In a pioneering effort to support BIPOC families in the Inland Empire, Inland Regional Center (IRC) teamed up with Nasaba Family Counseling & Consulting Inc. to present two impactful eight-day Collaborative Parenting Workshops, engaging 35 parents – one held in 2024 and the other scheduled for 2025. These workshops are designed to empower parents by providing evidence-based strategies and culturally responsive tools to foster healthy family relationships.
The workshops were tailored to meet the unique needs of IRC families, equipping them with practical tools and strategies to foster strong, positive relationships with their children. Key topics covered included trauma-informed parenting, discipline techniques for various developmental stages, and ways to cultivate social-emotional skills in children.
Reflecting on the workshops’ success, IRC Director Lavinia Johnson said, “These workshops were about much more than just parenting skills—they were about building community. Our goal was to ensure every parent, regardless of their background, felt heard, supported, and understood. The feedback from participants has been incredibly positive.”
Ruth Armstead, Service Access and Equity Manager at IRC, echoed this sentiment: “We saw parents come in with questions and concerns, and leave with renewed confidence. It wasn’t just about teaching techniques; it was about creating a safe space where families could feel supported and empowered in their parenting journey. The collaboration between the community and IRC made this possible.”
Each session not only provided essential information but also introduced practical, hands-on strategies that parents could immediately implement in their homes. From learning best practices in discipline to navigating trauma-informed care, participants left equipped to better understand and meet their children’s needs.
Lavinia emphasized the importance of culturally competent resources, saying, “One of our key takeaways was ensuring that the materials and guidance we provided reflected the diverse backgrounds of the families we serve. We’re committed to offering programs that are inclusive and culturally aware.”
Building on the success of the Collaborative Parenting Workshops, Nasaba will introduce a follow-up Life-Skills Coaching Class, focusing on self-regulation and social-emotional well-being. Thanks to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funding provided by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), these additional resources will be offered at no cost, further supporting families in their journey toward stronger, more connected relationships.
At the conclusion of the workshops, parents expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate, noting how much they learned not only about parenting but also about navigating the community resources available to them.
One parent shared their experience: “This workshop has been life-changing for my family. I learned how to better connect with my children and understand their emotional needs. The tools we received helped me manage difficult situations with a new perspective. It was amazing to be in a room with other parents who share the same challenges. We weren’t alone in this journey.”
Ruth added, “It’s about partnership. When parents collaborate with agencies like IRC and Nasaba, the outcomes for their children improve significantly. We’re excited to continue this work and expand our support for families in the region.”
The success of these workshops reaffirms IRC’s commitment to providing inclusive, culturally aware services that truly address the needs of the community. This is just the beginning of IRC’s ongoing mission to support families through connection, empowerment, and education.
For information on the 2025 workshop, please email [email protected]
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