Miami, FL - August 12, 2024 - The Children's Trust proudly announces the approval of new funding to expand The Children’s Trust’s Parent Club initiative, which provides FREE online or in-person parenting workshops to parents and caregivers in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. The newly allocated $1,700,000 will be awarded to Be Strong International, Inc., FIU Center for Children and Families and the University of Miami Department of Pediatrics who will facilitate the program.
Launched in September 2019, The Children’s Trust Parent Club workshops focus on effective, consistent, and supportive parenting practices, which are essential for children's emotional, behavioral, social, and cognitive development. By providing these resources, The Children's Trust aims to help parents and caregivers improve their parenting practices, leading to better outcomes for their children.
“Expanding The Children’s Trust’s Parent Club meets an essential community need, helping families who participate become happier and healthier emotionally and socially,” said James R. Haj, president & CEO of The Children’s Trust. “The Parent Club also provides parents and caregivers with the support they need to stay connected with their children using effective parenting techniques and tools.”
The initiative aims to engage nearly 1,400 parents and caregivers annually per provider, with a strong emphasis on in-person and virtual workshops. These sessions build parenting knowledge and skills and foster social support networks, connecting families to additional services. Participating parents and caregivers will explore creating a positive learning environment, raising confident and competent children, and using practical child behavior management tools and more.
The University of Miami Department of Pediatrics will serve as the coordinating agency among the three entities, ensuring uniformity and high standards of program implementation. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that all activities adhere to The Children’s Trust’s Parent Club's guidelines, maintaining consistency and quality.
The selection of these three Parent Club providers followed a comprehensive process that considered community input from over 3,700 parents and caregivers and insights from 16 focus groups with more than 100 parents in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. This community-driven approach ensures that The Children’s Trust’s Parent Club addresses the diverse needs of Miami-Dade families.
The Children's Trust remains dedicated to empowering parents and caregivers through accessible, research-based parenting education. This investment in The Children’s Trust’s Parent Club initiative reflects The Trust’s ongoing commitment to fostering positive outcomes for children and families throughout Miami-Dade County. Parents and caregivers can visit, www.TheChildrensTrust.org/ParentClub to find in-person workshops or to attend one virtually.
Media Contact:
Natalia Zea
Chief Public Policy & Community Engagement Officer, The Children’s Trust
natalia@thechildrenstrust.org