STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A support group on Staten Island has been founded by three mothers to help families of children with special needs feel less isolated and better equipped to handle unique challenges.

Ginamarie Vomero, Joanne Parker, and April Riccardelli created the group to provide a judgment-free, in-person space for parents to connect and share resources.

Here are four takeaways from the original article.

1. The group’s origin and core mission

The Special Needs Support Group Stronger Together was founded by the three Staten Island moms after they realized the lack of in-person support systems for families.

They met years ago when their children attended the same school.

Understanding the lack of support, especially since the pandemic, they created the group with a central mantra: “You’re not alone.”

Their primary goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where parents can find guidance and community.

The founders felt a personal drive to help other families avoid the feeling of isolation they experienced.

“I think we just realized we want to help people,” said Vomero. “We want to guide them. We don’t want them to feel alone.”

The group aims to be a haven where parents feel understood and supported, addressing the common struggle of feeling scrutinized in public spaces with their children.

Parker noted that attendees often express relief, saying, “It feels so good to know that it’s not just me.”

2. Meeting logistics and accessibility

The group holds its meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Eltingville. To ensure maximum accessibility for all families navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs, the meetings are completely open and require no prior registration. This drop-in format allows parents to attend whenever they need support without any barriers.

The founders intentionally sought a dedicated location to create a consistent and reliable resource for the community.

“We searched around for a location that could provide us with a space, and we just took it from there,” Parker explained.

The meetings welcome parents of children of all ages, from pre-K through high school and even into adulthood, recognizing that the challenges of navigating support systems evolve but never disappear.

3. A mix of peer support and professional guidance

The monthly meetings are structured to provide both emotional support and practical information. A significant portion of the time is dedicated to open discussion, allowing parents to share experiences, vent frustrations, laugh, and cry in an empathetic environment. This peer-to-peer connection is vital, as it helps parents realize their struggles are shared, reducing feelings of isolation and judgment, according to the group’s founders.

To supplement the peer support, the group regularly invites guest speakers, including lawyers and health professionals, to address critical topics such as guardianship and Medicaid. These expert presentations serve as an “icebreaker,” encouraging families to ask specific questions and gain valuable, actionable advice.

This dual format ensures that parents not only leave feeling emotionally supported, but also better equipped to navigate complex administrative and health-care systems.

4. Rapid growth and community expansion

Since its first meeting in April, the Special Needs Support Group Stronger Together has experienced significant growth, expanding to include more than 50 parents.

This rapid increase highlights the profound need for such a resource on Staten Island. The group’s success is rooted in its ability to create a genuine sense of belonging where, as Parker described, “Everybody understands what you’re going through. Nobody cares and nobody’s looking at you funny.”

Beyond the monthly meetings, the founders said they are focused on building a broader community through additional events and online engagement. They are planning outings to foster social connections among families.

To keep members informed and connected, the group also maintains an active Facebook page, Special Needs Support Group Stronger Together, which serves as a hub for information and updates. This multi-faceted approach helps strengthen the support network for families across the borough.