Grantees: Parent Ed/Support

Babywearing enables caregivers to bond with their newborns, manage stress, and care for their baby and themselves. Families worldwide have carried their babies for centuries. But for many families today, babywearing can be expensive - and overwhelming. Carrier options are confusing and complicated; a good quality carrier may cost over a hundred dollars. Many new parents give up after one failed attempt because they lack sustained support and the ability to try different carriers until they find a good fit for their needs. This program breaks down barriers to babywearing via
individualized fitting assistance, practical information on how to carry your baby, and access to a variety of carrier types in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

For the last six months, King Street Center has been engaged in a strategic planning process with a heavy focus on equity to better approach our work in an anti-racist and anti-bias way. We have met with and listened to our families, alumni, staff, board, volunteers, and partnering organizations to learn about experiences, where opportunities to grow exist, what needs aren’t being met, and what KSC means to this community. Among many ideas, one of the most pressing needs we have heard is that parents needs more support, assistance, and connection. To that end we plan to hire a Family Support Specialist to coordinate services, support, and training to assist families in meeting the needs of their children and prevent crisis situations.

Outright is building a VT where all LGBTQ+ youth have hope, equity, and power. A crucial step is ensuring that they have supportive adults in their lives - starting at home. According to The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, “LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year.” The goal for our family programs (TransParent, Panorama, Gender Creative Kids) is to equip parents and caregivers to be that accepting and supportive adult. This year, we will add a new member to our Family Programs team, allowing us to increase participation, expand offerings, reach new regions, and apply new innovative approaches to our work alongside families.

Sunrise is Bennington County’s Parent Child Center, and our mission is “Strengthening Families”. Sunrise works in partnership with individuals, families, and community members to provide a variety of supports and services. These services promote the growth and development of individuals and families through encouragement of strengths, expansion of opportunities, and support in times of stress. With this opportunity, we will host a pilot Brain Lab Playgroup, for our Early Care & Education and Learning Together Program participants. Brain Lab focuses on building the parent-child bond and promoting brain development in young children through positive serve and return interactions, using research-based strategies.