Parent Resource Center
Where:
800 Lafayette Ave., Middletown
Hours: Open for donations each Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; parents can use the pantry once a month; moms' group meeting from 6-8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month.
Items needed: Diapers, formula, baby food, new or gently used clothing, blankets, books, strollers, car seats, etc.
More information: Contact Verlena Stewart (513) 435-3810
MIDDLETOWN — Two-year-old twins Aniah and Olivia Everhart played as their mom, Brandi Everhart, sorted and folded piles of children’s clothing at the Robert “Sonny” Hill Community Center.
In just a few weeks, Everhart and other volunteers hope the room will be bustling with activity when it opens as the Parent Resource Center.
“I’m looking forward to getting together with other moms to open up, compare notes, vent and learn about the important things like finances,” Everhart said. “I’m also looking forward to helping other people.”
The Parent Resource Center, a Place Matters initiative, is supported by Miami University Middletown, Middletown Community Foundation, United Way of Middletown and the city of Middletown.
The goal of the PRC, according to Douglas Park liaison Verlena Stewart, to is provide young mothers of children ages 0-5 with a meeting place and resources focusing on self-sufficiency, parenting skills, and other opportunities.
Parents can visit the center’s pantry once a month for free items such as clothing, baby bibs, diapers, wipes, food, books and more.
In addition to the pantry, the PRC will host monthly “moms’ group meetings” where guest speakers will provide information on various topics ranging from parenting and job opportunities to education and finding family-friendly activities around the community.
At 6 p.m., Thursday, June 17, Miami University Dean Kelly Cowan will be the guest speaker for the PRC’s inaugural monthly group session.
“Many of these young parents are doing the best they can with what they have,” Stewart said. “They just haven’t had the educational opportunities to know how to prepare their children for kindergarten. We feel that if we help the parents with basic needs and provide information, it will ultimately help the children.”
A light meal and child care will be provided at no charge. Early Childhood Development Specialists from the Educational Service Center’s Early Head Start and Help Me Grow programs will be on hand to assist with care and observe children for developmental milestones.
“We encourage parents to bring their children,” Stewart said. “ We provide child care during our events so they know their children are taken care of and they can be involved in discussions and learning.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mrossiter@coxohio.com.
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