Parent University, located at the Learning Community Center of North Omaha, is growing thanks to a new partnership between Project Harmony and the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy counties.
Parent University is a family engagement program focusing on multiple aspects of life including parenting, engaging with your children in school, life skills, and leadership.
The program recently expanded its reach from six schools to 24 schools in the northeast Omaha area.
“I’m excited about the strategic partnership that expands to more of the city,” Bradley Ekwerekwu, CEO of Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, said. “Going from six schools to 24 schools is going to be incredible. Imagine the widespread programming, influence, and partnering.”
“This allow us to get even further upstream,” Gene Klein, Executive Director of Project Harmony, said. “And get more involved in families lives in a supportive capacity engaging them as a partner in caring for their child. We’re thrilled about the partnership and the opportunity to serve families in this new way.
Anthony Douglas said it's helped him become a better father.
“As a father trying to be there for his children, teach them, show them examples of how life should be, this place was that place for me,” Douglas said.
The program helped Douglas learn how to be an advocate for his children at school.
“I wasn’t able to make the meeting,” Douglas said. “I was very distraught. I contacted Jamala (a member of the Parent University team) and asked her would she partake in the meeting and be my proxy.”
Jamala Parker, Director of Family Engagement Services for the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy counties, said they help families in many ways.
“From being able to get the meal distributions to families that might have some difficulty with transportation,” Parker said. “For helping families understand the school packets. Some of our families English is not their first language so that is a little difficult.”
The program doesn't cost anything it's open to families with kids under 6-years-old who live in the 24 school area and they offer a variety of programs.
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