A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Building Family Strengths
Parent Information Center

The Parent Information Center of New Hampshire has provided information, support, and training to parents and educators for approximately 19 years. The most recent training project, Building Family Strengths, is soliciting local needs from the Minority Outreach Advisory Council and Community Advisory Councils.

The Building Family Strengths project provides an array of services including training, informational workshops, and comprehensive social services from which parents and educators can choose. The project trains parents and professionals to access resources for themselves in adult literacy, life-long learning opportunities, better communication skills, and problem solving. Staff and volunteers provide ongoing support and technical assistance. Information and training materials will be provided in languages other than English, and materials for individuals who have difficulty in reading will be provided at an appropriate reading level or on audio/video tapes. The anticipated results of the Building Family Strengths program are increased parental involvement in the schools, and increased parent participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of their children.

The Building Family Strengths Project includes the following major components:

1. Information is provided via toll-free information line, mail and drop-in services at one of eight Parent Information and Resource Center offices in the state.

2. Print materials are to be provided to parents on a variety of subjects and will be "user friendly."

3. Workshops and training sessions are being offered on a variety of topics to enable parents to enhance their parenting skills, foster self-esteem, understand their child's academic and social development, and utilize appropriate resources to function more effectively as a family.

4. Leadership training is being offered to highly motivated Parent Partners who then volunteer to assist and support other parents/family members in their local communities.

5. Technical assistance is offered for parent-school training sessions and events to foster positive partnerships between parents and their children's schools.

6. Collaboration with, and support to, family organizations, professional associations, state and local agencies, preschool programs, family assistance services, and others is being promoted and enhanced.

7. Systems change is expected to occur as a result of the efforts of family leaders who have been trained by PIC and who serve on local advisory committees.

Collaborators:

• Bureau of Special Medical Services,
• New Hampshire Division of Public Health

Director:
Deborah Bennis
Parent Information Center
P.O. Box 2405
Concord, NH 03302-2405
Phone: (603) 224-7005
(800) 947-7005 (NH only)
FAX: (603) 224-4365
Award: $289,034
Affiliation: PAT

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