Circle of Parents Support Group

At Parents Inc. of New Jersey we believe that when you find support, you find strength. Our groups are here to support and strengthen New Jersey families statewide by creating safe spaces in which they can find mutual support, gain leadership and advocacy skills, and understand family strengthening dynamics.

Join the Circle of Parents Support Group
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How It Works

  • Contact Us to Join

    Call us or fill out this form to express your interest in joining a support group.

    One you contact us, we will get back to you within 24 - 48 business hours.

  • We Find a Group for You

    Our support groups are led by professionally trained and certified facilitators and parent/group leaders.

    Most groups meet weekly. Some meet every other week. We have virtual and in-person options. We will match you with a group that fits your needs.

  • Get the Support You Need

    Learn trust, respect, and non-violence to strength your family.

Join the Circle of Parents Support Group

- or -

Call 609-585-7666 to join

The Circle of Parents model is the foundation of our support groups. The Circle of Parents principles are central to providing safe spaces for families to find support and strength. Our facilitators and parent/group leaders are trained and certified in the Circle of Parents model and receive ongoing training to support the needs of their group members.

What is Circle of Parents®?

Purpose of Circle of Parents:

To provide a place where parents can connect with each other, learn from each other and be sources of strength for each other with the intention of building the five protective factors. Read more information on Circle of Parents here.

 

Parent/Caregiver Group Goals:

The overall goal of the program is to prevent child abuse and neglect, while strengthening families. More specifically, participants:

Gain belonging and relief as they learn that their family dynamics and their child’s behavior are more typical than problematic.

Advocate for themselves and others as they both give and receive help and recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Become resources inside and outside of the group by sharing strategies and skills from parents who have 'been there'.

Gain confidence in their parenting role as communication, problem solving skills grow, and leadership grows.

Principles of Circle of Parents Support Group

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Join the Circle of Parents Support Group

- or -

Call 609-585-7666 to join

Interested in volunteering with the Circle of Parents Support Group? Apply here to volunteer.

Testimonials

Eric A.

"When I went to a counselor, the first thing he asked for was my insurance card, when I went to a lawyer, he asked for a retainer. Even the parenting classes I tried charged a fee. It seems that wherever I went to ask for help, the first thing they wanted was for me to reach into my wallet. When I found my Parents Inc. support group, the first thing they asked was 'How can we help you?' and amazingly, never asked for money."

Aprilis Abdul-Majeed

Parent Group Leader

"The members of Nana’s Love Grandparents group very much appreciate your time and support for our group. Without you, we would not have been able to keep our group intact and cohesive."

Kathy Eckert

Parent Group Leader

"Currently, our group is assisting at least four parents. We provide support by emphasizing that parents are not alone, offering advocacy, resources, information, and emotional support. We have witnessed several success stories within our group this year. For example, one parent successfully advocated for her son, who has multiple health needs, and secured a favorable outcome with the school. Another parent's son was accepted for early intervention due to the resources we provided earlier in the year. Additionally, another parent is working on obtaining therapy and services for her child. Our group collectively makes a difference and guides parents in fulfilling their children's needs. There have been numerous successes within our group. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of self-care to empower parents to be better caregivers for their children."

G

"Hi, I've been a part of Parents Inc for 15 years now. My time with the group started when both my kids, then teenagers, where making raising them on my own very difficult. It was nice to be with a group of people that understood what I was going through. As time passed it became more of an extended family then a support group. Which helped me survive the hard times. Now both my kids are 29 and 30, and I have three grandkids. To this day I always look forward to going to group and seeing everyone and hearing how their week went. To tell you how my 15 years have gone by I would have to write a novel. So, I hope this short email gives you a hint on my feelings towards Parents Inc and all the people that work and support it."

F.S.

"Parents Inc support group has helped me feel good. Once a week I can learn about things in my community and get help from Ms. Martinez and other staff. These meetings help me with stress as well. Thank You."

A.H.

"Hello! Today I wanted to share my story with you. I’ve been involved with Parents Inc. for 12 months, whewww it’s been a roller coaster!! June of 2023 my son was taken away from by DCP&P... I was angry, frustrated & felt defeated. A month later I began to join meetings with Parents Inc. & received the reassurance I needed when I didn’t know that was what I needed. I learned how to communicate, advocate & be understood all so gracefully. A year later I am now reunified with my son & I am still attending group. Parents Inc. have helped me at a time in my life when I was down and out. So THANK YOU PARENTS INC.!"