Education & Support Group Meetings

About Group Meetings

Group meetings provide education and support to parents, ages 12-30, who are experiencing a pregnancy or parenting a child from birth to kindergarten. Groups provide information to:

Increase knowledge and develop behaviors that help ensure the birth of a healthy baby
Increase parenting confidence and competence
Build the life skills of communication, goal setting, decision making and personal accountability

Services Offered

At each meeting there is a light meal or snack, parent-child activities, and parenting discussion groups. Parents are grouped by the age of their child:

Expecting parents
Child birth
Newborn
Infant moms
Toddler moms
Preschool moms
Dads
Hispanic
Grandparents
Alumni group for parents whose children have entered school

Transportation is provided if necessary. Groups are provided in varying amounts and format for families in Benton, Iowa, and Linn counties.

Activities and Opportunities

Quarterly activity nights offer families with a variety of parent-child activities to enhance positive relationships and encourage peer relationships. These activities offer support to create a successful family and prepare the child for school.

Earning Points for the We Care Shop

All group participants earn points for the We Care Shop to spend on items provided. The We Care Shop is a collaborative community outreach project which benefits participants of all programs of the Young Parents Network.

Items generally found in the We Care Shop are:

Infant - Preschool clothing
Toys
Books
Blankets
Personal care products

For More Information

If you would like to learn more about group meetings you may contact Judy Judd, Group Specialist at 319.364.8909 or click here to email Judy.