Coop’s Troops: Friends You Haven’t Met Yet
I’m a firm believer in finding your tribe. For me that is the autism parenting community. In the middle of pandemic this has been an extra challenge.
But I never imagined that I’d find my tribe all across the country.
I wasn’t in a great place last year when Covid happened. So many things were happening and then all of a sudden the world stopped.
During that time I enjoyed the extra hands of help that my husband brought. But being unable to go anywhere made life hard.
Luckily, while navigating a pandemic, lockdown, and everyday life I found Coop’s Troops, a group of mamas who were feeling the same as me.
And they started holding zooms.
I remember sweating as I got on my first one and I met some of the most amazing people. As the weeks went on I got on more zooms and met more people. Before I knew it I had started making friends.
We messaged each other through out the day.
We worked hard to make time and stay in touch.
We all had one common denominator, Special needs parenting.
We check in on each other during hard times.
We let each other know that we’re always there. There is never any judgement when the struggle of this life is brought up just support because someone has been where you are.
My tribe wouldn’t be possible without the blood, sweat, tears, and vision of Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice.
She brought 100’s of mom’s together during a time of quarantine in a time when coming together seemed impossible she made the impossible happen.
I’ll always be grateful for Kate Swenson and what she’s given to me. She reminded me that while hard sometimes being special needs parent is an amazing gift. Because of Kate I have found my tribe.
If you’re a special needs family member or advocate and you feel lost, we invite you to come and check out Coop’s Troop. It maybe overwhelming in the beginning but I promise that we’re just friends you haven’t met yet. So come you who are tired, weary, unsure, and overwhelmed.
There’s a place for you here.
You won’t regret joining the Troop. Daily zooms are available, plus live interactive videos with Kate, her family, and experts in the community. There is always something to talk about!
I also adore the questions that are asked daily by other parents on topics that I wonder about as well. Finally, a safe place to ask questions.
With access to the main page you’ll have free access to other private groups that include:
-A health and Wellness group led by Chelsea Farmer
-A Dad’s group led by Billy and Jamie
-Finding Grace, a faith based group led by Amy, Annie, Angie, and Lindsey
-A gift exchange group led by Stephanie and Tanya
-A Blog Squad group led by Amanda
We also have state threads where you can ask location specific questions!
Each has its own benefits but holds the root values of Coop’s Troops which is connecting you with others. Come join us!
We can’t wait to meet you!
To join us on Coop’s Troops, click here OR go to Finding Cooper’s Voice on Facebook and click the blue become a supporter button.
Written by, Lindsey Althaus of The Althaus Life
