At the heart of Kansas, Families Together has been a cornerstone of support for families with children with disabilities and special health care needs for over 40 years. As the state’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), and the designated Family-to-Family Health Information Center, the organization stands as a beacon for thousands of families navigating the complex landscape of education, healthcare, and advocacy.

Tami Allen, Co-Executive Director of Families Together, has been with the organization for 36 of those years. Her journey began as a young mother seeking support for her son, Skylar, and has grown into a lifelong mission of service and leadership. “We’ve been there. We are there,” she shared. As a team composed of parents, siblings, grandparents, and individuals with disabilities, Families Together brings lived experience and deep empathy to every interaction.

The organization provides vital services across the state, from Wichita to Topeka, Garden City to Kansas City, and beyond. They offer individualized support to families navigating educational systems, health care, behavioral challenges, and more—often during times of crisis. Their work includes training education advocates for foster youth, supporting families at risk of separation, and mentoring those already in the child welfare system.

One of the most innovative ways Families Together supports their community is by helping families center their vision of a “good life.” Tami explained, “We use a trajectory model to help families focus on what they want for their child, and what they want to avoid. That clarity becomes a guide as they make difficult decisions, especially around healthcare.”

This whole-child, whole-family approach is what made Families Together a natural partner in the Pathways to Oral Health project. Oral health, often overlooked in the flurry of day-to-day care, has become a new focal point for the organization. “We’re so focused on education and daily survival, oral health often gets pushed to the back burner,” said Tami. “But we’ve seen firsthand the serious health impacts when it’s neglected.”

Tami played a critical role in developing the My Dental Care Passport, a tool designed to help individuals with disabilities communicate their dental care needs and preferences. She shared how her own son, Skylar, inspired the idea. “He had a health passport when he transitioned to adult medical care, and it helped so much. When I saw how oral health was being left out, I knew we needed something similar for dental visits.” The result was a tool that promotes dignity, independence, and effective communication between patients and dental teams.

What began as a simple draft is now a fully endorsed resource across all three KanCare MCOs, with approval from the state pending. Families Together has integrated the Passport into their care coordination materials and encourages families and professionals alike to use it as a vital tool in their healthcare toolbox.

Beyond resources, Families Together is cultivating the next generation of self-advocates through their CHASE (Community Honoring Adolescent Success in Education) Program, which serves youth with disabilities. “Our younger staff are now building oral health into the CHASE curriculum,” Tami said proudly. “It’s become a part of everything we do. Start them young, and you’ll make a lasting impact.”

Through partnerships like Pathways to Oral Health, Families Together continues to expand their reach and redefine what holistic, inclusive care looks like. For families navigating disability and healthcare, their message is clear: you are not alone—and with the right tools and support, a good life is possible.

Learn more about Families Together at www.familiestogetherinc.org and explore the My Dental Care Passport on the Pathways to Oral Health website.