The Bag of Hope and JDRF LA Family Network The Bag of Hope program is a JDRF chapter-based effort to reach children with diabetes and their families at the time of diagnosis with a comprehensive collection of educational and comforting material. When a child is first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it can be an intensely overwhelming time of pain, confusion and fear for both the family and the child. The Bag of Hope program allows JDRF to provide a family with some of the initial tools and resources for managing every day life with type 1 diabetes. At the time that a family requests a bag of Hope, there is also the option to request to meet another family living with type 1 diabetes. This veteran family offers reassurance and a chance for the newly diagnosed family to ask questions of those with more experience. This unique element of the program is of immeasurable value for newly diagnosed families. Families who request a Bag of Hope are also automatically placed into our "Family Network." The JDRF LA Family Network is intended to provide our families with a safe, close-knit community that provides opportunities for ongoing support, networking and sharing. Family Network families receive invitations to our quarterly Family Networking Events (ie., bowling, picnics, luncheons) and special events, as well as, reminders for our ongoing support groups and parent gatherings.