Navigating Complex Care: How One Richmond Mom Found Support Through Better2gether’s Family Navigator Program

Raising a child with complex medical needs presents unique challenges that require constant care and attention. For many families, these demands are heightened by the complicated process of navigating the Medicaid waiver system.  

While these waivers can serve as a lifeline for families, understanding eligibility requirements, trying to access benefits, and managing the administrative paperwork can be daunting.   

Richmond mom, Antonia, knows all about this journey. When seeking services and support for her medically complex son, Charlie, Antonia credits Better2gether and its Family Navigator program for helping their family navigate and access the Medicaid waiver system.  

“Carissa was available to answer all of our questions, explained the process, the timeline, the roles and responsibilities of the different organizations, and tips to help make the process move forward,” shares Antonia. “We were having a hard time figuring out everything on our own, and one call to Carissa and that was fixed. We are very grateful for her and for Better2gether.”  

She adds, “It can feel really lonely trying to figure this out by yourself and Better2gether has been great in helping us feel like we are not alone.” 

This year, Antonia and her family will be participating in the Halloween Hustle 5K to show support for their son and to help fundraise for Better2gether so that services like the Family Navigator program can continue to be available for families and children. “I formed a team for the Halloween Hustle,” she shares. “My creative sister-in-law, Melissa, is making team t-shirts with a picture of Charlie on it. It’s been fun preparing as a family. Even though not all of us are runners, we’re all excited to complete the race!”