NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a series of online and in-person parenting workshops beginning in August, including programs for fathers and caregivers designed to strengthen parenting skills and promote healthy family relationships.
The nonprofit will offer the 24:7 Dads program, developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative, and the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program, created by the American Psychological Association.
The 24:7 Dads program is open to expectant and experienced fathers and focuses on five characteristics of nurturing and effective fathering. Participants will explore topics including healthy relationships, communication, discipline, emotional well-being and co-parenting.
The 12-session program will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from Aug. 18 through Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. Classes will be available both in person at Project Self-Sufficiency and online. Pizza and child care will be provided for those attending in person.
“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 is designed for parents and caregivers of young children and focuses on developing positive parenting skills, preventing behavioral problems and encouraging effective anger management. The classes, developed by the American Psychological Association, are intended to help adults create safe environments that protect children from violence.
The ACT program will be offered via Zoom on Tuesdays from Sept. 15 through Nov. 3 at 6 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.”
Those interested in participating can register online at projectselfsufficiency.org/parenting-classes or call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 for more information.
