In an effort to provide support for families with children who have special needs, Detroit Lakes parents Amanda Germundson and Jammie Branstad have initiated a new support group aimed at connecting parents and offering essential resources. The first meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 17:30 at Bucks Mill Brewery.
Germundson, a paraprofessional at Detroit Lakes High School, is the mother of two sons diagnosed with autism. As she and Branstad sat discussing their experiences, the emotional weight of parenting children with special needs became evident. “You’re so focused on making sure your kids have everything they need done,” Branstad explained. “They always come first, but you have to take care of yourself so that you can take care of them.”
The dynamics of parenting children with special needs can be overwhelming, often leaving caregivers feeling isolated. Germundson compared the struggle of self-care to balancing food on a paper plate, noting, “If you don’t take care of yourself, nobody else is going to.” Their new support group aims to alleviate this burden, fostering connections among parents who share similar challenges, while also creating opportunities for their children to interact.
Branstad, who is a mother of eight, has navigated the complexities of parenting, including the heartbreaking loss of her son Zavian, whom she lost in 2020. His passing was particularly poignant as it occurred shortly before his birth mother gave birth to a daughter, Anayiah, whom Branstad later adopted. Reflecting on this period, she remarked, “It felt like maybe they crossed paths somehow.”
The Branstad family’s journey has been marked by both joy and resilience. They moved from Fergus Falls to Detroit Lakes when their daughter Sommer was three. Both Sommer and her brother Bentley rely on wheelchairs, necessitating a rigorous schedule filled with therapy and medical appointments. “Families need support, just like they need friends,” Branstad noted, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by parents of children with conditions ranging from ADHD to PTSD.
Germundson’s experience mirrors this sentiment. After her sons received their autism diagnoses, she described the emotional turmoil as akin to experiencing the five stages of grief. Having been a single parent since her oldest was five months old, she emphasized the importance of community support during uncertain times. “What is going on, and what do I do?” was a recurring thought as she navigated the early days following their diagnoses.
Their shared experiences have forged a strong bond between Germundson and Branstad. Several years ago, Germundson attempted to establish a parent group but struggled with attendance. Yet, she fondly recalls the connection formed among the few who attended, stating, “The minute we all got to know each other, we were like, ‘Oh, hey, we’re all on the same page here.’” Now, with the intention of creating a more substantial network, they hope to extend this sense of community to other families.
The upcoming support group will feature monthly meetings, educational sessions, and group outings, providing a platform for parents to share their experiences and resources. Germundson emphasized the importance of having a support system, stating, “It’s like having your family — people in town who can drop everything to go and help you.”
Branstad expressed a similar sentiment, recognizing that many parents may feel overwhelmed and could benefit from a supportive community. “I know there are people who could just be drowning,” she said, underscoring the need for connection among parents facing similar challenges.
As Germundson and Branstad concluded their meeting at Bucks Mill Brewery, they exchanged a familiar phrase: “Call me if you need me.” Their commitment to building a supportive environment for families with special needs children reflects a broader understanding that while caregiving can be isolating, it does not have to be done alone. Through their initiative, they aim to ensure no parent feels alone in their journey.
