PEPS
On a recent morning in May, we had the honor of celebrating PEPS’ 40th year of providing support to parents in the greater Seattle area. It was inspiring to hear the impact the organization has had on new moms over the course of four decades and exciting to learn about their vision for the future. The truth, however, is that I needed no introduction to this organization.
I was a PEPS baby back in 1987. Throughout my childhood and into adulthood, I grew up hearing about PEPS and what a wonderful experience it was for my mom. When I got pregnant with my son, I looked forward to joining a PEPS group and meeting other moms who would have kids of a similar age to my son. That is one part of the magic of PEPS. Prior to the pandemic, newborn groups were put together by the baby’s age and the neighborhood the family lived in. This provided an opportunity for parents to develop a network that lived close to them.
While I realize that each experience is different, PEPS is where I was able to find a community of women who supported me as I learned how to be a mom to my son. I could ask any question, vent frustration, and share real challenges to these 10 women who responded back with compassion, empathy, and their own experience. This is the magic of PEPS: the organization does not impose a specific parenting style on the group or tell any person how to raise their child. Rather, it provides space to build relationships and community, share ideas, and help new parents realize they’re not alone.
COVID-19 and the pandemic caused PEPS to re-evaluate how they did their programming and how to support new parents when it was not safe to gather in-person. They quickly pivoted to a zoom format and because of that, had increased flexibility on geographic location. I participated in the Second Time Around group as well as lead two Newborn groups during this time. While the format was different, the essence of what makes PEPS so special carried through. As the world stabilizes in its new normal, PEPS is evaluating what worked during those three years and realized that while it does not want to solely offer virtual groups, zoom meetings reduced the barrier to entry for many families. Going forward, PEPS plans to offer both in-person and virtual options for its programs.
The other new program PEPS just launched is Parents of Adolescents and Teens. The organization identified a gap in parent education and support for those with teenagers. While this program covers more in-depth brain development and proven strategies for teen connection, it also allows space for parents to connect, share their challenges and offer ideas for what is working for them. Upon hearing about this program and knowing that one day my five-year-old will be a teenager, I knew I would be signing up for that when the time is right.
These are a few reasons why 47th Avenue Foundation is proud to partner with PEPS. We encourage anyone who is looking to support an organization with an inspiring mission and a strong leadership team to learn more about PEPS.
Foundation Pillar: Child Wellbeing
Funded: July 2023