Family Strengthening

Male caregivers come together for 15 weeks in a group setting to build their parenting knowledge and skills, which help them develop strong, nurturing relationships with their children and family.

Who is eligible?
– Male caregiver with at least one child between ages 0-17
– Reside in Bexar or surrounding counties

What does it include?
– 15-session commitment in a group setting
– Case management
– Parent education and support
– Child development screenings
– School readiness and advocacy support
– Basic needs support
– Social Connections – Family Fun Night
– Incentives
– Advocacy – Court Appointments
– Access to mental health services for both male caregiver and child through family therapy at the Harvey E. Najim Hope Center
– Graduation ceremony upon completion of program

How is the class offered?
– In person at The Children’s Shelter

Step (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) is a free seven-week long multi-component parenting education curriculum. The STEP program helps parents learn effective ways to relate to their children from birth through adolescence by identifying the purposes of children’s behavior. STEP also helps parents learn how to encourage cooperative behavior in their children and how not to reinforce unacceptable behaviors.

Who is eligible?
– Parent or caregiver with at least one child between ages 0-5
– Resides in Bexar County
– Closed groups (no open enrollment after the second week)

What does it include?
– 7-week group setting commitment
– Case management
– Parent education and basic need support
– Incentives
– Certificate upon completion of program

Who is an ideal candidate?
– Teen, single parent, or foster parents
– Parents experiencing high stress (homelessness; mental health; poverty; divorce) or at-risk characteristics
– Grandparents raising grandchildren

How are the classes offered?
– Virtually – Microsoft Teams
– In person at The Children’s Shelter

Nurse-Family Partnership is free for women who are pregnant with their first baby. When you enroll you will be connected to a registered nurse who will provide the support, advice and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and be a great mom.

Who is eligible? Any woman who:
-Is pregnant with her first child
-Is pregnant 28 weeks or less
-Meets income requirements
-Lives in an areas where Nurse-Family partnership is available
(Father, family, and friends are welcomed to participate)

What is included in the program?
-Learn and practice things like breastfeeding, nutrition, child development, safe-sleep techniques and much more
-Referrals for healthcare, childcare, job training and other support services available in your community