We constantly strive to create better ways for providing the information and teaching skills that today’s parents so desperately need. We believe that parenting education is not just for “high risk” families but that all families can benefit. We have a history of success with court-ordered parents who have abused or neglected their children; parents who have been abused or neglected as children themselves; single parents; stepparents; and parents seeking to improve their parenting skills.

Children In The Middle: Divorce Education for Parents

In almost all cases, divorcing families need help in making the transition to two households. Divorce is difficult on everyone, especially children. Research indicates that two-thirds of the children from families of divorce suffer enduring problems ranging from low self-esteem to serious depression. Some children never recover. “Children In The Middle” enables the children and parents to effectively address the problems and conflicts unique to their family, while helping children understand why parents divorce.

Marriage Education Classes

Marriages like babies do not come with instruction manuals. We are not born with the knowledge of how to create healthy relationships. If we did not learn healthy relationship skills as children (and most of us did not) we can be completely in the dark when we marry. In an effort to strengthen marriages and families of Northeast Mississippi, the Family Resource Center offers several marriage and engagement education programs including but not limited to PREP (The Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program), Franklin Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families and Marriages”, and FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study).

Domestic Violence Program

Family Resource Center Staff developed our Domestic Violence Program with the assistance of Dr. Ed Hill whom now serves as President of the American Medical Association. The program is a comprehensive medical model to combat domestic violence, with a 100% success rate in the first three years.

Project Homestead Program

Project Homestead is a statewide initiative forming community partnerships to; PROTECT vulnerable children and adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation; SUPPORT family preservation and community living; and PREVENT family violence and disruption.

Fatherhood Initiative

The Fatherhood Initiative is an intense parenting program for fathers only. The curriculum is based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Successful Fathers. The program is designed to teach participants skills that will enhance and improve their relationships with their children.

Safe Exchange Program

The Family Resource Safe Exchange Program is conducted in cooperation with the local courts. This program is operated with specific guidelines to ensure the security and safety of children, parents, and staff. The program is designed for divorced or separated parents with a history of conflict to be able to exchange a child or children for weekend visits without confrontation.

Respite Care for Foster Families

The Respite Care Program allows foster parents to have time to themselves. The program offers free childcare to these parents so that they can take care of business matters, catch a movie, shop, or just spend time together. The number of children is limited to 25 and parents must register in advance. A well-trained staff is dedicated to caring for the children. Dinner and snacks are provided for the children.

Computer Checkout Program

The Computer Check-Out program allows families with children ages 3-18 to check out a laptop computer for up to two weeks. The program is designed for families that do not have a computer in the home. Various learning programs and games are available and the computers are Internet accessible.

“Parents As Teachers” Program

The Parents as Teachers program is an international early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. Parents as Teachers is an in-home program designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education.