| What We Do |
Family Support ServicesFamilies First provides a unique combination of prevention and intervention services, each designed to help parents put their children's needs first. We respond to the needs of families with an approach that is welcoming and collaborative, that builds on existing strengths in parents and their children, and that acknowledges and respects cultural and individual differences. Through our "family of services" we help more than 4800 families annually. Circle of Parents® Groups*
Circle of Parents® Support Groups offer
safe, confidential, non-judgmental places to share with and learn from other
parents and build upon your strengths. It’s so comforting to be with those who
understand what you’re feeling and experiencing! Some groups meet the specific
needs of parents of toddlers, single parents, or grandparents raising grandchildren,
while other groups are good for parents with children of all ages. Groups are
parent-directed and leadership is shared with a trained Families First facilitator.
They are free and meet weekly in various locations in the metro Denver area. Parent Education Classes*
Unlock the knowledge you already hold and share your wisdom with others. These
classes teach effective communication and disciplinary skills for parenting
children, from birth to young adulthood. Parenting classes and seminars emphasize positive approaches to discipline and build upon parents’ strengths. They are available in the Denver metro area. Classes vary in length from 3 to 12 weeks and teach basic parenting skills. Some classes focus on the specific needs of parents of toddlers or adolescents or single parents, while others work well for parents with children of any age. Moderate fees are charged (series: $60 single, $90 couple). Classes are based upon STEP or Active Parenting curriculums and qualify for court-ordered education.
*A Children's Group is run in conjunction with our groups and classes. It provides fun activities and creative projects as avenues for both expression and education. Our trained, experienced volunteers provide children with a structured opportunity to learn appropriate skills for socializing and self control.
This service is free for the children of parents and care givers attending Families First parenting classes, seminars or support groups.
Circle of Parents® is a registered trademark and is a national network of mutual support and self-help programs in partnership with communities. The network arose as a collaborative project of Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Family Support Roundtable. |
Participant Comments
One mother drove 20 minutes to drop off her sick son at his father’s house and then drove back in time for the last half-hour of the meeting:“If I had to drive two hours to get here, I would. It’s that important to me and my kids.”
Here’s what one father wrote on his class evaluation:
“Most of us are not born knowing these ideas... If more people would take this class there would be fewer frustrated children and parents. It made me understand I’m not alone.”
A father and mother of preschoolers shared these thoughts:
“We were planning to go to the class anyway, but when we heard what our kids would be learning - well, we make this a big part of our weekly family time.”
