The Parenting Cottage

The Parenting Cottage is an active member of the South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention. Their signature project is GO BLUE LUBBOCK COUNTY held in April of each year during National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Please join the Coalition and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce as we Kickoff events for Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Over the last 10 years almost 10,000 Lubbock County children have been confirmed by investigation as victims of abuse and neglect. 22 children have died of abuse/neglect. April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month and also GO BLUE LUBBOCK month in support of these children. You can be a part of the efforts by ordering GO BLUE LUBBOCK gear which tells others that 3 children per day, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 365 days a year are abused in our community. Join the efforts of the South Plains Child Abuse Prevention Coalition and wear the blue. Order period ends March 17. Follow the link below. https://lnkd.in/e6BkDhJQ

We were so happy to have Board President Rick Scott honor Staci Ortiz for her 6 years of service to the Parenting Cottage at our Board Meeting this month. Staci has done an outstanding job serving as Chairman of the Membership Committee and also in 2023 organizing our 40th Anniversary celebration. Staci truly cares about the children in our community. Thanks Staci!

You are hearing a lot about measles in the news so get educated and learn more about immunizations available. Immunizations are available at the City of Lubbock Health Dept. and from healthcare providers. https://lnkd.in/gZpJkRuu

We had an opportunity to honor some "retiring" board members at our January Board Meeting who collectively have served our organization for over 15 years. Board President Rick Scott presented awards to Dr. Jay C. Adkins, Chelsea Salazar and Tracy McAlister. We are honored to have all three of these outstanding individuals as a part of our circle and thank them for the gift of their time, talent and treasure. Board members also got to receive some great training on child abuse and neglect from Dr. Brian Payne, Chief Medical Officer for UMC Children's Hospital. A tough topic but one our community struggles with in terms of the high number of cases confirmed.

We are going to be joining with UMC Children's Hospital and Texas Tech Public Media-PBS Kids in the month of January to put on some special Storytime events. We will even have a "guest host" with us--Clifford the Big Red Dog! Come join us in either Slaton or in Lubbock at the Mahon Library for a fun experience for you and your child. Families receive a free Clifford book while supplies last.

The Parenting Cottage has been serving young children and families for over 40 years. We will be adding staff to our agency in 2025.?If you enjoy working with young children and families, then our position for a parent educator may be for you.?Applications will be accepted through January 15th with a projected start date of employment being Monday, February 3rd.??Benefits includes health, dental & vision insurance, paid leave, staff clothing, paid cost of any required certifications. Requirements: Must hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher in the fields of Human Development & Family Studies, Education, Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences or related field. Must be able to pass a criminal and abuse/neglect of children background check. Must provide references from previous employment. An application for employment and a job description is available on our website at www.parentingcottage.org under "Employment Opportunities."

Another blessing on Giving Tuesday. An LCU student partnered with The Scott Toman Team at ReMax Lubbock to do a diaper drive to assist the families served by the Parenting Cottage. Diapers have continued to rise in cost and for families struggling to make ends meet--it can be challenge.

What a great way to start Giving Tuesday! Thank you to our friends at People's Bank for their continued support.