Children’s Trust awarded a $75,000 grant to Darlington County First Steps to implement the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) for the current year during a Feb. 12 board meeting of the Darlington County School District.
The program’s first 14-week cycle will be delivered this spring at West Hartsville Elementary School. Another cycle will take place in the fall.
SFP is an evidence-based program that works closely with families with children ages 6 to 11 to develop positive discipline practices, stay resilient in tough times, reduce conflict, improve parenting skills, and assist children with social skills, relationships, and school performance. All of these factors play an important role in keeping families strong while protecting against potential child abuse or neglect.
“With the capability to deliver evidence-based programs and community-based prevention services, Darlington County First Steps is a proven partner that operates with fidelity, transparency and integrity,” Children’s Trust CEO Sue Williams said. “We are proud to support them in this important work within their community.”
Tracy Redfearn, the executive director of the Child and Family Resource Center, will serve as the local site coordinator for the program.
“We are so excited just hearing the feedback from the families. It’s igniting more excitement inside of me to know that we’re going to be able to partner with West Hartsville Elementary and Darlington County First Steps to help bring the coping skills needed to be stronger families,” Redfearn said. “Just bringing something tangible to their hearts to help families be stronger and closer means a lot. We get to be a part of seeing families be successful.”
Julie Mahn, the West Hartsville Elementary School principal, appreciates being the host site for the program.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for our school, Now we’re going to have a platform to give families what they truly need to help their children so we’re excited,” Mahn said. “At the end our 14 sessions for Strengthening Families (Program), I’m looking forward to our families being stronger with better parents and stronger children academically.”
Children’s Trust is supporting the Strengthening Families Program in 24 counties across the state. Our organization provides training, collects data and monitors the program to ensure it reaches maximum potential. The Duke Endowment and the S.C. Department of Social Services are the funding partners in this effort.
