“We really know when parents are supported, it directly impacts a child’s emotional and mental well-being.”
Ashley Melton is the founder and executive director of Parenting Pathways, an organization offering emotional support to West Michigan parents. She says resources for parents are often difficult to access or one-time opportunities.
“So, we’re trying to create something that’s ongoing and intentional where parents can actually build skills and break through the cycles that are happening within families to not feel alone in that process.”
The 6-week program meets once a week for 90 minutes and includes guided discussions, interactive workshops and opportunities for parents to connect in a supportive, judgement-free environment.
“Where they’re like, ‘Wow, I didn’t think that I was behaving this way or that I could come across like this to my child,’ and they really pour out on how they love the structure that we have because they want those tools to take home to break those cycles that may be happening in their families.”
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