Partners

in Parenting Classes

(Fort Myers, Fla. Aug. 15, 2014) --- This summer the Golisano Childrens Hospital of
Southwest Florida, along with the Childrens Advocacy Center of Collier County, have
partnered with the Golisano Childrens Museum of Naples to offer a new spin on the
parenting course it holds for families in the local community. Although these parenting
classes are now in their 7th year, this is the first time that the course has taken place at the
museum. This particular session also differs in that it was geared toward parents of
children with special needs.

By holding these classes on Mondays when the museum is closed to the public, children
were able to explore the exhibits while their parents participated in the classes. While this
partnership with the Golisano Childrens Museum was a first for the program, the Partners
in Parenting Classes have had a long history of success in Collier County. Thousands of
families have participated in the program since its inception, with over 150 participants in
just the last few months alone.

With an average class size of fifteen parents, the classes are interactive, allowing
participants to form personal bonds that foster growth and support. Everyone in the class
was able to share their experiences and realize they are not alone and that other people
face similar parenting challenges to theirs, said Ruth Torres. Torres saw firsthand the
impact that this community atmosphere had on parents through her involvement with the
Partners in Parenting Program while serving as the Parent Involvement Coordinator at
Eden Park Elementary School. Torres praised the program for the profound impact it has
had on parents in the Collier County community.

During the two-hour sessions, participants are taught invaluable parenting skills that cover
a wide range of topics. Forms of effective communication, peaceful conflict resolution, and
ways to deal with sibling rivalry are just a few of the topics included in the curriculum.
Though the topics vary throughout the length of the series, the theme of the class remains
to improve the family dynamics and participants help each other become better parents.

Kristin Millet, Child Advocacy Program Coordinator says parents are asked at the start of
the course, what kind of relationship do you want to have with your child? and their
answers serve as a goal and reminder to use throughout the class, as to what they are
working toward.

While the program is promoted through local schools and is often recommended by the
Department of Children and Families, much of this programs outstanding reputation
comes from word of mouth and the many positive things participants have to say about the

course. At the conclusion of the program, attendees complete an evaluation of the program
and Program Coordinator, Kristin Millet says participants usually have comments like, we
wish the course was longer or everyone can benefit from taking this class.

This program originated in part due to the funding of the Naples Childrens Education Fund
and donations gathered through their annual Winter Wine Festival. The generosity of this
organization along with the Golisano Childrens Hospital has allowed these classes to be
offered at no cost to participants. Classes are offered in a variety of locations throughout
the county and are also offered in English, Spanish, and Creole. By offering the classes in
three languages, the program is able to incorporate families of different ethnic
backgrounds and address cultural differences in parenting styles in other countries and
here in the Untied States.

About Lee Memorial Health System
Open since 1916, Lee Memorial Health System is the fourth largest public health system in the United States and
the largest community-owned health system in Southwest Florida. With more than 10,000 employees, the system is
made up of four acute care hospitals and two specialty hospitals, as well as outpatient centers, walk-in medical
centers and primary care and specialty physician offices. An award-winning health care system, it provides regional
programs, such as our Trauma Center and Golisano Childrens Hospital, which serve our community members from
Tampa to Miami. Visit www.leememorial.org for more information.

Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, System Director

Pat Dolce, Public Affairs Specialist

Kat Welch, Media Relations Specialist

(O) 239-454-8765 (C) 239-789-5786

pat.dolce@leememorial.org
(C) 239-989-2758
kathleen.welch@leememorial.org
(C) 239-443-7250

Lee Memorial Health System - Press contact information:
mary.briggs@leememorial.org

(O) 239-454-8766

(O) 239-454-8721

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