POPS (Parents Offering Parent Support)
The POPS Program (Parents Offering Parent Support) is a free resource available to all Children’s Mercy families. Experienced parents, caregivers, and former patients volunteer their time as trained mentors to offer non‑medical support and encouragement through one-on-one conversations by phone call, text, or email. Mentors bring a unique and meaningful perspective because they have navigated similar medical, developmental, behavioral, or bereavement experiences with their own children or themselves. The hope is that families know they are not alone, find healthy coping skills, and feel supported.
The Patient & Family Engagement Team at Children’s Mercy oversees the POPS Program. The team is made up of parents of medically and developmentally complex children who understand firsthand the challenges families face. They believe that experienced families are uniquely equipped to support others in ways that staff simply cannot.
Many people may offer advice, but how often do you wish you could talk to someone who has truly been there? POPS helps make that connection.
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Examples of mentorship
- Coping with the emotional challenges of a new diagnosis
- Building your child's health care needs into the daily routine
- Advice on transitioning to school
- Maintaining energy while meeting complex demands
- Meeting long-term care needs such as chronic conditions or transplant recovery
- Getting regular, positive encouragement to overcome challenges
- End of life discussions
“Thank you so much for connecting me with someone else that has gone through the procedure. It definitely helps alleviate some of the anxiety and fear with such a surgery. The mentor was very quick to respond and I appreciate her time.”
– Children’s Mercy Parent
“The mentor was and is just what I needed for comfort and support. I never imagined to be on this side as a parent with a child that has cancer.”
– Children’s Mercy Parent
“Talking to the mentor made a difference.”
– Children’s Mercy Parent
“I became a POPS Mentor during the summer. It has been a great experience for me. I highly recommend becoming a POPS mentor to anyone! It is a great feeling being someone that can help others!"
– Children’s Mercy POPS Mentor
How to request a POPS mentor
Parents and caregivers interested in peer support are encouraged to complete the request form below. The POPS Specialist will match parents with suitable mentors based on the information provided on the request form.
Request a POPS mentor (English or Español)
How to become a POPS mentor
Parents, caregivers and former patients interested in becoming a POPS mentor are encouraged to complete the application below. Applicants must be a current or former Children’s Mercy parent or a patient who is at least one year past diagnosis and over the age of 18. Mentors are hospital volunteers that must complete the Children’s Mercy volunteer education module annually and undergo a background check every two years. Additional POPS Mentor training is also provided.