New Couples-Based Program Provides Proactive Approach to Relationship Education and Parenting Skills to Strengthen Families
PASADENA, CA – Foothill Family has been awarded $740,000 by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to design and implement a program using evidence-based curricula to provide educational workshops and case management services for low-income and underserved couples aged 18 and over, living in the Pomona and San Gabriel Valleys. The PArents Invested in Relationship Success (PAIRS) program fosters healthy, committed, and economically stable families with an aligned and cohesive parenting approach.
PAIRS utilizes evidence-based relationship education and parenting curricula for couples to learn communication skills, conflict resolution, stress and anger management, and parenting skills. Couples will receive relationship and parent coaching, as well as financial literacy, job, and career advancement support.
“Foothill Family is proud to offer a program that helps to strengthen relationships within families,” said Foothill Family Chief Executive Officer Steve Allen. “Through improved family stability, our hope is to increase economic stability and mobility, and support stronger families and healthier children throughout the course of a child’s development.”
The PAIRS Program stems from the lack of resources and programs geared toward couples compounded by the overwhelming need of low-income and socio-economically underserved couples, including those who are facing unemployment or underemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact.
“PAIRS was born out of a desire to focus on preventative work by proactively providing parents with relationship tools at a vital point in a family’s journey,” said Maria Muniz, Foothill Family Director of Youth and Family Services. “This program will strengthen relationships with the intention of providing children and families happier home environments and brighter futures. Hard work lies ahead but the great outcomes will impact generations to come.”
At no cost to program participants, a full scope of services is provided at Foothill Family sites in Duarte, El Monte, Pasadena, and Covina, and are available in English and Spanish. To be eligible, couples need to be parents or caregivers who are 18 or over and reside in Pomona or San Gabriel Valleys. Open Enrollment begins in April.
About Foothill Family
Serving the community for 95 years, Foothill Family was founded in 1926 and provides a range of community-based mental health and social services. Through its leadership in supporting underserved communities in Southern California, the agency has earned a reputation for providing high-quality services aimed at achieving brighter futures in which individuals and families thrive, communities are strengthened, and generations are enriched. Programs include mental health and school-based services for children, early childhood development and parent education programs, youth and family services including child abuse prevention and treatment, domestic violence prevention and treatment, elder abuse prevention and treatment, and services for pregnant and parenting teens. For more information, please call (626) 993-3000 or visit www.foothillfamily.org.