Raising Children is Sacred Work

In a world where the pressures of daily life can feel overwhelming, many families find themselves stretched thin – caring for aging parents while raising young children, navigating financial strain, and dealing with the lingering effects of a global pandemic. The U.S. Surgeon General recently emphasized that “raising children is sacred work,” acknowledging the immense stress that parents, especially those in the sandwich generation, experience daily. The Surgeon General deemed it an “urgent public health issue.”

Maria, a devoted mother of two young children and the primary caregiver for her elderly parents, is exactly who the Surgeon General is talking about. Between juggling her job, her children’s school activities, and her parents’ medical appointments, Maria felt isolated and exhausted. Economic stressors weighed heavily on her mental health. She didn’t know where to turn until she discovered Family Service Agency (FSA).

At FSA, Maria found a lifeline. The agency offers a holistic approach to multigenerational family support, directly addressing the issues highlighted in the Surgeon General’s advisory titled “Parents Under Pressure.” Their expansive Family Support Services Program works with the adults in the household because “by helping the adults feel stronger, healthier, happier, the positive impacts trickle down to the rest of the family,” says Cynthia MacDuff, director of Family Support Services. The program offers three core services to the adults in the household: family advocacy, home visitation, and parenting education.

Maria joined the parenting classes, which not only equipped her with new skills but also connected her with other parents facing similar challenges. “I realized I wasn’t alone,” Maria says. “The classes became a source of strength and friendship.”

FSA’s home visitation program brings guidance directly into the household, fostering positive interactions between parents, grandparents, and children. This multigenerational approach helps families like Maria’s navigate the complexities of modern family life, bridging gaps between different parenting styles and cultural expectations. FSA also creates a network of support for families in need by connecting them to additional resources that address economic and social needs, such as food assistance, housing support and healthcare services.

Mental health is another cornerstone of FSA’s services. With a team of compassionate professionals, they offer free counseling and screening for mental health conditions, aligning with the Surgeon General’s recommendation for universal screenings. For parents concerned about their children’s well-being, programs like their Youth Mental Health First Aid provide essential tools to recognize and address mental health issues early on.

“Caregivers can take this workshop to learn more about the signs of mental health concerns in their children and also how to address them,“ says Nancy Ranck, senior program director of FSA’s Behavioral Health Program.

Perhaps one of the most empowering aspects of FSA’s work is their commitment to giving parents a voice. Through initiatives like their Community Changers program, parents are encouraged and supported to engage with local school boards and community organizations. This not only benefits their own families but also drives positive change within the broader community.

In these times of unprecedented stress and isolation, Family Service Agency stands as a beacon of hope. Their comprehensive programs embody the support and guidance families need now more than ever. Their message is clear: You are not alone.