Saint Joseph Parenting Center is designed to support struggling families and prevent child abuse. The Parenting Center’s mission is to provide free parent education for individuals who are at risk of abusing and/or neglecting their young children - birth through age 12. Given the overwhelming economic pressures on families, there are more children than ever who are at-risk - potential victims of abuse or neglect. In response to the rising incidence of abuse and neglect, Measi O’Rourke launched Saint Joseph Parenting Center in 2009. As a nurse and former administrator of an Ohio parent education center, Mrs. O'Rourke wants to help parents who are overwhelmed in caring for their children. “The Parenting Center offers families support and the opportunity to learn new skills,” she said. Located at Saint Mary Church – 566 Elm Street, Stamford - the Parenting Center (www.sjpcenter.org) is open to all Fairfield County (CT) residents. The Parenting Center offers 20 classes some of which include: Behavior & Discipline, Bonding With Your Child, Importance of Fathers, Reading & Literacy, and Anger Management. Those who come to the Parenting Center – either on their own or through social service referral - are enrolled in the Parenting Center’s twenty-class program. Each class is two hours long and is taught by a volunteer who is a highly trained professional in his/her respective field of expertise. A dedicated core of more than 50 volunteers enables Saint Joseph Parenting Center to serve a large client base, yet operate for less than $200,000 per year. Saint Joseph Parenting Center works on the premise that if at-risk children are to have a productive future, their parents need to be supported with educational opportunities that can instill a sense of hope in their future. By providing free classes, the Parenting Center offers parents the tools and knowledge needed to create safe and positive home environments for their children.