Interested in becoming Parent Aide volunteer? Berkshire Children and Families is scheduling training for those interested in becoming a volunteer with their Parent Aide Program.

Katarina Noyes, Parent Aide and Group Coordinator at Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley, Ma writes:

The Parent Aide Program (PAVE) is a strength-based child abuse and neglect prevention program. Trained staff and volunteers provide weekly home visits to families and may be available by telephone or email between visits. The program encourages parents to set their own goals, and Parent Aides partner with parents to attain them. Parent Aides provide both concrete and emotional support to improve coping and life skills. They help parents learn about their children’s developmental needs, teach appropriate discipline methods, and develop enrichment activities for the children in the home. Parent Aides encourage parent involvement in their children’s learning, supporting parents to get their children’s educational needs met, and helping parents locate quality childcare or preschool for their young children to promote children’s school readiness while allowing parents to work or attend school. Parent Aides assist parents to prevent homelessness and find affordable housing, and teach parents household management skills. They connect parents to needed community services such as medical and dental care, mental health services, nutrition support, after-school programs and domestic violence support programs by locating resources and problem-solving with parents. Through their involvement with the Parent Aide program, families become more connected to both formal and informal community supports, enabling parents to experience less isolation, depression and family violence. The service typically lasts about one year.

For more information, contact Berkshire Children and Families at (413) 584-5690 ext.140, or email Katarina at knoyes@bcfcma.org