Mission

History

In 1980 Parenthesis Family Center was founded as a resource for families with young children living in the Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park communities. The agency provided parenting education, peer support and respite for new families with young children in the community. Parenthesis developed the Morning Family Drop-In Program so that parents could network and learn together.

Several years later, in 1984, Parenthesis identified the need for programs that served the needs of specific populations. The Parenteen and Parenting On Our Own programs served young teen and single parents. As a result, Parenthesis expanded its mission to include these previously underserved parents. No other organization in the community provides these services and they are provided at no cost to the participant.

In 2007, Parenthesis certified on the Parents As Teachers model, a national, research based home visiting model serving parents of young children.

Today, Parenthesis has remained true to its mission by serving community families through four core programs:

Morning Family Drop in serves families living in communities throughout the near western suburbs

Parenteen serves teens, their children and their parents.

Mothering On Our Own serves single parents

Family Wrap serves a wide range of families with diverse needs

Goals

• To provide a place where parents can come together for mutual support
• To affirm and strengthen the parent child relationship
• To link families to other community resources
• To encourage the full development of children

Parenthesis Events