OCCU Foundation invests in parenting education

With a grant from OCCU Foundation, Eugene-based nonprofit Parenting Now is launching an updated Spanish-language edition of its flagship curriculum, “Make Parenting a Pleasure,” in March 2023.

OCCU Foundation’s grant of $40,000 helped to provide Parenting Now with the resources needed to translate, culturally adapt and refine “Haga de la Familia un Placer,” the Spanish version of “Make Parenting a Pleasure.” This grant-funded work brought the course current with the latest research in child development, neuroscience and parenting practices for Spanish-speaking families in Eugene’s neighboring communities, across Oregon and throughout the wider U.S.

Parenting Now strives to make the course as accessible as possible to reach families of diverse backgrounds. The curriculum promotes positive family relationships and child development for families with children from birth to age eight.

“OCCU Foundation’s support of these updates to Parenting Now’s curriculum underscores our passion for promoting health and education for all in our community,” said OCCU CEO and president Ron Neumann. “Strong families mean healthier and happier kids and parents. That’s something with wide impact in our community, and OCCU is proud to be a part of that.”

After completing the course, one parent commented that the class changed their life: “I learned to give love and to love myself more.” Another parent expressed gratitude for the program, saying, “I have become more present with raising my children … I also manage my stress better.”

“Haga de la Familia un Placer” will be taught not only at Parenting Now’s Eugene campus but also at parenting agencies around the country. In addition, sales of the curriculum to other organizations will help to offset costs and sustain other activities at Parenting Now.