YMCA rebrands Baby University to Parenting Pathways Program

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County recently has renamed its Baby University program to Parenting Pathways to more accurately reflect the purpose of the free parenting classes designed to educate parents, guardians and caregivers to develop their children for school readiness.

The rebranding initiative and new name aim to improve clarity and awareness of opportunities for individuals in Greater Reading to build a strong foundation and develop the skills necessary for confident and resilient parenting, according to President & CEO Phillip Borup of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

- Advertisement -

Parenting Pathways is a free eight-week course for parents, guardians, and/or family role models to learn from credentialed educators through weekly classroom and in-home sessions. Classes are offered in both English and Spanish. They give parents the opportunity to build a supportive network with one another. As part of the program, the Y staff provides free continental breakfast and childcare services during sessions for the participants. They can also receive home safety items, gift card raffles, and a chance to win $150 to be applied toward their rent or mortgage payments.

“Our classes are free for parents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, grandparents… and essentially anyone in a caretaking role,” said Gena Pina-Garcia, executive director of social services and Parenting Pathways, YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “We’re empowering adult family members to learn simple, yet incredibly important skills, that help build social and emotional connections and healthy attachments. Parents and caregivers learn about creating a nurturing environment that enables their children to learn, grow and thrive in school – and throughout their lives.”

To help parents in Greater Reading be successful, Pina-Garcia has been dedicated to the success of Baby University since its inception nearly 20 years ago as a United Way program. Pina-Garcia and her team have educated hundreds of participants for a positive impact on their families with courses such as Ages & Stages of Development, Sick Care & Safety, Stress Management, Effective Discipline Techniques and many more essential topics.

- Advertisement -
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Download the mobile app: berksweekly.com/app
Reading
clear sky
28.9 ° F
30.3 °
27.3 °
46 %
6.7mph
0 %
Tue
26 °
Wed
27 °
Thu
26 °
Fri
34 °
Sat
28 °

Latest News

Sponsored

38,072FansLike
107,310FollowersFollow
3,306SubscribersSubscribe