Bristol’s Promise Parenting Education Network Provides One-Stop Resource for Parenting Information & Support
Bristol’s Promise announces the grand opening of the “Parenting Sweet,” a suite at 100 Ash Street that offers a suite of parenting resources including classes, support groups, books, baby carriers, and more as featured in our September 24,10:00 am live virtual event streamed online via the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
The “Parenting Sweet” is a project of the Bristol’s Promise Parenting Education Network, created to support parents, caregivers, and professionals and help parents and children flourish. Resources available at the suite are described at www.BristolsPromise.org, including information on hours, appointments, referrals, COVID-19 protocols, parenting handouts, resource library, a baby carrier loan catalog, upcoming classes, the Parenting Sweet e-newsletter and blog, and more.
The Bristol’s Promise Parenting Education Network is a free network for service providers, agencies, nonprofits, consultants, and volunteers that meets monthly to increase parenting education opportunities, build awareness about the value of parenting education and support, and coordinate and plan to better serve our region. Together, they work to improve prenatal care, breastfeeding, grade-level readiness and proficiency, and youth wellbeing, as well as identify needs and introduce programs to our area.
Years of research on parenting and brain development and fostering healthy childhood experiences show that informed parenting does make a difference in the wellbeing of the child as well as parent contentment with the role of parenting – making “parenting sweet.” Area organizations offer some of the best evidenced-informed programs and approaches to supporting parents and families, including parenting education classes, support groups, counseling, resources and more for pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, babywearing, playgroups, multiples, siblings, postpartum depression, child development, childcare, sleep, car seats, reading, education, nutrition, positive discipline, parents/caregivers in recovery, and single parenting, and we want parents to know there are openings in their classes, with many offered free of charge.
“Bristol’s Promise advocates for the importance of parents in children’s lives and for parenting education to foster healthy development and resilience,” said Margaret Feierabend, President of Bristol’s Promise. “The Parenting Sweet suite provides a means for parents to connect with resources, experts, and each other for support.”
Visit www.bristolspromise.org to learn more and contact us at parentingsweet@bristolspromise.org. Volunteers interested in becoming involved with Bristol’s Promise Parenting Education Network are also invited to contact us about training and opportunities.
Bristol’s Promise Parenting Education Network is a Community Health Initiative made possible by a grant from the Ballad Health’s Population Health, partnered with the STRONG Accountable Care Community. Support from Ballad Health Population Health Department helps Bristol’s Promise create a regional culture that helps all children flourish, benefiting from a strong start in life, community resources, resilience building, and learning preparation.
The Parenting Sweet and the Education Network help connect parents and caregivers to Bristol’s Promise and Guiding Good Choices and Supporting School Success; Bristol Family Resource Center TOPS, Parents of Preschoolers, Elements and Building Strong Families classes; YWCA MOMS R US teen parenting classes; Buckle Up for Life Carseats and classes; Nurturings/API and Attached at the Heart parenting classes; La Leche League breastfeeding support groups; Breastfeeding Essentials prenatal and Tummy Time classes; Hope House and Mom Power and Fraternity of Fathers classes; and High Country Doula support, resources, and classes.
The Network also includes the Bristol Connect Workforce Development Program; Cherished Mom and Perinatal Mental Health, Infertility, NICU, and Grief and Loss Monthly Support Groups; Frontier Health and Nurturing Parenting Programs; Sullivan County Co-Parenting Support Class; Molina Complete Care; Virginia Cooperative Extension and Nutrition classes; TriCities Babywearing and certified babywearing educators; Highlands Community Services Project Dad and Strengthening Families; Embrace Grace and single parenting support; Twin City Reads; Bristol’s Promise Children and Youth Networking Alliance; and Ballad Population Health.
Since 1999, Bristol’s Promise has carried out its nonprofit mission to mobilize our communities to meet the basic needs of each child, youth, and family while promoting the development of their character, faith, and educational potential.