Moms on a Mission
Building Bridges for Special Needs Families.
In the heart of our community stand two extraordinary women, Shelly Jaques and Jessica Nielsen, who have taken their personal challenges and transformed them into a beacon of hope for other parents navigating the complex journey of raising children with special needs. They continue to advocate fiercely for their children and inspire others to do the same.
The story of these two dynamic moms began in the university halls, where a friendship blossomed and became the foundation for an long term partnership. Shelly invested years in developing a unique system that effectively supported her daughter’s needs. Her method proved to be invaluable, especially at a time when resources were scarce. Realizing the impact she could have, Shelly extended a helping hand to other parents in similar situations, including her soon-to-be co-founder, Jessica.
Jessica turned the trials and triumphs of her life into narratives, penning small books with the hope of guiding others. When she approached Shelly with the idea to write a book specifically on school advocacy, Shelly saw an opportunity for something greater. “Why not a whole series to help parents?” she suggested. With that spark of inspiration, the two moms combined their wealth of knowledge and experiences to author a resource that would become the cornerstone of the Parent Survival Resource & Connection Society (PSRCS).
“Supporting others is our ultimate goal, and as parents of special needs children ourselves, WE UNDERSTAND,” say Shelly & Jessica, whose mission is to uplift and empower those on a similar path.
PSRCS has grown into a vital non-profit organization, dedicated to enhancing the well-being and mental health of caregivers, support workers, and individuals within the disability community. Through Empowerment, Connection, and Guidance, PSRCS stands as a pillar of strength for families, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to not just survive but thrive.
The society offers a wealth of support, from Guidance and Mentorship in navigating and securing essential resources, to Advocacy in liaising with various resource places and agencies. They simplify daunting tasks by assisting with paperwork for IRCC, Guardian & Trustee, AISH, PDD, FSCD, and more, ensuring that no one has to manage the paperwork maze alone.
Moreover, PSRCS fosters a strong community through one-to-one connections, meetups, workshops, and informative sessions. Their services extend to resource connection, advocacy, commissioning, and even help with file organization, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community they serve.
Shelly and Jessica have created more than just a support system through PSRCS; they’ve built a safe space where experiences are shared, battles are fought together, and victories are celebrated collectively. Their story is not just one of personal achievement but a testament to the power of community and the extraordinary impact of two moms on a mission.
We invite every reader to become a part of their incredible mission. For Shelly and Jessica, every new member of PSRCS is another step toward a society where understanding and support know no bounds.
Shelly Jaques (right) & Jessica Nielsen (left)
Parent Survival Resource & Connection Society
Visit parentsurvival.ca
