On December 12th, Operation Xcel families joined staff from Alcohol & Drug Services (ADS), Operation Xcel’s Executive Director (Charlene Gladney), the Family Engagement Coordinator (Lori Walton), the Website & Digital Media Specialist (Cana Pinchback), the Journalist (Valerie Jones-Robinson) and a few Operation Xcel volunteers at the Oak Springs Recreation Center for Parent Engagement in the Parent Café.
The Power of Parent Engagement at Operation Xcel: Strengthening Families
At Operation Xcel, the purpose of parent engagement is to foster goal-oriented relationships with families by providing advocacy, building respectful connections, and addressing their unique needs. According to Ms. Walton, Family Engagement Coordinator, the OPeXCEptionaL Family Project centers on student achievement and overall well-being. By partnering with schools and committing to meaningful relationships, the initiative aims to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.
December’s Parent Café: A Gathering of Ideas and Support
One of the highlights of the parent engagement initiatives at Operation Xcel is the Parent Café, a space where parents can come together to share their experiences and concerns. During December’s event, ADS staff and volunteers facilitated the evening’s activities, which included a full-course dinner provided to minimize the distraction of late arrivals. Parents, who often juggle feeding their children before attending such events, were encouraged to bring their children along, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
The event opened with Ms. Walton reading an original poem, I Will Sit Down When I Feel Like It. The poem struck a chord with parents, so much so that one father restated its title at the end of the evening. The poem beautifully encapsulated the theme of the evening—resilience and empowerment. Following the dinner, parents were invited to participate in a facilitated discussion about common parenting challenges. While the parents caucused in one room, children were engaged in creative activities such as making Christmas ornaments and frosting cookies, allowing parents to focus on the conversation.
Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors: A Holistic Approach
The Strengthening Families™ initiative offers a research-informed approach aimed at increasing family strengths, enhancing child development, and reducing the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Through this approach, families, community programs, and organizations work together to create an environment that supports children and families. The Five Protective Factors, identified by the Center for the Study of Social Policy, are the foundation of this initiative. These factors serve as tools to empower families and foster healthy child development while reducing risks.
The Five Protective Factors are:
- Parental Resilience – The ability to manage life’s stresses with strength and flexibility. Resilient parents can recover from adversity and approach challenges with a long-term perspective rather than reacting impulsively.
- Social Connections – Emphasizing the importance of trusted relationships within the community, these connections serve as a support system that helps parents navigate both emotional and practical challenges.
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – Parenting is a continuous learning process. By understanding child development, parents can maintain reasonable expectations and raise emotionally healthy children.
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children – Parents are encouraged to teach their children how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and interact positively with others. This reduces stress in parenting and strengthens family bonds.
- Concrete Support in Times of Need – Families are encouraged to ask for help when needed. Concrete support ensures that families can access resources to maintain their stability and well-being.
Group Discussion: Learning and Growing Together
In the heart of the Parent Café, Mrs. Gladney guided the group discussion, presenting each Protective Factor and facilitating conversations around it. Parents used guided discussion cards to focus on specific questions related to each factor, sharing their experiences and learning from one another. Volunteers helped keep the discussions on track, ensuring each table had the opportunity to reflect on and share ideas.
What stood out was the openness with which parents, even those from different generations, shared their insights. Some parents discussed their upbringing and how it influenced their current parenting styles, while others spoke about intentionally choosing a different approach to raising their children. Despite these differences, there was a palpable sense of respect and openness to learning from each other.
Parent Reflections: What They Took Away
At the end of the evening, Mrs. Gladney asked each group to summarize their discussion in one word. The parents’ responses were powerful and reflective: “listen,” “enlightened,” “relief,” “knowledge,” and “tired.” These words showed not only the depth of the discussions but also the emotional journey parents experienced throughout the evening. It was a reminder that parent engagement is not just about sharing information but also about acknowledging the challenges and celebrating the growth of every family.
Key Takeaway: A Personal Commitment
My key takeaway from the evening came during a discussion about Protective Factor #5: Concrete Support in Times of Need. As a grandmother, I realized the importance of being more supportive in my own family. I committed to offering guidance when needed and being present for my grandchildren. I wrote down my commitment on a card that said “I WILL…” — a promise to provide my grandchildren with choices and empower them to make decisions that work best for them, rather than imposing my own desires. This is just one of the ways the Parent Café not only enhances our understanding of the Protective Factors but also encourages personal reflection and growth.
Conclusion: Operation Xcel’s Commitment to Family Enrichment
At Operation Xcel, parent engagement is more than just an event—it is part of a holistic approach to family enrichment. By fostering open dialogue, providing resources, and building strong, respectful relationships, Operation Xcel empowers parents and helps strengthen families. As we continue to nurture these connections and support each other, we create a brighter future for our children and communities.
