Workshops Teach Helpful Parenting Strategies

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a unique roster of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in August, including the 24/7 Dad course for fathers as well as the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program, which was designed by the American Psychological Association for parents and caregivers of young children.

Fathers are invited to attend special workshops created just for them, either online or in person, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Created by the National Fatherhood Initiative, the 24:7 Dads program focuses on five characteristics of nurturing and effective fathering and has been proven to transform families and communities. The 24:7 Dad curriculum is designed for expectant fathers as well as experienced Dads. Participants will examine what it means to be a man, health, handling emotions appropriately, discipline, and co-parenting. Twelve consecutive sessions will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency, August 18^th – September 24^th; classes will be offered in-person and online. Pizza and childcare will be available for in-person attendees.

“We are excited to continue offering the 24:7 Dads program to the community,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “This curriculum invites fathers to examine their relationships with partners and children, and addresses topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.We are confident that fathers and families will be transformed as a result.”

“’24:7 Dads’ has given me the confidence to open up and share my feelings which I was not able to in the past,” remarks class participant Leland Prehn. “It has given me patience and it has improved my ability to co-parent and do what’s best for my children.”

The ACT Raising Safe Kids Program invites mothers and fathers to learn how to build positive parenting skills, prevent behavioral problems, and encourage effective anger management.The parenting classes were developed by the American Psychological Association with the goal of educating parents and other adults who raise and care for young children about creating environments which protect them from violence.Classes will be offered via Zoom on Tuesdays, September 15^th – November 3^rd, 6:00 p.m.

“We are delighted to continue offering these innovative parenting courses to the general public,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.“Effective parenting is an important factor in preventing behavioral issues and violence, and the curriculum in both programs invites participants to examine their relationships with partners and children, and address topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.We are confident that families will be transformed as a result.”

Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, or register online, https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/parenting-classes.