
Time Commitment
- All required training above must be done first.
- Each Buddy Program requires checking in with the Buddy Mentee on a different time table. It may be once a week for 8 weeks as an example. Fill out short paperwork for each time you reach out to your Buddy Mentee.
Required Paperwork
- Family Connection Program Intake Questionnaire
- Background check
- HIPAA form for volunteers
- ICARE Commitment
- Write your Buddy bio.
- Document encounters with your Buddy Mentee.
- Fill out survey at end of match.
How to Participate in the Buddy Program
If you are a caregiver and would like a Buddy Mentor, please ask your provider.
If you are interested in becoming a Buddy Mentor, please fill out the Family Connection Program Intake Questionnaire.
Additional Contacts
- Tricia White – NICU: Tricia_White@urmc.rochester.edu
- Laine DiNoto – Trach: Laine_DiNoto@urmc.rochester.edu
- Jennifer Aquilina – G-Tube: Jennifer_Aquilina@urmc.rochester.edu
- Heather Wensley – TGDY: Heather_Wensley@urmc.rochester.edu
- Melissa Gaspard – Bereavement: Melissa_Gaspard@urmc.rochester.edu