| The Center was founded to
provide information, education, and referrals with the sole
goal of strengthening parenting skills. One of its main programs
is Moms R Us, a national program of the YWCA for teen parents.
The local YWCA holds a prepared childbirth class for these young
parents, and the BFRC holds a twelve-week parenting class for
them after the delivery of their child. Parents who attend at
least six of the twelve sessions earn a goody box with diapers,
wipes, books, a sleeper, age-appropriate toys for the baby,
and a reference book for the parents. Parents also earn five
points (equivalent to $5) at each session they attend that may
be spent at a teen parent store that has new and gently used
baby items donated by caring churches.
Here’s a story to share about one successful parent. “Bill”
grew up in an atmosphere of neglect and abuse. He was put out
of his home at age sixteen to fend for himself. He worked full
time and begged his friends to let him stay with them for two
weeks at a time. He managed to graduate from high school and
rent an apartment.
After his girlfriend became pregnant, he attended the Moms
R Us prepared childbirth and parenting classes. He says his
life changed when he held his little girl for the first time,
but the child’s mother did not feel the same way. Bill
took on the responsibility to raise her himself.
Bill has full custody of his little girl, who is now going
into second grade. He is married and a homeowner. He, his wife,
and his daughter are actively involved in a church. Bill speaks
to youth groups about the importance of father figures in children’s
lives. He talks about the way he was raised as less than a priority
in his parents’ lives. Bill attributes his success as a
parent to the Bristol Family Resource Center and the guidance
it provided him.
Patty Caldwell
Central Presbyterian Church
Bristol Family Resource Center
Bristol, VA 24201 |
