“Our Time” parent support groups are built on the premise that working together, parents can build a community in which it is safe to deal with and learn from the challenges of raising a child in today’s world. Groups are led by a parent and a program staff member. They have the built-in flexibility to be adaptable to varying situations and surroundings, and standards to assure that “Our Time” groups are recognizable, effective and welcoming. Most “Our Time” groups meet weekly. However, some groups have chosen varying schedules.

When families with similar concerns meet, they can share information and provide emotional support. Parents working together can create a confidential environment to work on problems, decrease stress, and increase the quality of interactions with their children and within the community.

“Our Time” groups provide:

A sense of community, understanding, a place to talk about problems and help each other.
An opportunity to talk openly with others in a similar situation and help brainstorm realistic, practical solutions.

“Our Time” groups give participants a much needed place to:

Recharge their batteries
Learn new skills
Talk about their challenges
Share their successes
Laugh about the same things

“Our Time” groups provide both a therapeutic and a learning environment without being “therapy” or classes. Most importantly, parents can help each other to "renew their spirit, determination, and enthusiasm for life,” helping them smooth out some of the “rough spots” in life.

Who goes to “Our Time” groups?

Parents or anyone in a parenting role. Single, married, dads, moms, parents of tots to teens and in-betweens, parents of children with disabilities, uncles and aunts, grandparents, stepparents, all kinds of “parents.”
Children participate in children’s group activities at the same time.
A meal is provided for all groups that meet at lunch or dinner time.