Support is The Key to Success: Mother Care and Family Intervention Program's Graduation

On June 18, five women from Mother Care and two from the Family Intervention Program (FIP) celebrated their program graduation. "Graduation is a very emotional experience for the women," said Pam Robertson, Mother Care/FIP supervisor. Pam explained, "For many, it is the first time they have completed anything, and it gives them a huge sense of pride."

Graduating is no easy task. For FIP participants, all must be clean of drugs and alcohol for a minimum of one year. In addition, they must accomplish several goals which include obtaining their GED, securing housing, demonstrating stability in household management, learning appropriate coping mechanisms and new ways of dealing with stress. Mother Care participants must demonstrate positive parenting techniques and a stable life style, which includes emotional and physical stability. All clients must successfully complete the Nurturing Program.

The Nurturing Program is a 12-week, non-violent approach to parenting, which gives women the tools and techniques on how to be a nurturing parent. The program has many components, including pre and post assessments covering the topics of empathy, child development, family roles, and child discipline. In the program, participants also reflect on their childhood. This is helpful because the person is better able to understand the parenting techniques that were used with them, the techniques they use on their own children, and then decide which behaviors are appropriate and inappropriate when parenting. The women also learn how to have fun and enjoy their children. Successful completion of the program is based on two aspects. First, participants must show an improvement on their post-assessment. Second, they must show improvement on how they interact with their children.

Graduation from Mother Care or FIP does not mean the support ends. While participants are no longer required to attend group sessions, they often return to participate in various groups when needed. In addition, they also plan activities for the new group members. One recent outing was a trip to the zoo, which the past graduates planned, and everyone enjoyed.

A past Mother Care mom said, "support is the key to success," and that is true for the seven graduates. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.