Since becoming a single mom of four children in 2020, Christina Lopez has accomplished a lot.
She became a medical assistant, started Nursing School through Gateway Community College in 2023, and obtained her license two weeks ago as an LPN in pursuit of her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
Despite these achievements in college courses, it is the parenting classes she began this past September at Empower College Prep that are the most rewarding for her.
“The first day that I was there, it was more about us as parents and what we bring to the table… it made me look at what I have done right,” Lopez said.
“I bring a lot to this family.”
Lopez’s journey has not been easy. Her fifth grader began school during COVID, the same year his parents divorced. He still struggles with ADHD, and his older brother presents an entirely new set of challenges as a high school sophomore who will soon be able to drive. Two girls, a 4th grader and 8th grader, are in the family, too.
“We still have our struggles every day,” Lopez said, adding that she is their strength and they are hers.
“I want to be a better parent – there are so many challenges that I face as a parent that I don’t have an owner’s manual. I want to have the support of other parents who are facing the same challenges.”
“Now I have more tools to help … and I am feeling like I am not alone,” Lopez said. “I have a community here that is supportive … I am happy to be a part of this community.”
Rezilient Kidz is a decade-old, 13-week, multi-lingual program based on evidence-based practices for children and families to internalize specific attributes that can contribute to children growing into stable, thriving young adults despite difficult circumstances often associated with poverty and other familial experiences. The non-profit trains individuals in the community who provide weekly classes to parents. Empower College Prep’s program includes two groups led by two staff members – one in English and one in Spanish.
“In order to meet all the needs of our students, we focus on our core values as a school. Part of meeting those needs is supporting our families as well,” said vice-principal Minette Klenner, who encouraged Christina to join the program the week it started. “We have partnered with Rez Kidz to bring a program that helps our families to build stronger connections and raise confident, happy kids. We are giving our families confidence and skills to raise healthy, caring, and responsible children.”
“We see acute anxiety, anger, and violence that destabilize children’s relationships with their parents and hinder their ability to learn and thrive,” said Executive Director Brian Holman. “Through social workers and partnerships with outside agencies, we seek to come alongside families to navigate the sometimes tumultuous but critically important parenting journey. We are grateful to now be partnering with Rezilient Kidz, which provides tools and skills parents can internalize and then incorporate in their parenting so that their children can pass them on to their children and grandchildren. Together, we have the opportunity to replace generations of brokenness with a legacy of love and stability that becomes a strong foundation for a safe, desirable society.”
