Spring 2023 Newsletter

Greetings!

Spring is upon us - and what an exciting season it is here at Parenting Now! We recently held our annual Night of Hope Gala and enjoyed spending an amazing evening with our donors, alumni, and volunteers. The community came together and supported a successful and uplifting event that raised funds for our essential programming.

As we step into the new season, our programming continues to expand. In the spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we strive to meet the unique needs of diverse populations of parents. We are excited to announce that we are launching an LBGTQ+ parenting group in April.

We are also looking forward to the return of our Squishtivities drop-in sessions, facilitating our Make Parenting a Pleasure groups in partnership with other local organizations, and a robust schedule of our First Three Years programming.

All of the important services we provide to children and families are thanks to you, your support, and your participation. For another opportunity to support Parenting Now, keep your eye out for more information about Family Matters, a community breakfast we will host in June.

Wishing you all a bright and cheery spring season,

Theya Joslin, MPA

Executive Director

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PARENTING NOW

Spring Parenting Groups Start in April

We are pleased to offer our spring parenting groups to families, starting in April, including Incredible INFANTs, Wonderful ONEs, Terrific TWOs, and Thrilling THREEs. These parenting groups meet in-person and childcare is provided.

Incredible INFANTs: starts mid April
Wonderful ONEs: starts April 6
Terrific TWOs: starts April 4
Thrilling THREEs: starts April 12

Contact our Enrollment Department to learn more: enroll@parentingnow.org; 541-434-4343

6th Annual Preschool Fair

We are excited to bring back our popular Preschool Fair on Saturday, April 22 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Parenting Now building in Eugene. The Preschool Fair is a showcase of Lane County's early learning and care programs. Hear about their educators and programs--all under one roof. Free to attend. More information here.

New Series of LGBTQ+ Family Meet Ups

Led by Parenting Educator, Kenda Pitetti, this group for parents and caregivers who identify as LGBTQ+ meets for 8 sessions every other week on Mondays from 5 pm to 6 pm at the Parenting Now building to socialize, connect, and discuss parenting topics specific to you. First group meets on April 17. Drop by anytime between 5 pm and 6 pm, for one or all of the sessions! Free to attend.

Squishtivities Returns This Spring

Squishtivities is returning for 6 sessions, starting on Thursday, April 27 from 10 am to 11 am. Bring your little ones to the Parenting Now building for an hour of crafts, socializing, and play. $10 to attend.

Tips on Parenting: Beginning Table Foods

Join us on Wednesday, April 5 from 10:45 am to 11:15 am for a discussion led by our Baby Connection team on making the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods. Free to attend at the Parenting Now building.

We are hiring!

Join the amazing team at Parenting Now. We are hiring for a Director of Marketing & Sales, Fiscal Manager, and a Bilingual Parenting Educator. Learn more here

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Give a warm welcome to Parenting Now's newest team members

• Jennifer Ledbetter: Children's Program Staff

GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF

Marcus Escobar

Family Support Specialist

Marcus is a Family Support Specialist with Healthy Families. Marcus enjoys playing his guitar with his band, surfing, and starting wood projects in his garage during his spare time.

Zoë Bredeweg

Enrollment & Volunteer Coordinator

Zoë is passionate about helping others access the resources they need to build and foster supportive, joyful, and nurturing relationships in their lives. In their free time, they love going on adventures, bouldering, hiking, playing the ukulele, making art, and spending quality-time with loved ones, including their two beloved cats.

On the Blog

New Parents: Get The Support You Need

It’s easy to dismiss your own needs when you are a parent. But having a social network and other parent friends to connect with is vital to your own well-being. Studies show that parents with support systems in place are at reduced risk for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Read more

Handpicked by the children's librarians at Eugene Public Library, here are their spring book recommendations on the theme of "community."

What Will These Hands Make?, by Nikki McClure. This book follows a family through one day and muses in the possibilities that the day holds--from enjoying treats at the bakery, to admiring handmade goods from local artisan shops, to observing the new construction in town.

The Bear’s Garden, written by Marcie Colleen; illustrated by Alison Oliver. A little girl's creativity, dedication, and imagination turn a vacant city lot into a beautiful community garden.

Who Will You Be?, by Andrea Pippins. A picture book about how family and community help shape the wonderful people our children become.

The Breaking News, by Sarah Lynne Reul. This book touches on themes of community, resilience, and optimism.

I Promise, written By LeBron James; illustrated by Nina Mata. A picture book that reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.

Meet up with other families for connection, fun, and learning at the

library's free drop-in storytimes.

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Foundation support helps ensure that families have access to parenting education. Thank you for supporting local families and valuing parenting education!

• Chambers Family Foundation

• Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation

• Herbert A. Templeton Foundation

• Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

• United Way of Lane County

• Yarg Foundation

WAYS TO SUPPORT PARENTING NOW THIS SPRING

• AmazonSmile donates to Parenting Now when you shop through its website! Create an AmazonSmile account at smile.amazon.com and select Parenting Now as your charity of choice.

• Donate Items for Families: Diapers, baby supplies, and children’s books!

CONNECT WITH US