Battered women and their children can greatly benefit from the support of other survivors. Parenting classes and adult support groups at Peaceful Paths are empowerment-based, interactive groups that are supportive and confidential. Groups are held at various times in the Gainesville and Starke outreach offices. Child and teen groups run concurrently for many but not all adult groups, and participants need to verify that childcare is available before coming. All participants need to attend an intake session prior to starting group, and no childcare is available for this session. Moms bringing kids to groups will also have the opportunity to meet with the children’s advocate prior to and during their child’s participation.
Participants may request additional individual counseling, and the agency will do its best to accommodate these requests.
Safety planning is an ongoing part of all Peaceful Paths services. As situations change, additional services, such as victim advocacy or shelter, may be appropriate for participants and advocates will make referrals to other programs as needed.
Gainesville:
2100 NW 53rd Ave
377-5690 or 377-8255 (after hours)
Starke/Lake Butler:
501 West Washington Street
904-966-6878
or
800-393-7233 (after hours)
Peaceful Paths parenting classes are designed to meet the needs of moms who have experienced abuse by their partners and whose children have been impacted by the violence in their homes. These classes allow moms to discuss how power and control can affect parenting styles and discipline, how healthy parenting skills can greatly improve the parent-child relationship, and how embracing positive parenting methods will increase parental confidence. Some examples of topics to be covered include:
* Talking to children about abuse
* Emotion coaching
* Dealing with stress
* The Nurturing Wheel
* Ways to redirect your child’s anger and fear
Parenting classes are open enrollment, and participants need to attend an intake session prior to their first class. All classes meet for an hour and a half, and most provide childcare (call to verify that the group you would like to attend has childcare.) Participants will receive a certificate of completion after 12 weeks of attendance.
Parenting and Adult Groups.pdf
