Parents As Leaders Training Academy: New and Improved

(From Neighborhood Leader, Winter 2009-2010 issue)

Dear Neighbor,

I am happy to announce that the Neighborhood Leadership Institute, in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Family and Children First Council, has revised the Parents As Leaders Training Academy (PALTA).   

The new program not only revised the original 16-week curriculum, but it has also given the Institute an expanded role in organizing and managing a Parent Advisory Council for 2010.  

A major element of providing parent leadership training is building the capacity among parents to serve as leaders in their families, in their neighborhoods, and in the region. 

The Parent Advisory Council will establish parent councils in five regions throughout the county in an effort to give greater voice to parents and caregivers. Three of the Parent Advisory Council members will also serve as voting members of the Family and Children First Council.

It has been proven over and over again that the quality of the relationship with parents or caregivers, along with the quality of the home environment, can impact the development of the child in both positive and negative ways. 

Some of the difficulties experienced by parents and caregivers arise from a lack of resources, economic hardships, a lack of family support, or a lack of knowledge in childrearing, all of which make the critical role of parenting even more challenging. 

While some difficulties come from the home environment, other difficulties come from the various systems and institutions that children come in contact with as they grow and develop. 

The ability of parents and caregivers to work together and be engaged in the lives of their children — first in the home and then within and through the various institutions involving their children (i.e., schools, health care, social service) — is critical in obtaining the best benefit for the children. 

It is our desire that the program continue to improve, based on the evaluation work led by Dr. Mittie Jones, and that we are able to create further opportunities for education, community involvement, and career counseling through the Family and Children First Parent Advisory Council and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute leadership network.

I would like to thank the staff of the Family and Children First Council: Zorrine Bailey, Denise Pietrzak, Marvin Davies, and executive director Robin Martin. 

The PALTA program was supported by NLI staff members and volunteers who assisted in the redevelopment of the curriculum.  

I would like to express my thanks to Jacquie Gillon and the following graduates of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland who provided day-to-day support to the program: Elise Tompkins (Class 22), Melvin Smith (Class 24), Dona Wright (Class 4), Cheryl Mays (Class 6) and Marcia Bufford Smith (Class 8).

Warmest regards,

Don