Today, more than at any other time in American history, getting a good education means having the opportunity for a better quality of life, better access to careers and sustainable employment, and a strong sense of overall well-being. Friends and Families Foundation, Inc. believe that an informed and engaged parent in the educational process of a child is a powerful parent and a responsible community member.

Knowing how to effectively ensure quality education for their children has been the daunting challenge of many parents. Parents with children in urban and rural school districts have the greatest difficulty. These school districts often lack sufficient funds, qualified teachers, textbooks and other instructional tools and materials needed to provide education in excellence. In addition, parents from urban and rural areas are often disconnected from the mainstream of society because of limited education, low income and literacy levels. These parents often have a sense of distrust, real or perceived, for the educational system they must engage on behalf of their children.

Friends and Families Foundation, Inc. is working to bridge this gap for the betterment of a child’s future. We are planning and developing parent-friendly communications tools, information sharing resources, and links that meet parent-defined needs so that parents can be value-added partners to the education system. Parents must get more involved in the education of their children, and Friends and Families Foundation, Inc. believes this can only happen if parents themselves are empowered to interact, understand, and take the action required to ensure the best education possible for their children.

Our Parent Empowerment initiative is statewide and requires the collaboration of existing partners and many new friends.  Some specific programs underway include: parent information resource centers, parent leadership and character-building development, family and community activities, family investment services such as economic, wellness and academic literacy, and career-building programs.