Joyful Connections opened its doors in Oak Harbor almost 14 years ago in order to provide supervised exchanges for parents and children in potentially stressful situations. The board and staff quickly realized that there was also a need for supervised visitations where families could come together in a safe, secure, and caring environment.

Throughout the past several years, there has been discussion by the Joyful Connections staff, board, and the Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services to provide parent coaching, as well. That time has finally arrived as Joyful Connections begins its first one-on-one parent coaching sessions this week.

All but one Joyful Connections staff member has been trained in the nationally recognized Nurturing Parenting program. The philosophy of Nurturing Parenting emphasizes the importance of raising children in a warm, trusting and caring household. It is founded on the belief that children who are cared for develop the capacity to trust, care for, and respect themselves and those around them.

The remaining staff member will complete training in August for the also nationally recognized 24/7 Dad Program which is an evidence-based fatherhood program used by hundreds of organizations across the nation to improve the knowledge, behavior, and skills of dads of all races, religions, and demographics. The program is built on the basis that fathers can be nurturers, and for men, nurturing is a learned skill.

Funding for staff training and participant materials has been provided by a grant from the Ottawa County Community Foundation along with financial support from the Ohio Department of Youth Services through the Ottawa County Juvenile Court. According to Executive Director, Tami Matthews, these programs would not be available to families in Ottawa County without the support of the Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Department of Youth Services, and the Ottawa County Community Foundation. For that, Joyful Connections is extremely grateful.

Joyful Connections is a local agency that provides supervised visitations and exchanges, and parent coaching. It provides a child-focused, healthy, safe, and home-like environment where children can interact with family members in a non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about services provided or are interested in making a donation, please call 567-262-3181 or email joyfuldirector@gmail.com.