“The aim of the Pathways project, as with Parents Anonymous^® programs, is to share leadership with parents, families and the community,” said Marty Banks, Executive Director of Parents Anonymous^® of South Carolina, Inc. “Our Pathways coordinators in these counties are joining hands with parents and other community leaders to create partner-ships and services to strengthen fam-ilies.  When families are strengthened, communities are strengthened.  The response so far has been overwhelming. We are meeting so many parents and community leaders who are eager to be a part of creating stronger, safer families in their communities.”

   The Pathways coordinators, Patricia Hall, Allendale; Bernard Prezzy, Bamberg; Shedron Williams, Hampton; Betty Johnson, Lee; Lorain Tascoe-Bey, Jasper and Eartha Cunningham, Colleton have begun by discussing with parents and other leaders from a cross-section  of the community the strengths, concerns and course of action they wish to take in their communities.  Parents Anonymous^® of South Carolina, Inc. will assist them in carrying out their plans by providing training, technical assistance and leadership development.   

    Through community partnerships with parents and professionals Parents Anonymous^® Mutual Support Groups and Children and Youth Programs will begin in 2007.  For more information, contact     1-800-326-8621.    

History of Parents Anonymous^®

    Parents Anonymous^®, Inc. was founded in 1970 through the extraordinary efforts of Jolly K, a courageous mother seeking help to create a safe and caring home for her family. The first Parents Anonymous^® meeting, held around Jolly K's kitchen table and in partnership with her social worker, Leonard Leiber, became a model of mutual support and shared leadership between parent and professional that launched a national movement to bring help, support, strength, and hope to millions of families all across America.

    Parents Anonymous® groups continue to meet using the principle of shared leadership.  Parents lead the meetings and a professionally trained facilitator serves as a resource to the group.

Partnership with

The Duke Endowment

Creating

Pathways to Strong, Safe Families

    Parents Anonymous^® of South Carolina, Inc.,  is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and empowering communities in the state of South Carolina.

    As a nationally accredited State Resource Office, Parents Anonymous^® of South Carolina, Inc. provides training and technical assistance to individuals and agencies interested in providing the Parents Anonymous^® shared leadership model of mutual support to parents in their community.

    Educational materials, technical assistance bulletins, consultation, and opportunities for networking are provided to enhance practice and improve service delivery resulting in stronger families, safer communities and more positive outcomes for children and youth.