Parents Helping Parents - Parent Support Group Facilitator

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Parent Support Group Facilitator

Parent Support Group Facilitator:

Q1. What are Parent Support Groups?

A. Parent Support Groups are made up of parents and a trained volunteer Facilitator. The groups are run according to a mutual support, self-help model that is designed to increase social connection, help parents improve their self-awareness regarding the connections between their emotions and their behavior, help parents improve their parenting skills and ultimately, empower parents to nurture their children. Groups meet weekly in many locations throughout Massachusetts and often provide free child care.

Parent Support Groups are free, confidential and anonymous . Volunteer Facilitators are trained to help parents by identifying their feelings, recognizing their strengths, and developing parent leadership. The Parent Support Group members determine which parenting issues they would like to discuss. Issues that are commonly discussed in groups include appropriate child discipline, child development issues, family conflict, disabilities, partner conflict, advocating for children within a school system, involvement with the Department of Social Services, and discussions focused on how group members can take care of themselves.

“Volunteering as a Facilitator has given me the opportunity to watch parents grow and make positive changes in their lives and in the lives of their families. While providing a safe place for them to come and talk about their problems, I’ve witnessed how eager parents are to share their knowledge and help one other. Parents quickly learn that they are not the “only ones” with issues. Tears are often replaced by smiles and laughter and an inner peace replaces anger.” –Parent Support Group Facilitator

Q2. What are the qualifications needed to volunteer?

A. A Parent Support Group Facilitator is a warm, nurturing and supportive person who is committed to a self-help model. You don’t need to be a parent to help! During the weekly group meetings, the Facilitator encourages open discussion among the Parent Support Group members and sometimes gives information about resources and services that are available in the community. Many Facilitators come from a social work or human service background, but this is not a requirement.

Q3. What is the commitment of volunteering?

A. Parent Support Group Facilitators are asked to commit to 2 hours per week for at least one year.

Q4. What do volunteers gain from volunteering?

A. Volunteering as a Parent Support Group Facilitator can provide and enhance valuable communication skills that can be applied in every day life. Facilitators learn counseling skills that help some Facilitators decide whether or not a career in counseling is right for them. All we ask of our volunteers is that they be supportive, non-judgmental and good listeners. Most importantly, Facilitators are given the opportunity to do something real to prevent child abuse!

“Volunteering as a Facilitator is something I do that I just feel good about. There's no doubt in my mind that this group is a positive force in the members' lives, and we can see change happen.”

-Parent Support Group Facilitator

“Being a Facilitator, even only for a short time, has really opened my heart up. I have a much greater understanding of and appreciation for others' resilience, empathy, and deep insight. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share an evening with such an unbelievably open and soulful group of people.”

–Parent Support Group Facilitator

Q5. What does the training and supervision entail?

A. Parent Support Group Facilitators receive two days of training in addition to ongoing supervision and support overseen by a licensed social worker or mental health counselor. The supervisor provides direction, encouragement, and discusses ways of proactively addressing problems that arise in the group.

Parents Helping Parents hosts periodic teleconferences where Facilitators discuss issues they encounter and listen to presentations on topics relevant to running a successful group.

Call: 1.800.632.8188