Social Services Programs

Partners

Funding for our Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) is made possible by the Full Force Foundation, A Scott & Martha Barnes Mission. NPP is a collaborative effort between the Mexican American Unity Council, Inc., and Edgewood Independent School District, local churches and community organizations. Contributing to the community through education in the strengthening of functional family relationships.

1. $20.00 HEB CARD
2. Parenting Book
3. Light meals served

Services Provided

NPP offers free parenting classes for parents, grandparents or foster parents of children from birth to 3 years of age. Both English and Spanish parenting classes are offered mornings and evenings at various locations throughout the City.

The foundation of the Nurturing Parenting Program curriculum is based on the following:

1. The family is a system and involvement of all family members is essential to bring about change.
2. Empathy is the single most desirable quality in nurturing parenting. When empathy is high, abuse is low.
3. Parenting exists on a continuum. Building positive, healthy interactions between family members is important to reduce family violence.
4. Learning is both cognitive and affective and is based largely on experiences.
5. Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to become nurturing parents. This is accomplished by helping parents.

Classes

Classes meet once a week for six (6) consecutive weeks. Classes are 2 hours long and include a parent and child curriculum. Parents are provided a free meal during family nurturing time and are then separated into their different classes. Upon graduation, parents receive certificates of completion, a gift certificate for the family, and a parenting manual.
MAUC has developed programs that will enhance parental involvement, family strengthening and neighborhood development by providing classes related to physical and emotional development, addressing school readiness and literacy, nutrition and financial literacy. Achieving these goals will ensure that families in MAUC’s communities’ will become stronger, more stable, and self- sufficient.

Program Description

The target population served by the Mexican American Unity Council, Inc. (MAUC) includes families who reside at one of two affordable housing communities owned by MAUC and families from surrounding communities who seek social service assistance. The majority of families being serviced are Hispanic, bilingual, and live on low to moderate incomes. Many of these families experience un-employment or under-employment have limited access to affordable health care and pay more than 30% of the total household income on housing.

Programs

MAUC will survey the target audience annually to provide services and educational classes as determined by the family needs. Programs that MAUC offers are free of no charge are listed below:

Parent Engagement

Prepares parents in understanding the school system and how they are able to advocate for their children and guide them through their school years all the way to receive a higher education in a college or university.

G.E.D. Classes

The “General Equivalent Diploma” is for adults 18 years of age and older that have not completed high school. This program prepares the student to take the GED “State Assessment” to acquire an alternative diploma to improve employment possibilities.

ESL Classes

“English as a Second Language” is a program that supports adult immigrants in learning English to improve their basic language skills and better opportunities for employment.

Nutrition Education

Nutrition Education assists parent(s) to understand the connection of good nutrition and physical activity such as exercise to promote good eating habits and family wellness.

Art for Adults

Free art classes for adults are offered to promote creativity and learn techniques in art acrylic painting on canvas.

Art for Children

Free art classes for children 7-12 years of age are offered to promote creativity, imagination and learn techniques in drawing and painting. Students also work on creative seasonal activities throughout the year.

Adult Literacy in Spanish

Centro de Estudios provides the opportunity for immigrant parent(s) from Mexico to continue their education in completing their “Primaria” and “Secundaria “so they may receive a “certificate of completion”. The ultimate goal is to assist (parent)s in entering a “G.E.D.” program that is offered in English or Spanish and to continue the parent(s) education in reading, writing and the ability to speak in English.