CHAMPAIGN

A local nonprofit in Champaign is organizing a complimentary four-month course aimed at assisting Black parents.

The organization, Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM), will kick off its inaugural Effective Black Parenting session in late February, spanning approximately 15 weeks, as disclosed by Tracy Dace, the founder, and CEO of DREAAM.

Dace highlighted that the curriculum presents families with an opportunity to explore strength-based approaches in supporting their children effectively. The goal is to equip parents with the necessary nurturing and care required for their children’s success in both academic and community settings.

While DREAAM has previously utilized the Effective Black Parenting curriculum, this marks the first comprehensive implementation of the program over a 16-week period. The curriculum originates from the D.C. Children’s Trust Fund, shared Kim Nix-McClain from DREAAM.

Initially targeting 15 parents for the program, DREAAM received an overwhelming response from around 36 interested parents after promoting the initiative. The aim now is to cater to a minimum of 30 parents.

The course will cover various topics including enhancing communication skills, establishing expectations, and fostering relationships. Dace emphasized that the curriculum is structured to alleviate parental stress by providing them with additional tools to support their children, while also promoting cultural pride.

Dace expressed enthusiasm about utilizing the Effective Black Parenting experience to initiate a parent-empowered community through DREAAM. The objective is to cultivate a community of parents engaged in continuous growth and learning, evolving into advocates not only for their children but also for the broader community.

Funded by a grant, the program offers free participation for parents. Moreover, participants will receive weekly household item giveaways, a family meal each week, a monetary incentive, and childcare services.

The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony in late June at the I Hotel and Conference Center, according to Dace.

For those interested in learning more about DREAAM’s Effective Black Parenting classes, inquiries can be directed to the organization via email at [email protected].

Dace emphasized that empowering and developing parents is a key strategy for DREAAM in addressing the community’s needs. Creating spaces for parental learning, empowerment, and community engagement is vital for strengthening and enhancing resilience within the community.