With community needs rising as a result of the pandemic, Inspira IMPACT’s Family Success Centers are a valuable community resource providing support for families in need. They offer an array of free services ranging from legal and housing assistance to parenting and financial courses to obtaining household items and food. We talked to Brenda Smaniotto, Administrative Director of Inspira’s IMPACT Program, to learn more about the Family Success Centers and how they have been able to service the community during the pandemic.
The goal of the Parent Linking Program is to guide, educate and support young mothers and fathers as they navigate the challenges of parenthood.
Our Approach to Supporting Young Families
The Parent Linking Program is a New Jersey Department of Children and Families initiative. It is a collaboration between Inspira Health and the Vineland Board of Education with support from Prevent Child Abuse. This free program includes full-day childcare, transportation, parenting classes, case management and referrals to other community agencies.
The Parent Linking Program’s educational curriculum is based on the Partnering with Teen Parents (PWTP) and Safe Dates methods.
Group sessions with PWTP provide:
- Life skill development including employment, finances, self-sufficiency and stress management
- Parenting skill development to improve health, parent child-interactions, developmental milestones and child abuse prevention
- Educational support including college exploration, links to tutoring and educational guidance
- Health education including prenatal classes, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and drug awareness and family planning
Group sessions with Safe Dates provide:
- Positive peer relationship development
- Relationship risk identification
- Refusal and negotiation skill guidance
- Problem-solving strategies
- Respect, conflict resolution skills and active listening techniques
- Communication and empathy
Program Options
Full Day Program
Students attend IMPACT for 1-2 periods a day, and Vineland High School for the remainder of the day. Students in this program earn 5-10 high school credits for participation.
Expansion Program
Students attend Vineland High School full time and participate in once weekly parenting classes with their PLP case manager.
