North Reading Community Impact Team Again Offers Free Parenting Class

Due to high demand, the North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition will again be offering the Guiding Good Choices parenting program this summer. The free workshop series is open to parents, grandparents and caregivers of children thanks to a grant provided by Winchester Hospital.

Program Coordinator Christie Perrone explained, “Our turn-out for the spring session was so well-attended, that we added this session this summer.” She added, “The feedback was outstanding.” One participant noted, “This class was very worthwhile. I am so glad I attended. Much practical and concrete tools were given to help me strengthen my family and prevent possible future substance use.” Another said, “This course was extremely valuable in helping to prepare me for parenting my child. I felt the tools could be easily applied to my life in helping my child navigate risky situations.”

Program Instructor Jen Ford commented, “This program is perfectly timed before school starts and really gives parents the chance to make strong bonds.” In fact, according to research by Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano of the University of Washington, research has shown that when children are bonded to their caregivers, peers, and schools in safe and supportive ways, they are less likely to initiate substance use and other high-risk behaviors.

The series topics include:

July 27th Workshop 1: Family Fundamentals and Values

August 3rd Workshop 2: Facing Family Conflicts and Risk Management

August 10th Workshop 3: Setting Your Family Up for Success

August 17th Workshop 4: Youth Substance Use and Mental Health 101

The program is facilitated by North Reading Youth Services Director Jennifer Ford and Youth Services Committee Member Jason Slattery who have been trained in the curriculum as well as led previous workshops. The four-part series will be hosted at the Flint Memorial Library Activity room and will include dinner and a gift card raffle to all participants each week. Attending all four workshops is recommended to maximize learning.

To register for the introductory webinar or any of the program workshops, please visit www.northreadingma.gov/CIT and click on EVENTS. Please contact Christie Perrone at northreadingCIT@gmail.com, or call (978)357-5054 with any questions.