Family Directions of Iowa - Promoting Strong and Healthy Families

HOMEFAMILY DIRECTIONS OF IOWApromoting strong and healthy families Page 1

programs

Family Directions of Iowa as Parents Anonymous® of Iowa, Inc. has a 30-year history of successfully providing Parents Anonymous® Programs. The organization's history reflects the grassroots movement that helped spread Parents Anonymous® programs throughout the country. In 1976, a committed community volunteer, Louise Augustine, partnered with her good friend and community advocate, Audrey Bibbins, to initiate the first Parents Anonymous® program located central Iowa. Strong support within the community helped to sustain the program through volunteers and the efforts of those who recognized the need for communities to stand along with parents and families and help them in their efforts to reach their goals. Community involvement and participation quickly grew and the program gained strength in its concept of parent participation and leadership.As an exemplary example of volunteer-managed and supported community-based child abuse prevention programs, Parents Anonymous® of Iowa operated for almost 15 years as an all-volunteer working board and continued to provide Parents Anonymous® Programs. In 1990, Parents Anonymous® of Iowa, Inc. formed its first initial non-profit corportation. The corporation continued to grow, but was still directed and organized through volunteer efforts. Many of those volunteers held professional positions in the community then, as they do today.In 1996, Parent Anonymous® of Iowa became a program of Children and Families of Iowa. Based on increased referrals and the knowledge that more and more families needed Parents Anonymous® services, this decision allowed for greater organizational support for the Parents Anonymous® Program at that time.In 2002, Parents Anonymous® of Iowa, under the directions and recommendation of their Advisory Board, reincorporated as Parents Anonymous® of Iowa, Inc. and regained its organizational non-profit status and appointed a new Board of Directors.In 2004, Parents Anonymous® of Iowa implemented "The Parenting Way©", a succession of parenting classes offered to meet the needs of parents and community in building strong parental competencies and strengthening family relationships.In 2006, the Board of Directors of Parents Anonymous® of Iowa voted to create a new umbrella organization, Family Directions of Iowa, Inc. that would provide Parents Anonymous® Programs and The Parenting Way parent education classes. The new agency would also be in a position to add additional program services under the umbrella of Family Directions of Iowa.In 2006, In Home Parent Education Services were added for families with children ages 0 to 5.In 2007, Family Directions of Iowa, Inc. will be adding a Parent Leader Training Component, which will be offered to other organizations interested in learning parent leadership concepts and techniques.
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PARENTS ANONYMOUS®COMMUNITY PARENT GROUPSParents Anonymous® Community Parent Groups are weekly meetings, open to any interested parent, based on the model developed by the national Parents Anonymous® organization more than thirty years ago. They offer a supportive, non-threatening environment where parents discuss communication, discipline, child development, parental roles, methods for successfully dealing with the everyday stresses of parenting, and other issues that impact parenting behavior. To reinforce their new attitudes, parents practice new behaviors at home and discuss the results at the group each week. Studies have shown that this model of adult learning produces the most positive change. Parents develop personal competencies, increase their ability to deal with stress, and significantly expand their knowledge of child development.CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMSParents Anonymous® Children and Youth Programs serve the children of parents who are attending Parent Groups. While their parents participate in the Parents Anonymous® group, children participate in a structured program at the same time and location. Children engage in a variety of activities that stimulate their social and emotional development. Programs are supervised by qualified Children and Youth Program Workers trained in the proven effective model based on Parent Anonymous® Principles and Standards of Practice. The program creates an environment where children can achieve goals such as expressing appropriate emotions, building stronger interpersonal skills, developing coping and problem solving skills, and gaining respite from daily stresses and developing resiliency to face these stresses. Children and youth make significant long-term positive change through their participation in the program.Groups are offered in the following Iowa communities:Des MoinesIndianolaWintersetDubuqueDiversified Programs for:Latino FamiliesTeen ParentsGrandparents & CaregiversFathers and Mothers in ReentryOnsite Programs for:Mothers in PrisonMothers in Prison & their ChildrenMothers in Violators ProgramsTo join a group... Please call 515.255.9490 or email info_familydirectionsiowa.org

group schedules

DES MOINES GROUPSFort Des Moines Open Bible Church1116 Army Post RoadDes Moines, IAParent | Children Program & Lunch12:30 - 2:00 pm - Mondays------------------------------------------Grace United Methodist Church3700 Cottage GroveDes Moines, IAParent | Children Program & Snacks6:00 - 7:30 pm - Mondays-------------------------------------------Epworth United Methodist Church412 Euclid AvenueDes Moines, IAParent | Children Program & Supper5:30 - 7:00 pm - Tuesdays-------------------------------------------Family Directions of Iowa1211 Vine Street, Suite 1140West Des Moines, IAParents | Teens Program & Snacks5:30 - 6:30 pm - WednesdaysBOONE GROUPSOpen Bible Church1224 Hancock Dr.Boone, IA1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month6:30 - 8:00pmDUBUQUE GROUPSSummit United Church of Christ2885 John F Kennedy RoadDubuque, IAParents | Childrens Program4:30 - 6:00 pm - WednesdaysWINTERSET GROUPS110 W. Washington St., Room 210(Old Middle School)Winterset, IAParents | Childrens Program5:30 - 6:30 pm - Mondays
Page 3 PARENT LEADERSHIP AND SHARED LEADERSHIP IN ACTIONFamily Directions of Iowa programs are based on the principles of parent leadership and shared leadership. Programs utilize strengths, insight and direction from parents in the areas of program development and content, assessment and outcomes, advocacy, and training.Parent Leaders are parents who have addressed the challenges of parenting, gained the knowledge and skills to work in meaningful leadership roles and represent a "parent voice" to help shape the direction of their families, programs and communities.Online Parent Leadership ResourcesAnnie. E. Casey FoundationChild Welfare League of AmericaCircle of ParentsConnecticut Commission on ChildrenCouncil for Civic Parent LeadershipFRIENDS National Resource CenterInstitute for Family-Centered CareParents AnonymousParent Leadership DatabaseInstitute for Responsive EducationParent Leadership Training Institute(Parent Engagement & Advocacy)Philadelphia Health Management CorporationParental Involvement Tool Kit

Read a Parent Leader's story!

I first came to Parents Anonymous group to get help with parenting. I was 17 when I had my first child and almost 19 when I had my second. When I was a child my mom was very abusive to me. We did not have any help before we went to school. As an adult, I am seeing the difficulties I have in communicating, reading and writing because I did not have support at home. I didn't want to do the same with my children.I have been coming to community programs for about 20-22 years. I have attended all 10 sessions of The Parenting Way. They have helped me with all types of parenting questions. My children, ages 23 to 3, are all successful, doing well in school and preschool.I've learned how to seek out support for me and my family. How much stress you have has a lot to do with the way you treat your children if you don't know what else to do. There ARE good ways to teach your children and kids need to be loved a lot and need to be listened to. Parents need to be there for their children.I feel that with the support and education from others who believe in me. I learned how to parent without hurting my children and how to get help for my children in school. I've learned new ways of discipline like timeout, 123 Magic and how to sit down on their level to talk to them and that I need to let them talk, and really listen.I feel good to be able to help other parents the way I was helped. To be able to give back what I was given. I feel good when I see people who I helped. They come back and say thank you.I think my children have learned that they have someone they can talk to if they need to. They have learned that it is the support that can help mom and dad and the kids do better. The children's staff have helped with teaching colors, 123's, abc's and with a lot of things they need to be ready for school. My children have gotten so much love from all the staff. They do better knowing they are there for them. My husband and I do too.- Kristy T.
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Page 4 THE PARENTING WAY© The Parenting Way© is a structured ten-week parenting skills course developed and trademarked by Family Directions of Iowa. The Parenting Way© curriculum addresses the importance of early childhood initiatives and seeks to change parents' knowledge of child development, attitudes toward parenting, and their view of themselves as the most important first step toward enhancing the parent-child relationship. Classes are held at the Family Directions office in West Des Moines and is free of charge.Session I: To Discipline Without HarmClass 1: Agency Programs - Parents Anonymous®, The Parenting Way©, Parents as TeachersClass 2: Discipline Without HarmClass 3: Behavior Management ToolboxClass 4: Assertive & Effective DisciplineThe first session of The Parenting Way© helps parents identify resources, needs, and support, both within the extended family within the community. We challenge parents to think first about their choices, and practice disciplinethat is helpful, not harmful. The difference between punishment and discipline is discussed. Parents learn to be more creative and choose discipline that helpschildren become more responsible for their choices and actions. Parents alsolearn how to establish authority, consistency, and teamwork in the home by being firm but calm when addressing discipline issues.Session II: To Communicate & Problem SolveClass 1: Basic Communication TipsClass 2: Basic Problem Solving TipsIn the second session of The Parenting Way©, Parents are encouraged, andgiven tools, to take the "high road" and maintain respectful communication withtheir children even when the children are disrespectful. Basic problem solvingsteps will be provided to parents with a take -home guideline to follow. We also introduce and encourage family meetings.Session III: To Nuture Ourselves & Our ChildrenClass 1: Identifying Your StressorsClass 2: Identifying Your StrengthsClass 3: Unconditional Love & BondingThe focus of the third session of The Parenting Way© is on accepting ourselvesand our children unconditionally. Ideas for role modeling and teaching empathytowards others will be discussed. Parents will reflect on and lists the strengthsof both the family and themselves. Parents will review what makes them stressed, and be given options for preventing stress as well as responding to early emotional distress signals from family members. This class looks at how preventionplays a role in keeping stress levels low. Parents will be encouraged to model and teach stress management to their children.Session IV: To Ask for Help & Seek SupportClass 1: Children's Support Systems & Family ResourcesThe final session of The Parenting Way© will focus completely on fun that's free,fun that's local, fun that's planned, spontaneous fun and where to look for fun family activities. Parents will identify support systems and other mentors that are available to their children and ways to expand and encourage these as the children grow.
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class schedule click here

Page 5 IN-HOME PARENT EDUCATION SERVICESBoone County Parent Education Project - Parents As TeachersThe Parent Education Project (PEP) is a FREE home visiting program for pregnant women and parents with children ages birth through five who live in Boone County. Parent educators and parents work together to help children learn through play and interaction. Parents have opportunities to learn more about their children's growth and development. PEP offers the following for your family.- Educational parent/child activities- Certified parent educators- Monthly parent/child meetings- Parents As Teachers & Born Learning curriculum- Personal home visitingParents are supported by certified parent educators who use research-based information about early brain development to help parents increase knowledge of early childhood development, improve parenting practices, detect developmental or health issues and increase their child's school readiness.For More Information Contact:Janelle Grabill, M.A., Certified Parent EducatorPhone: 515.433.4897janelle_familydirectionsiowa.orgorRaeAnn Clark, B.A., Certified Parent EducatorPhone: 515.433.4896raeann_familydirectionsiowa.orgFamily Services Center900 West Third StreetBoone, Iowa 50036Madison County Parent Education Project - Parents As TeachersThe Parent Education Project (PEP) is a FREE home visiting program for pregnant women and parents with children ages birth through five who live in Madison County. Parent educators and parents work together to help children learn through play and interaction. Parents have opportunities to learn more about their children's growth and development.Madison County Parents as Teachers offers the following for your family:Edcational parent/child activitiesCertified parent educatorsMonthly parent/child meetingsParents As Teachers & Born Learning curriculumPersonal home visitingParents are supported by certified parent educators who use research-based information about early brain development to help parents:Increase knowledge of early childhood development, Improve parenting practices,Detect developmental or health issuesIncrease their child's school readinessFor more information please contact:Sarah Anker, B.S., Certified Parent EducatorPhone: 515.462.5182sarah_familydirectionsiowa.org110 W. Washington StreetWinterset, Iowa 50273
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YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICESBEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTERVENTION SERVICESBehavioral Health Intervention Services assist children and youth up to age 21 learn more effective ways to manage their behavior. The services are designed to meet the needs of children and adolescents with mental health needs such as ADHD, Adjustment Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Depression, and other diagnoses. Services may also include family assistance and will provide education and support to families to help them cope with the youth's mental health symptoms and behaviors.Providers of Behavioral Health Intervention Services provides skill instruction that may include:Conflict ResolutionProblem SolvingInterpersonal SkillsSocial SkillsCommunication Skills|Poor ListeningServices may also include crisis intervention. These services are designed to de-escalate volatile situations at times when the youth is struggling to manage their mental health needs.Sessions occur primarily in the home, either individually with the youth, or as a family working on ways to support the youth with mental health needs.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?To be eligible for services the child or adolescent must be eligible for Title 19 benefits. The eligible youth will be assessed by a licensed clinician to determine if Behavioral Health Intervention Services would be beneficial to the family. The assessment is at NO COST to the family and is paid by Medicaid. Services are provided at NO COST to the family as well.Family Directions of Iowa, Inc. is approved to provide Behavioral Health Intervention Services to children and adolescents who meet this criteria.If you have any questions regarding these services or feel that services in the home could benefit your family please contact:Jenny MoatsBehavioral Health Intervention Services - Program SupervisorFamily Directions of Iowa1211 Vine Street, Suite 1140West Des Moines, IA 50265Phone: 515.255.9490jenny_familydirectionsiowa.org
Page 8 The Parenting Way Class Schedules Session I: To Discipline Without HarmClass 1: Agency Programs Class 2: Discipline Without HarmClass 3: Assertive & Effective DisciplineClass 4: Behavior Management ToolboxSession II: To Communicate & Problem SolveClass 1: Basic Communication TipsClass 2: Basic Problem Solving TipsSession III: To Nurture Ourselves & Our ChildrenClass 1: Identifying Your StressorsClass 2: Identifying Your StrengthsClass 3: Unconditional Love & BondingSession IV: To Ask for Help & Seek SupportClass 1: Children's Support Systems & Family Resources

2011 Parenting Way© Schedule is in purple

Des Moines

Tuesdays, 6-8pm, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13

Thursdays, 12:30-2:30pm, 1/5/12, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26

Boone Tuesdays, TBD

Winterset

Thursdays, TBD

Espanol

Monday, TBD

Des Moines

Tuesdays, 6-8pm, 12/20, 1/3/12

Thursdays, 12:30-2:30pm, 2/2, 2/9

Boone Tuesdays, TBD

Winterset

Thursdays, TBD

Espanol

Monday, TBD

Des Moines

Tuesdays, 6-8pm, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24

Thursdays, 12:30-2:30pm, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1

Boone Tuesdays, TBD

Winterset

Thursdays, TBD

Espanol

Monday, TBD

Des Moines

Tuesdays, 6-8pm, 1/31

Thursdays, 12:30-2:30pm, 3/8

Boone

Tuesdays, TBD

Winterset

Thursdays, TBD

Espanol

Monday, TBD

To Register...

Please contact our office at 515.255.9490.

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STORK'S NEST | FAMILY NESTThe Stork's Nest and Family Nest offer the opportunity to earn needed children's items, prenatal and parenting education. It is an educationally-based incentive program with the goal of improving the overall health and well-being of families in Boone County.Trained Stork's Nest/Family Nest Point Managers can register woman to begin earning points for healthy behaviors and trade these points for needed baby items.Healthy behaviors/activities include and are not limited to:Prenatal doctor's visitsEducational classes and support groupsWell Child Check UpsWIC enrollment and educationSchool Attendance Smoking CessationBreastfeedingPostpartum CheckupsStork's Nest and Family Nest participants can use their points for needed baby items such as:Infant and Toddler ClothingCar SeatsDiapersBreast PumpsBaby Hygiene ProductsCar SeatsCribsPlaypensChildren's BooksWhere: Evangelical Free Church 1407 Kate Shelly Drive Boone, IA 50036When: 1st Tuesday of each month Class: 5:30p to 6:30p Store: 6:30p to 7:30p3rd Tuesday of each month Store: 11:30a to 12:30pIf you would like to make a donation or would like more information about our program,please contact:Boone County C.A.R.E.S.900 West 3rd St.Boone, IA 50036515-432-3148
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Accredited by ParentsAnonymous Inc.Parent Youth & Children Family ServicesParticipating Agency
contact usDonateFacebookTwitter2007 Family Directions of Iowa | 1211 Vine Street, Suite 1140 | West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 | Phone.515.255.9490 | Toll-Free 1.877.9.4HELP4 | Fax. 515.279.5163 | En Espanol Llamar.515.223.5614HOME | ABOUT US | PROGRAMS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS | RESOURCES | WHAT CAN I DO? Accredited by Parents Anonymous Inc.Accredited by Parents Anonymous Inc.Parent Youth & Children Family ServicesParticipating Agency