Because family strengthening programs are needed now more than ever, Children’s Trust continues to work with its partners across South Carolina to deliver program services to children and families during the coronavirus pandemic. While social distancing has limited much of the in-person contact usually employed by our prevention programs, our partners have skillfully adapted their work to ensure children and families receive the support and resources they need to stay strong in these trying times. Just Say Something, a Greenville-based organization committed to healthy families in the Upstate, delivers our Strengthening Families Program (SFP). Just Say Something’s Phillip Clark, the SFP program manager, and Angela Kinard, the SFP site coordinator, share their organization’s efforts to complete the spring cycle of SFP for the 11 enrolled families after the program was interrupted by COVID-19 three weeks into it. Lillian Garcia, Children’s Trust SFP coordinator in the Upstate, and Sherri Caldwell, Children’s Trust director of community initiatives for SFP, provided support for Just Say Something.
Explain how your organization overcame the obstacles.
“The dedicated team of group leaders kept the families engaged for a few weeks until the overall approach could be determined. Paper materials were dropped off so each parent and child had reference material and could continue the skills reviews. After confirming the families still held a high interest in completing the program and had the technology needed to connect, we moved forward with planning. We chose to use the Zoom platform to deliver the classes within the constraints of a shorter time period. We also used the breakout sessions to ensure parents and children could participate concurrently. After two review sessions, which we used as practice sessions, the leaders became very comfortable delivering the curriculum using the interactive tools from the platform as well as the creating other tools like online flash cards. Group leaders met often to ensure they were prepared and able to apply any lessons learned along the way. When appropriate, puppets and songs were used to communicate messages as well. A standard routine and schedule was developed which included weekly drop-offs of program material and incentives every Friday. Even the brief interaction helped ensure that the leaders were meeting the needs of the families.”
What moments stand out the most?
“Our families were so appreciative of the extra efforts. One mother commented that when we gave a rose for Mother’s Day that she really appreciated it and felt it was given with love. The parents in the program have commented about how staying in the program made their day-to-day lives better during this trying time. They said we listened to their needs from the simple (kids wanted snacks, ice cream and games) to more demanding (community resources and food sources). Our success and the success of our families is due to our entire SFP team (site coordinator, parent group leaders and child group leaders.) They are truly inspiring team.”
Phillip Clark
What have you learned that can be applied moving forward?
“This demanding time raised the bar for creativity and flexibility. The leaders have been so willing to stay connected to each other and the families we serve. We also discovered a few ‘hidden’ skills as the limitations of direct interaction were limited to screens.”
How did the children and families adapt to the new way of connecting?
“We have been extremely pleased with how the families stay connected to us and each other. They communicated via email and texted regularly. They have given each other encouragement, which, of course, encourages the leaders to work even more creatively. The families made extra efforts to ensure that they can connect to the calls twice a week. They are proud of their accomplishments and sent photos and videos showing their home practice and family skills results.”
How will this change your future way of interacting?
“We will adapt as the environment changes around us, but we know that whatever happens, we will always figure out a way to support our families. Technology requirements during this time have ensured that we will have more avenues to reach the community from this point forward. Even though we are able to see each other and share via Zoom, there is nothing like having that connection with our families. We hope to go back to ‘normal’ in the fall if possible; if not, certainly spring of 2021.”
Learn more about the Strengthening Families Program
