Resource centre seeks support for clothing drive

The department of counselling services’ Family Resource Centre (FRC) is calling on people in the community to donate baby items, maternity and professional clothes for the Young Parent group where the gifts will be put to good use.  The items are used as part of an incentive programme that officials say keeps the young adults motivated and focused on becoming better parents for their little ones. The clothing drive is to collect things on which the young parents can spend the reward tokens that they have earned. Meanwhile, the resource centre is also starting a programme aimed at fathers to help them deal with their children’s behaviour, manage conflict and anger, communicate and cope as single parents.

“Many of our young parents are making big changes in their lives and parenting philosophies,” FRC Programme Coordinator, Miriam Foster said. “Change in any form comes with some frustration. Being rewarded for a job well done with albeit ‘pretend’ money, gives clients the satisfaction of knowing how it feels to earn money and be able to purchase items for themselves and their babies,” she said in relation to the clothing drive and the appeal for donations.

Held at the centre, the YPS is a special programme dedicated to young moms and dads working on parenting and employability skills. The programme helps build positive parenting skills, attitudes and behaviour so kids can get a head start in life.
Speaking about the six sessions specially for fathers, of any age, Foster said the initiative would focus on the responsibilities of fatherhood.  “The meetings will be down-to-earth and practical as we help these men fulfill their roles as effective parents, partners and workers.”

The new programme starting on Monday 20 August will also empower fathers and provide them with the tools necessary to build healthy relationships as they make positive contributions in their children’s lives, she added.

The minister responsible for community affairs Mike Adam said it was important that fathers secure loving relationships with their children. “Spending quality time and expressing unconditional love will strengthen the individual and the family,” he said. 

For six weeks, starting Monday, August 20, fathers will get a chance to rediscover their roles and work toward enhancing the relationships they have with their children. 
For more information about Fathers First, helping young parents or any of FRC’s services, call 946-0006 or email frc@gov.ky.