Virtual Abriendo Puertas: Engaging and Empowering Parents

Virtual programming has become the new way to connect with our families, community, and other organizations. Moreover, it has opened doors to new opportunities to engage families. In-person programs had to be modified so they could be hosted through Zoom and other online platforms. One of those programs is Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors, which is an evidence-based curriculum utilized at the center to train parents, caregivers, and professionals that care for children ages 0-5. This year, we were challenged to host a two-day virtual training. As a result, two New Destiny FSC staff spent days looking at the current material, adding new resources, and changing in-person activities into virtual activities. The goal was to maintain the focus of each session with relevant material and maintain parent engagement. Participants enjoyed two days of training, 3 hours each day. Topics covered included mental health, child development, nutrition, ACES, Ages and Stages, and advocacy. A list of available resources in the community, such as the local library services was also provided. The training was a success! 12 mothers completed the training, with 9 of them being first-time parenting class attendees!! They took advantage of this opportunity where they learned, bonded with other mothers, shared concerns, and advice. Furthermore, they left with tools and resources that will enable them to continue their role as teachers, advocates, and parents raising children as their “first teacher”. When asked what some of their takeaways of the two-day online training were, they stated the following: “You can never put a limit to how much you can learn; you constantly learning as a parent,” “You are your child’s first teacher & home is the first school,” “I learned to set goals that will benefit my family as a unit. I also learned that an assertive approach works best because it doesn’t place blame and gets positive reactions.” “I used to work at an FSC, New Destiny is one place I will recommend to any parent: the level of professionalism, and the information I have learned will always stay with me, thanks to you all.” The success of this story does not lie on the program, or how many parents graduated, but in the connections made. Each mother that graduated knows that she is not alone, and that New Destiny’s door always remains open for them and their families.

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