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Growing Together Strengthens Young Families in Navarro County

Sep 13, 2019 - In the News

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Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services is launching a critically needed program, Growing Together, to strengthen young families in Navarro County.


PCHAS strengthens families by emphasizing closer relationships built on trust between caregivers and their children. Its Child and Family program will continue, while Growing Together will focus especially on children five years old and under. Starting this month, the new program provides free services for up to 45 families each month. Meetings may occur in the family home, at school or at an office. 


Growing Together is open to any caregivers wanting stronger attachments with their children. Stronger family relationships prepare children to be developmentally and emotionally ready to enter the education system. Closer relationships also reduce parental stress.


PCHAS has been serving families in Navarro County since 2000 through its Child and Family program. Regional Director Pam Crawford explains, “Our goal for this program is to promote safety, well-being and healthy development for children. We are looking for all parents who want to add new tools to their toolbox, so to speak, in how they raise their babies and preschoolers. Healthy parenting gives small children a strong foundation for healthy emotional behavior and brain development." The agency is hiring five new staff for this program.


“We believe this free program is critically needed,” adds David Thompson, PCHAS’ president and CEO. “According to the 2018 Kids Count report published by The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Texas is ranked 43rd in the country for children’s well-being. The report also states that 25% of the 12,000 children in Navarro County live in families with incomes below the official federal poverty threshold. In addition, 38% of the children in Navarro County 17 and younger live in single-parent households. To families struggling in Navarro County, we say, we’re here to help.”  


On September 24, come to an open house at the PCHAS Growing Together office (122 S. 12th Street, Corsicana, TX 75110) from 4-5 p.m. to learn more about Growing Together.


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