Families wanted for parenting skills program

Parents that want to learn to communicate better with their kids can receive some free assistance in Marquette. Child & Family Services of the Upper Peninsula is providing a free program called Strengthening Families.

It’s held every Monday night for 14 straight weeks at Faith In Christ Fellowship Church in Sands Township. The meetings are aimed at families with at least one child between the ages of 6 and 11 “to kind of strengthen their base of knowledge in substance abuse issues,” program coordinator Danielle Slattery said. “More or less, peer pressure (is what we) focus on, since the kids are so young.”

The program tries to be as convenient as possible. Each meeting starts with a free meal. Free child care is available for kids younger than 6, and transportation assistance may be available as well.

“And then for parents, (the program works on) increasing those basic skills that you have with communication, as well as just learning how to work more as a cohesive unit,” Slattery said.

To start a new round of the free program, Child & Family Services needs to hear from one more interested family. Anyone interested can call them for more information at (906) 228-4050.