Summer has finally wound down and things are ramping up for the fall! Parenting Now! doesn't really take much of a summer break - many of our programs keep perking along. But this September and October, in addition to our ongoing programs, we've got a lot going on that makes this autumn fresh and exciting. New staff (welcome!), a new program,
The Language of Newborns, and a
Joy of Grandparenting workshop. We are working on a curriculum update and meaningful new offerings like a panel presentation on how families from targeted communities can talk with their children about current events. We are also continuing our collaborative efforts with other Lane County agencies and organizations working for families, as you can read in the article here. As always,
I look forward to connecting and re-connecting with you.
Warmly,
Lynne Swartz
Executive Director
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Enjoy and support Parenting Now! at these events.
- October 1-14, Raffle for PN! at Capella Market. Enter to win a Vitamix Blender, all proceeds go to PN!
- November 6, Parenting Against the Odds: Panel Presentation with parents from communities of color, LGBTQ, Muslim and Jewish communities.
- November 10, Pizza Day for Parenting Now! Papa's Pizza, Coburg Rd.
- January 9, Benefit night at Mazzi's Italian Restaurant
- March 17, PN! Annual Gala and Auction
Parenting Now! events are added regularly. Check out our calendar or Facebook page (and "like" our page) to keep up to date with new and exciting opportunities and offerings.
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Program Highlight:
Parenting Now!'s Joy of Grandparenting October Workshops
by Minalee Saks, Founding Director Emerita of Parenting Now!
Although it's hard to believe in the midst of changing diapers, our babies grow up and become adults. And if they have babies, we enter a new, exciting and sometimes surprising world of grandparenting. I am now part of this world as "Nanalee" to three grandchildren between the ages of 2 and 10.
It's also hard to believe that 38+ years ago, I helped start Birth to Three, now Parenting Now!, when I was new in town, a first-time mom and feeling isolated with so many parenting questions and no one to turn to. In the spirit of those early beginnings, and as grandparents, former staff
member and psychologist Kris Hallenburg and I have developed a series of workshops called The Joy of Grandparenting. The next Joy of Grandparenting workshop is
Creating Your Grandparenting Legacy
, to be held October 22, 2016.
Read More
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 News and Updates
New Staff:
Please help us in welcoming Parenting Now!'s newest staff members.
- Mindy Bell, Development and Stewardship Officer
- Rita Gillihan, Volunteer Coordinator
- Nita Halstead, First Three Years Parenting Educator
- Ingrid Koch, Development Assistant
Foundation Update:
So many foundations and organizations support us. Thanks so much for recent support from:
Lane Kids for Make Parenting A Pleasure series in Florence
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Meet Our Board and Staff: Sarah Lame, Parenting Educator
 Last newsletter we started a "tradition" of introducing you to our Board and Staff. This newsletter, we asked Sarah Lame, one of our Parenting Educators, to tell us a little about herself.
When did you join Parenting Now!?
I joined Parenting Now! in April of 2014. I can't remember a time when my work didn't bring me in touch with families and young children. From teaching Sunday School and baby-sitting to teaching Kindergarten and working with moms and babies through La Leche League. I have always loved being with babies and working closely with people. Before working here, I was home with my two young daughters. When I read the Parenting Educator job description, I thought "That's me! I would love that job!" And I was right!
What's your favorite thing about working at Parenting Now!?
I don't think it is possible to pick one favorite thing about working here. I literally LOVE my job
Read More
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Telling Our Stories: Parenting Now! Approaches 40
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Families & Parenting Educators talk about Parenting Now!
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Did you know that October is Parenting Now!'s 38th anniversary? Whether you were a Birth to Three family or a Parenting Now! family, together, we have all helped write the story of the power of parenting communities. Our programs have touched early 100,000 parents and children. Families have not only gathered together after their groups finished meeting, but some have even moved onto the same street together and some are still having weekly lunch together over 30 years later. It is such an honor to be a part of your story.
We know you will want to be a part of writing our next 40 years. As we gear up to celebrate our 40th anniversary in October of 2018, we want to bring you back through these doors to help us find ways to celebrate our story. We want to talk about ways we can be relevant in the next phases of your parenting journey. We will be arranging gatherings of groups of alumni from all of our 38 years to meet for lunch, here at our offices, to talk about your parenting experiences. There will be an alumni committee and a grandparents committee.
We invite all of you to join us! Gatherings will take place over the next couple of months. We will be reaching out to many of you to be a part of the conversations. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Stephanie Edwards, Director of External Relations. We'd love to hear from you.
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Photo Gallery
We had such a great time at recent Parenting Now! events that we just had to share at least a few photos!
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Celebrating Grandparents at Emerald Park on September 10th.
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Lynne Swartz, Executive Director, and Mindy Bell, Development Officer interviewed on KVAL |
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 Here I am again, talking about how great our programs are - hands down, the easiest part of my job. Today, I'm writing to let you know about part of our organization you may not know too much about -our wonderful collaborations.
Parenting Now: Community-Centered and Community-Based
Parenting Now! collaborates and partners in many local initiatives - LaneKids, the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative, the Home Visiting Innovation Team, 90by30 and more. We all work together to create a lasting support network for families and children in Lane County and beyond.
A most recent example is Parenting Now!'s collaboration with LaneKids, Lane County Public Health, Oregon Research Institute and Trillium on the Triple P project. Triple P is an
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Thank You for Your Support!
Whether you refer parents to us, have joined our
Sustainer Fund
, shop for us on Amazon Smile, have designated us as an eScrip beneficiary
, or are one of our steadfast donors, we thank you for your belief in us and our vision to create a world where all children are raised by nurturing, supportive parents.
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