Teena
Teena participates in the Parents Anonymous® group at the YWCA’s Transitional Opportunities Project, a residential program for women leaving prison.

“Plain and simple, Parents Anonymous® has saved me not only as a parent, but it has helped the person inside me. The group is always non-judgmental. It’s all about building our self-esteem—as individuals first, as parents second. I always invite others to join and am happy when they come. If they can get half of what I’ve received from Parents Anonymous®, then they are lucky.”

More about Morrison’s Parents Anonymous® program

Lashawn
Lashawn participates in the Parents Anonymous® group at the YWCA’s Transitional Opportunities Project, a residential program for women leaving prison.

“I am a 26-year-old single parent of two children. I get many rewards from being involved with Parents Anonymous®, including the support I receive from my peers and group facilitator. This helps me to not feel so alone. I receive plenty of positive feedback on how to transition smoothly back into my children’s lives after a long absence as well as different ideas on how to cope with their anger towards me for not being there. I learn from the experiences of my peers and get a great deal of satisfaction knowing I have helped someone by sharing my experiences and struggles and giving them suggestions or just a shoulder to lean on. Parents Anonymous® has given me a higher self-esteem and great hope for being a successful parent.”

More about Morrison’s Parents Anonymous® program

Phaedra
Sixteen-year-old Phaedra participates in a Parents Anonymous® Children’s Group.

“Parents Anonymous® is a lifesaver. When I was about eight, my family started going to Parents Anonymous® groups because my mom was having problems with my older brother. The first time we went was great. We learned how to express how we felt. At the end of the first meeting, I came out happy, more enlightened, and I also made some friends. My mom also came out of her meeting happier than before. Plus she learned ways to better deal with my siblings.

Parents Anonymous® was one of the best things we could have done. My family now discusses our issues. I do not want to think of my life without Parents Anonymous®. I like it so much that I now help with the Children’s Program. The feeling of satisfaction I get from helping these kids is great. Plus, I know that their parents care enough for them to admit they need help and then come to get advice on their problems. When I have kids, if I ever have problems, I will go. I hope any parent with problems will go to Parents Anonymous®.

Volunteer as a Children’s Group Leader with Parents Anonymous®
Other Success Stories

*Names and certain events have been changed to maintain confidentiality and to protect the children and families we serve