Wise parenting is not always easy. In fact, at times, the responsibility and demands of being a parent can feel completely overwhelming

In difficult times, it's reassuring to know that you are not alone. All over Westmoreland County, ParentWISE offers parents a number of ways to get helpful advice and insight, including a 24-hour Helpline, where an understanding volunteer will be glad to talk with you about whatever the problem may be.

Sharing the feeling and experiences all parents feel from time to time can help make parenting easier and more enjoyable. In virtually every area of Westmoreland County, ParentWISE sponsors confidential, nonjudgmental support groups-with free child care. With this support, parents can lean on one another and learn from one another.

We're here for all parents, all the time...

• confidential, non-judgmental support from other parents
• guidance from a trained group facilitator
• helpful parenting information
• free child care by trained caregivers in a safe, nurturing play environment, with activities that offer children an opportunity to increase self-esteem and interact with other children

Every parent in Westmoreland County is welcome to take advantage of ParentWISE. With ParentWISE you'll discover that, when it comes to the challenges of parenting, you are certainly not alone. Be assured there will always be someone to offer understanding and support - through either the Helpline or group meeting - encouraging you to be the best parent you can be.

For a schedule of Basic Parenting classes click here

BEE KIND Program - for more Information Click Here

To contact the 24 hour Help Line call - (1-800-544-0227) or (724) 837-1555), you may reach an answering service. You only need to leave your first name and phone number with the operator. A trained volunteer will call you as soon as possible.

Volunteer - There's always room for more...

Programs such a ParentWISE can exist only because of a dedicated corps of volunteers. In our case, those volunteers faithfully share two hours each week helping care for children whose parents are attending our support groups. They may be scheduled for a six-hour stint on the Helpline, waiting to respond to a frazzled or concerned parent. Some of our volunteers are available during the day to present "Bee Kind" programs to area children in elementary schools and day care centers. And we have our board members who meet and decide what direction we go in with our services. Finally, there are those volunteers who serve as advocates for our agency whether promoting our mission at their place of work or lending a hand at a health fair.
These are the people who make us what we are. We could find a place for YOU! Let us know in what way you feel you could best offer your talents. There is always room for one (or ten) more! To volunteer call (724) 837-5410 or email - jcawoski@parentwiseinc.com