Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS -- Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale helps struggling families, but the organization also knows that any family could use a little advice.

That's why PCAR continues to offer parenting programs open to the public.

Starting Tuesday, PCAR will start its winter parenting programs, which include Active Parenting Now, Active Parenting of Teens, Managing Stress and Anger in the Family, Activos Padres de Hoy, Active Parenting Teen Parent Program and Crossroads of Parenting and Divorce, a new program.

"Every single parent needs these classes," said Diane Howington, executive director of PCAR. "You can come just to finetune parenting skills. We have seen lives change from even the simple things."

Families are invited to Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 Main St. in Conyers, starting at 6 p.m. for dinner that has been donated by a church, civic group or another organization or individual, and then parents and their children split into groups for classes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The winter program runs from Tuesday until March 2; no class is held Feb. 16, as Rockdale County Public Schools are closed for winter break.

All classes are free, but families have to register in advance by calling 770-483-7333 or e-mailing director@pcarockdale.org.

Howington said classes, which are limited to about 20 people each, already are filling up, but PCAR creates a waiting list in the event that a parent doesn't show up to class.

"It is unbelievable how much we have grown and the demand for programs," Howington said, adding that PCAR formed in 1989. "Last year, over 1,000 people were served through our programs."

Tuesday night parenting programs aren't the only help PCAR offers.

It also offers adult and teen parenting classes at the Rockdale Department of Family and Children Services, Project ReNeWal and various schools throughout the week. In December, PCAR also began offering an in-home parenting program for mothers ages 13 to 23 in which PCAR visits their homes to provide them with resources.

"Almost every day of the week we are doing something," Howington said.

PCAR is funded through donations, grants, local business support and fundraising so that it can offer free programs to the community.

Howington said PCAR is looking for volunteers to assist with meals and facilitating programs.

"It's a community effort," she said.

A new session of parenting programs will start in March.