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YourHub.com \\ Port St Lucie \\ Stories \\ Non-profit Organizations \\ Support groups

ELC Teaches Fathers & Male Role Models to Nurture

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Contributed by: Nancy Archer on 2/5/2008

ST. LUCIE COUNTY - As children and families grow, fathers and male role models must also change and grow. The Nurturing Father's Program helps men do just that.

This free program is presented by the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County. Funding is provided by the Children's Services Council of St. Lucie County. The program is designed to help fathers and role models get closer to their families; communicate positively; balance work and family better; manage stress; and discipline without fear or violence.

"The Nurturing Father program does not teach men how to parent. Instead, it helps them learn the skills they need to be a better parent and cope differently with family challenges," said Kathy Bauer, Father and Child Connection Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition. She co-facilitates the program with Gene Naimo. Mr. Naimo has facilitated several fathering programs in the area.

"Gene and I don't do all of the talking," Ms. Bauer said. "The format is a group discussion that flows from the fathers."

The Nurturing Father Program is a free 13-week series held on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm in the Multi-purpose room at the Early Learning Coalition, 804 S. 6th St., Ft. Pierce. It runs through April 22. Men can join at any time.

Each session has specific objectives ranging from how a father's parenting style impacts his children to understanding nurturing and non-nurturing fathering practices and the impact each has on the family.

The sessions lead up to a graduation in Week 13 that is a family celebration. Participants are encouraged to invite their children and co-parents. Each father prepares a statement of commitment called "The father I choose to be," and reads it to his family. Fathers also receive a certificate of graduation.

"A nurturing father is a man who actively provides the good things his children need in their lives and in themselves. These things help their children become their best," according to Mark Perlman, M.A., program creator.

Fathers interested in attending or those who would like more information may call Kathy Bauer at 772-595-6424 x 123 or email her at bauerk01@elcslc.org.

The Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County is a non-profit organization which offers the School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs. These programs provide high-quality early childhood education in order to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. For information about the Coalition's programs, please call 772-595-6424 or visit www.elcslc.org.

Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County, Agency for Workforce Innovation, Office of Early Learning.

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