RELATIONSHIP BUILDING, LIFE DOING!
Mentoring birth parents through our Parent Support Program
This is a program that DHR and the courts utilize when DHR or the Judge orders visits to be supervised. We oversee the visit utilizing approved, screened, FBI fingerprinted, and background checked volunteers. We use local partnering churches to have the visits. The other service we offer through this program is transportation. In the Dothan area alone, there are over 4000 people without their own transportation. It is through these services where we can guide and build a relationship by mentoring the mothers and fathers. We used evidence-based curriculum to guide and lead these parents to a better way of life. It is here that we can start to build trust and relationship with them. Mentoring birth mothers and fathers (when they are involved) includes, but is not limited to, helping these moms and dads do everyday life. “Relationship Building, Life Doing!" We believe strong families make strong communities. Some examples are transporting and taking these parents to appointments like the WIC office, DHR, the grocery store, the pharmacy, the doctors, the library, etc. In 2023 we drove over 99,818 miles. If led we may even purchase the groceries or pay for a doctor visit or dental procedure, etc. We keep in contact with these parents to encourage them and see how their week is going. We lift them up and help them build confidence. We sit across the table from them and share a meal or coffee. We encourage them and guide them in finding a job and permanent housing if needed. We help furnish the home once they secure a safe living environment. We invite and transport them to church. If they have an area of need and we can fill it or help instruct them on how they can, we do. We come alongside them to do life together. We also continue our relationships with parents and foster children post-foster care. Once a parent has been a part of our PSP or Mentoring Program, we do not just say "see you later" once they get reunified with their children. They still need a good support system which many of them do not have. Once you are our friend, you are always our friend. For this program we do all the things listed above plus some. The awesome thing about this program is that we roll with the punches which is what doing life with someone is about. This allows us to meet the parents where they are and help where it is needed and deserved. We strive to teach and not enable so that they can have a successful life raising their children.