Blaine program to provide free social-emotional education to families

A free eight-week program providing social-emotional education to children and their caregivers is coming to Blaine starting Monday, September 30.

Bellingham-based nonprofit Rebound Families is holding its Roots Family Enrichment Program 6-8 p.m. every Monday through November 8 at Blaine Senior center, 763 G Street. Children up to eighth grade will take classes on learning about their emotions and managing behavior, while their caregivers take a separate class on connecting with their children. The Blaine program, sponsored by the Blaine school district, will offer free dinner.

As a Blaine resident, Rebound Families executive director Keri Smith said she wanted to bring the program, which is also offered in Bellingham, to her community. The first series was offered in Blaine last winter.

“I thought it would be a way to strengthen families here in Blaine,” Smith said. “Strong families make strong communities.”

The curriculum is research-based and certified through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Smith said. Families don’t need to attend Blaine schools to participate.

The series is intended for anyone rearing children who believes they would benefit from receiving resources to strengthen their family, Smith said. Participants include people who would like to improve their relationship with their child, to families going through difficult life events.

During the series, caregivers will learn about stress responses, self-regulation skills, improving communication within the family and how to help their children’s behavior, according to the Rebound Families website. The classes are set up to encourage creating community between families going through similar
circumstances.

Participants may take the series as many times as they find beneficial, Smith said. Upon enrollment, Smith, who is a certified parent coach, is available to provide individual
assistance.

“We walk alongside families and children as long as they need us to,” Smith said.

Rebound Families was founded in 1996 to help families heal from trauma and unhealthy, cyclical relationships. The nonprofit offers a family advocacy program that provides support for families working with the legal system, schools, state agencies and community services. The nonprofit also holds the Ray of Hope Summer Day Camp every year for elementary school-age children who are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges after a difficult life event.

To register or for more information, visit reboundfamilies.org.