Much attention has been paid in Gloucester recently to the issue of families.
The national, regional and local spotlight has focused on who is starting families, what kind of supports are available to kids in families and how we as a community can address the "issues" we see in families. Missing from the conversation seems to be the great deal of support for families already in existence.
Family is important to people on Cape Ann. I say that as an outsider, having grown up in Connecticut and living outside of Gloucester. My comments and experience with families on Cape Ann have developed during the almost five years I have worked at Wellspring Cape Ann Families, the family support and education center of Wellspring House.
During that time I have talked with hundreds of people from Cape Ann about the issue of family. I have witnessed the existence of close-knit families where cousins grow up together and eat Sunday dinner every week. I have seen parents who are willing to take a risk and reach out to the schools, agencies and friends when they believe their family is in need of support. I have met with people who live and work on Cape Ann willing to share their resources to make sure that local families have what they need to thrive. I have also seen teens and adults who are willing to give their time and talents to local children and families.
I believe that all families need support. I came to parenting myself with a master's degree in social work, having worked with children and families for years. I had also helped with my little brother and many younger cousins. I thought I knew about the task of parenting. I was seriously underprepared for the colicky infant I would bring home. Over the years there have been numerous issues for which I have sought parenting advice from those who could help, including neighbors, friends, relatives and the "experts" whose books I read and workshops I attended.
One of my most helpful teachers was a neighbor, when my oldest son was born. She was a mother of four whom I met when our dogs played together in the park. She "mentored" me about feeding my baby, playing with my baby, taking care of myself, and how to enjoy motherhood. Our relationship serves as a model to me for the Parent Mentor program I supervise now at Wellspring Cape Ann Families. I was an inexperienced mother who needed regular support to help me as I adjusted to parenthood. There are many people who take on this role in the lives of their daughters and sons, neighbors and friends.
Without support, parenting is extremely tough. On Cape Ann, we are lucky enough to have committed volunteers who mentor families who are experiencing stress and isolation. Since 1991, the Wellspring Cape Ann Families Parent Mentor program has matched over 100 volunteers with parents who seek support. The mentors are trained and supervised. They meet with the parent with whom they are matched once a week for a year to help the parent problem-solve, connect with community resources and talk about parenting issues. I know many people on Cape Ann have seen the recent media coverage and commented that it does not accurately portray the community. This has caused many to commit to doing something to help families in need of support. If you are one of these people please consider becoming a Parent Mentor at Wellspring Cape Ann Families. By giving a year of your time, you could make a difference in the life of one family. It is not only adults who respond to reach out to others on Cape Ann.
Our teens are an important resource and regularly contribute to the community in many positive ways. Ten Gloucester teenagers committed this past school year to serve as mentors to local children ages 5 to 12 who were in need of support. The Wellspring Cape Ann Families Teen Mentor program began in 1998 to engage teenagers as a resource whose presence in the lives of local children can help to eliminate family stress, provide assistance with schoolwork and allow children to have some fun. The program is not easy. These teens commit to a 12-week training program after school during the fall months. After completing the training program, they are matched with a local youth for the rest of the school year and continue to meet weekly at Wellspring Cape Ann Families for supervision.
Five mentors have opted to continue their match through the summer. Mentors are recruited primarily at Gloucester High School, but any teen who can commit to the training and volunteer period is invited to become a mentor. Since the program began, 69 teenagers have been matched with local children. Many families find that coming together with others is helpful in learning the communication and healthy relationship skills necessary to support each other as a family. Every October, Wellspring Cape Ann Families hosts the Nurturing Program. The Nurturing Program is an evidence-based 15-week family education course for parents and children birth to 12. Participating families learn skills to increase empathy, encourage positive behaviors, and build self-esteem. On Cape Ann, this program is possible because families are looking to strengthen their skills, adult and teen volunteers are willing to commit to help families, and staff are willing to work evenings to support families. Nurturing our children and their parents is visibly important on Cape Ann.
Wellspring Cape Ann Families supports and educates parents and children. The community of Cape Ann supports Wellspring Cape Ann Families by volunteering to assist us with our work. The importance of family is a backbone of the Gloucester community. Please join me in our commitment to families on Cape Ann. Discuss with your friends the strengths of families in Gloucester. Volunteer at Wellspring Cape Ann Families. Reach out for help for your own family.
For more information about Wellspring Cape Ann Families, please visit our Web site at www.wellspringhouse.org/familysupport or call our office at 978-281-7856.
Cindy O'Donnell is the Family Services Coordinator at Wellspring Cape Ann Families.
