Connecting NJ, NJ 4-H at Rutgers, Family Success Centers, SPAN, and other early childhood professionals recently participated in a transformative training, hosted in partnership with the NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Be Strong Families, to introduce staff and community leaders to the impactful world of Parent Cafés. Rooted in the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors, these Parent Cafés create safe, supportive spaces where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and build resilience.
The training, facilitated by Be Strong Families, aimed to certify participants in Parent Café hosting skills. Through the “Train the Trainer Parent Cafés,” 16 Connecting NJ (CNJ) staff members have become fully certified to host these Cafés across the state. Additional Connecting NJ staff, including Community Alignment Specialists and Early Childhood Specialists, are set to receive this training in December, expanding the network of support available to families throughout New Jersey.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Parent Café
One key objective of the training was to delve into the structure and essence of the Be Strong Families Café model. Participants learned about the philosophical foundations and the research that underscore Cafés as an effective educational and engagement strategy. By the end of the training, each attendee was well-versed in the anatomy of a Be Strong Families Café.
What’s Next for Connecting NJ’s Parent Cafés?
The new year promises a range of Parent Cafés hosted by Connecting NJ's certified facilitators. These will be accessible through community programming led by the CAS teams, fostering relationships among parents and nurturing connections that bolster family resilience.
This initiative reinforces Connecting NJ's commitment to enhancing resources for families, nurturing relationships, and supporting the next generation of New Jersey families. Sign up for our bi-monthly e-news letter and follow Central Jersey Family Health Consortium on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on Connecting NJ’s latest activities, and their first Parent Café!
