Parent Advisory Council

Parents are our children’s most influential advocates for their families and the broader community. They are essential to every aspect of our work.

When we listen and understand parents’ perspectives, we gain critical insights into the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the communities we serve. They help us tailor programs and services to meet their unique needs, ensuring our programs are meaningful and impactful.

Parents build a lasting sense of community with other parents so that we can work collaboratively and address our communities' most pressing challenges.

Mixed_race_mother_reading_to_her_daughter_on_the_sofa

Children’s Trust supports and convenes a panel of 12 parents who offer their experiences as parents and caregivers to guide on strengthening families through building healthy communities. Their ultimate vision is a South Carolina where everyone thrives.

The council includes mothers, fathers, grandparents and kin-caregivers from communities across the state.

This work is modeled after the national initiatives of the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance and was developed in consultation with an implementation parent advisory committee.

Their values include:

Partnership. Partner with parents, meeting them where they are and where they can meet, with organizations that put parents at the forefront and with each other coming alongside other parents.
Advocacy. Advocate for policies for yourself, your family and your community.
Commitment. Share knowledge, support, serve and strengthen families through continuous involvement, accountability and positive contributions to the well-being of all South Carolina families on behalf of our children, our families, and our communities.

Alice Matthews

Camille McCrorey

Read Camille's Bio

Emily Parrish

Read Emily's Bio

Ciera Young

Read Ciera's Bio

Parent involvement helps and it strengthens the vital partners helping all children thrive. The work is by parents, for parents and about parents. Children's Trust works to engage a diverse set of parents to ensure their voices are heard within community systems through shared visioning, training, goal setting and action.