Category: Community Connections

PEPS staffers outside of Greentrike Museum at JBLM

A Place to Play: Greentrike creates fun — and connection — in Pierce County

By Polly Jirkovsky, PEPS (Estimated reading time: 3 minutes) This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, now known as Greentrike. While those four decades have brought many innovations and changes, the organization’s deep commitment to “intentionally listening to children” has remained steadfast, explains Rolfe Bautista, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at the nonprofit. Founded as…

PEPS Staffers standing in front of a PEPS billboard

Finding Connection in Co-Leading: What Two Group Leaders Learned From Each Other

By Avani Nadkarni, PEPS (Estimated reading time: 2 minutes) At PEPS, it’s not just the parents that can find meaningful connection — sometimes, the Group Leaders find that connection, as well.   Recently, Elaine Walsh – PEPS Leader Training & Support Manager, mom of two and 20-time Group Leader, and Anushree Dasgupta – PEPS Leader Recruiter, a non-parent and first-time Group…

Growing up Together: A PEPS Story From Newborns to Teens 

When their “PEPS babies” became teens, one tight-knit group of eight families formed a customized Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) Group through PEPS to tackle the challenges ahead. With research-based tools, expert facilitation, and the trust they’d built over more than a decade, they found new ways to support each other—and their teens—through this next stage of parenting.

3 women with babies in strollers and backpacks in front of water.

Why Getting Outside with Your Baby Is Good for Both of You 

A little fresh air can make a world of difference on a tough day. PEPS Sponsor the Heybrook shares how walking outside can benefit both parents and babies, from brain development to increased physical and mental wellbeing to social connection.

Ten women gathered on the grass on a sunny day and smiling at the camera in a selfie pose.  

Empowering Families Through Community Partnerships  

Every family deserves support and community. Through partnerships with community organizations, PEPS is creating spaces for connection, healing, and honest conversation. Read how partnerships have helped us expand our Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) Program to offer culturally-relevant support to more parents from diverse communities.

Finding Balance: How PEPS Connections Help Navigate Technology Choices for Kids 

Strong social connections are vital for parents and children alike. But modern technology can make it harder for kids to develop social skills in a real-world environment. When PEPS parent Chet was looking for ways to help his kids to prioritize social connection without giving them smartphones, he came up with a new idea to modernize a time-honored method of social connection – the landline.

The Power of Parent-to-Parent Connections 

 Who do you turn to when you need advice on a specific parenting topic, connections in a new neighborhood, or support through a difficult time? And how do you connect with them? Read about the power of parent-to-parent connections and how PEPS Sponsor VISIBLE can help you find your parent network.

Answering the Surgeon General’s Call: Building a Culture of Care for Parents 

Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been a powerful advocate for the importance of community and connection. In his Advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, he called attention to this critical public health issue. PEPS Executive Director Dana Guy reflects on the findings of the Surgeon General’s Advisory and what each of us can do to address this issue individually, as a community, and systemically.

Top 5 Posts of 2024

Check out our five most popular articles published on our Highs and Lows Blog in 2024!

The Connection Between Mind and Body in Postnatal Recovery  

The postpartum period, also known as the “fourth trimester” is a crucial time for recovery – not just physically, but also mentally. PEPS Sponsor the Heybrook shares ideas for postpartum parents to nurture both the mind and the body for a holistic approach to postnatal recovery.