At the end of Parent Project classes, Casey Rowland asks participants to provide feedback about her presentations and their experiences.
As family-engagement advocate at Juvenile Services, Rowland shared some of these recent comments to encourage parents to consider signing up for the next series of classes that begin Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Parents’ comments included:
• I have learned not to yell and scream because it doesn’t work. I am learning to pick my battles.
• I was not excited about attending but am very thankful for this class and Casey.
• Casey is absolutely amazing. We hated seeing the class end.
• Less frustration. Less arguing. Making positive steps toward a happy household. Enjoying spending time together.
“We hope parents looking for new avenues to a calmer home atmosphere will consider taking Parent Project classes,” Rowland said. “These sessions are not about being bad parents. They are about learning new techniques and realizing we are not alone in our battles.
“If you attend with an open mind, you may discover new ways to handle conflict. There is no judgment here.”
Upcoming classes
The next classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 3 at the Juvenile Services office, 1800 12th, Great Bend. There is no cost; dinner and class materials are provided. Call 620-793-1930 for more information.
Parents are encouraged to attend all sessions because the curriculum is structured so that each class builds on the one before. Zoom options are available for out-of-county residents.
“We have parents dealing with out-of-control teenagers, while others report issues such as talking back and not obeying the rules,” Rowland said. “Our classes are designed for these situations and everything in between. Everyone is welcome – even parents of adult children.”
Rowland works with parents individually, if they choose. These interactions can be prior to the classes beginning, during the 10-week course and/or after the sessions wrap up.
“Even though the classes may be over, I am not going anywhere. I am always here for parents,” Rowland emphasized.
Parent Project is only one piece of Rowland’s family-engagement services. Others include helping families navigate the juvenile-justice system, including court appearances, and providing other resources.
“We just hope you learn some things that help in day-to-day life,” she summarized. “It is good to remember that everyone makes mistakes. When that happens, we re-group.”
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
