YWCA Kalamazoo, MI
YWCA Kalamazoo (YWCA) will implement evidence-based programs, Moms Empowerment Program and Kids Club. This project will provide 70 moms and 70 children per year access to supportive programming to improve relationships, reduce violence, and provide information and education on family violence. The Moms’ Empowerment Program supports mothers by fostering an environment where they can discuss the impact of violence on their lives and on their child’s development; build parenting competence; discuss parenting fears and worries; and build social support in the context of a supportive group, share resources and develop social capital. This intervention is aimed at improving mothers’ parenting skills, social support, and social capital, and reducing stress, thereby reducing the children’s behavioral and adjustment difficulties. The Kids’ Club targets children’s attitudes and beliefs about families and family violence, their emotional adjustment, and their social behavior. Groups are age-graded (6-12 years) and
Gender mixed. This program was designed to provide a supportive environment for children to share their experiences, to learn that they are not alone in their exposure to violence, and to identify sources of worry and concern.
