Moms Q & A: Moms Who Need Help, and Where To Get It

Life isn't easy for single moms, many of whom struggle financially and who need a lot of support in order to make a decent life for themselves and their children.  We asked a couple of moms who have managed to get an education and keep the kids in order, How do they do it?

 Mom's Council Elizabeth Cotter is a 2003 Parent Leadership Training Institute graduate, who turned the skills that she gained there into the courage to return to school. If you read Mom's Q & A often, you will know that Elizabeth now works for Danbury Youth Services and is Director and Acting Director for Even Start and other programs.

 “I was very hesitant to open up, I felt very different from other parents,” said Cotter, who is quoted as a success story in a Children's First brochure. “I felt powerless in the system. Through the PLTI, I became an effective leader and I have the confidence to pursue my goals. I can also be an effective, nurturing mother.”

Mother Elaine Lipp, who is from Malta, took the training in 2004. She said, “When I took the training, I was a foreigner and I hadn't been here very long. PLTI gave me an awareness of the community where I would be raising my children.”

 Lauren Halpin is the coordinator for the Parent Leadership Training Institute. “PLTI really gives parents the tools to get involved in the community to benefit their children. At the end, they come out empowered and connected to their community. Each class forms it's own network of support. I get to see all of the parents who are motivated to see something positive happen not just for their own children, but for all of Danbury's children.”

 Besides PTLI, Danbury's Children First provides information to parents and families about programs and services that are either free or available on a sliding scale specifically geared to accommodate low income families. Caroline LeFleur, Communications and Parent Involvement Coordinator, organizes the Parent to Parent newsletter that comes out twice a year which highlights events, activities and resources in Danbury.

 Danbury's Children First also has an list of resources for low income families that includes childcare, preschool and child development, literacy resources, and a long list of Parent Support resources that includes support groups for moms, dads, or grandparents. There is also a list of educational support for very young children, and playgroups and story times. There is an entire page of resources for families of special needs children.

 “Besides resources, the other big component here is parent involvement and education,” said LeFleur. “We are very careful to list things that are available to everyone.”

Children First programs run once a night over several weeks but are geared to support mothers who need help. Dinner and child care is always provided. Gloria Mora, coordinator of People Empowering People, said, “We are giving parents skills so they can handle, get control of their life and link with the resources in our community. The PEP program teaches parenting skills and teaches parents how to advocate for their children. I have seen many positive changes in parents who go through PEP. They find their strengths, they start to give back in the schools, attend PTO meetings, volunteer in the community.”

 “Once a year we take parents to Hartford to meet with legislators," said LeFleur.  "For people from other cultures to talk with legislators about their needs and concerns is very empowering, and the legislators enjoy hearing from them, as well.”

To find out more about resources through Danbury's Children First, visit their website where you can download support lists, newsletters, and get more information about programs. All information is available in Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Danbury's Children First