Agency Details:

Parents Helping Parents - The Roundtable of Support

Empowering parents to nurture children and prevent child abuse.

Description:
Parents Helping Parents is a non-profit, grassroots organization that has been supporting parents and caregivers for over 30 years. PHP offers two free and confidential programs for parents seeking to improve relationships with their children: a 24-hour Parental Stress Line and a statewide network of parent support groups. Both programs offer positive and non-judgmental support,practical feedback and encouragement. Our programs operate as resources for parents who are feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or afraid of their anger toward their children.

Many parents who join PHP have themselves has troubled childhoods and are determined not to harm their own children. PHP provides an interpersonal support network so that parents can develop better parenting and coping skills. Groups are co-facilitated by trained volunteers and parents, with parents identifying problems, exploring solutions, and daring to risk change. Weekly meetings are free, ongoing, and confidential. Many provide free childcare. PHP groups meet in communities throughout Massachusetts. Parents and caregivers call the Parental Stress Line when they are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or isolating in their parenting role. No problem is too big or too small to call. Trained volunteer counselors who are sympathetic and non-judgmental answer the Parental Stress Line and offer support, parenting information and referrals to local resources.

History:
Parents Helping Parents - The Roundtable of Support, was founded in 1972 as Parents Anonymous of Massachusetts, Inc. PA itself was founded in 1970 by Jolly K., a courageous parent, and Leonard Lieber, a licensed clinical social worker. Jolly, herself abused as a child, had been placed in more than 30 foster homes and institutions by her 18th birthday. She became the mother of 3 children, one of whom bore the brunt of the anger she had been carrying since childhood. She tried desperately to find help for herself and her daughter, and eventually confronted the staff at a local social service office. Jolly's message was heard, and she was introduced to Leonard Leiber, who began a series of traditional counseling sessions. As they tried unsuccessfully to gain control of Jolly's abusive parenting, she came up with the idea of meeting with others who were in a similar situation. Gradually, over the next two and a half decades, a network of support groups for parents grew and flourished in Massachusetts. The PA state resource office and hotline were housed in Boston, and six regional offices were formed to support local groups throughout the state. In 1999, the Board of Directors of Parents Anonymous of Massachusetts voted to become an independent organization with a new name, Parents Helping Parents, The Roundtable of Support. PHP embraces the opportunity to work in partnership with local agencies, parents, community leaders and funders as we move forward in creating the best support system for families in Massachusetts.

Contact people:

Lalita Nakarmi, Office Manager, (617) 926-5008 x101, (email) Nancy Connolly, Program Director, (617) 926-5008 ext 102, (email)

Office fax number: (617) 926-5011

Address:

Various Locations Central Mass, MA 02116 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.parentshelpingparents.org

Directions:

We do not operate from one centralized location, and frequently travel to meet with agencies and volunteers in their communities. Our state resource office is located in Watertown.

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	Child Care Provider

Last updated on April 28, 2009