Strengthening bonds between parents and children

Created in 1994, Parenting Matters works to build a community where all children have the chance to succeed and believes that parenting is the most powerful way to change the future. To accomplish this, the organization goes beyond immediate assistance to offer long-term support that breaks cycles of abuse and fosters healthier family dynamics.

The main way they do this is through their Parent Partner Program, in which professional Parenting Educators visit families at their homes for 7-10 months, typically for hour-long sessions. These Spanish- and English-speaking Parenting Educators tailor their lessons to each family’s unique needs and focus on empowering parents by building on their strengths.  Parenting Educators provide practical tools and techniques parents can use to ensure their children grow up in safe, nurturing homes, free of abuse or neglect, and reach their full potential.

These valuable services are mainly financed by personal donations and grants, so families pay only a $10 registration fee to participate. And they are available in both the daytime and evenings to accommodate families’ busy schedules.

“Learning effective skills that foster positive behaviors not only makes life easier for parents and improves family relationships, but it also has the power to transform families for generations” said Katie Becker, Executive Director, Parenting Matters. “We are working to make a positive difference, one family at a time.”

“Learning effective skills that foster positive behaviors not only makes life easier for parents and improves family relationships, it has the power to transform families for generations.”

– Katie Becker, Executive Director, Parenting Matters

The owners and staff of Anderson & Associates Insurance support Parenting Matters because they believe in the nonprofit’s vision of building a community where every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

The agency offers support in many ways, including financial donations totaling more than $13,000 so far and direct involvement with fundraisers and other promotional events. Agency producer Veronica Huzzard has been on the nonprofit’s board for 13 years, and currently serves as board president. Agency owner Michele Ensminger also served on the board from 2016 to 2020.

Additionally, the agency has raised more than $140,000 through its business networks to support Parenting Matters’ largest annual fundraiser, the Sangarita Showdown. The agency contributes countless volunteer hours to support this fundraiser, helping with event planning, logistics and on-site support. Since Parenting Matters does not receive state or federal grant dollars, this support provides crucial funding for the organization’s operations and various programs.

In addition, Huzzard is a member of two local Exchange Clubs and is currently the president of the Sarasota Business Exchange Club. Thirty years ago, these Exchange Clubs helped found Parenting Matters, and they continue to support it to this day.

“Parenting Matters’ practical, accessible, and empathetic approach helps parents provide a safe and nurturing home for their children,” said Ensminger. “We are proud to support their mission and happy to help in any way we can.”

Comprehensive counseling and support

In addition to in-home teaching sessions, Parenting Matters also offers a multi-faceted support program for adoptive families, counseling for parents, and creative activities that enhance brain development and build preschoolers’ social, language and motor skills. This comprehensive approach gives parents the tools they need to succeed.

“Parenting Matters’ practical, accessible and empathetic approach helps parents provide a safe and nurturing home for their children.”

– Michele Ensminger, Principal, Anderson & Associates Insurance

Helping children to thrive

Your vote can help Parenting Matters receive a $10,000 donation. The funding would provide 25 families with intensive services to strengthen bonds and combat child abuse and neglect through the nonprofit’s Parent Partner program.

Help Anderson & Associates Insurance win $10,000 for Parenting Matters by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below by Nov. 1.