United Way of Wyoming Valley, Family Service Association launch Parent Support Line program

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WILKES-BARRE — Bill Jones, President and CEO of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, on Tuesday said every parent knows that parenting can be hard.

“We want to help,” Jones stated.

The United Way of Wyoming Valley and Family Service Association of NEPA on Tuesday announced the launch of the Parent Support Line program — a vital new service aimed at providing crucial support and resources to parents and caregivers in the Wyoming Valley.

“The Parent Support Line is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to address childhood poverty and support families in our community,” Jones added. “By providing parents with the guidance, information, and connections they need, we can help them create even better outcomes for their children. We are proud to partner with Family Service Association on this crucial initiative.”

Jones and Sean Gerow, CEO of Family Service Association, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to address the complex issues of childhood poverty and improve the overall well-being of families in our community.

A recent Needs Assessment Study, conducted by the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development, highlighted the need to provide additional support to parents and caregivers to improve outcomes for children.

The Parent Support Line will be funded by the United Way and operated by Family Service Association’s 2-1-1 program.

The Parent Support Line is designed to provide support to parents, guardians and expecting parents of all income levels.

The Parent Support Line aims to offer valuable assistance in several key areas:

• Emotional Support

• Information and Guidance

• Referrals to Services

• Parenting Challenges

• Crisis Intervention

• Community Connection

Gerow said that the program will be staffed by a team member with significant training in parenting and trauma related issues.

“This service will be a lifeline for parents, offering them a reliable source of support and information,” Gerow said. “Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the Wyoming Valley.”

The Parent Support Line can be accessed by calling 211, and, after a couple of prompts, press option 1, or by texting 211KIDS to 898211, or by visiting www.pa211.org/211kids.

The hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, parents and caregivers can still call 211 for assistance.

The Parent Support Line staff will follow up with callers, as necessary.