Family Empowerment Program
The Family Empowerment Program provides opportunities for families to continue their education and improve their English language skills while their children receive high quality early care and education at one of our three centers throughout Buncombe County.
Our Family Empowerment Program program provides the educational, financial, and emotional support that families need to continue and complete their education. Participants set goals, enroll in classes and get help applying for financial aid.
Through this program, we provide comprehensive, intensive one-on-one support and case management to motivated families who want to gain the necessary skills to return to the workforce, increase their income levels and break the cycle of poverty.
At Verner, our mission has always included support for the families of the nearly 300 children enrolled in our programs. We feel that providing opportunities to increase parents’ education levels and English fluency are crucial in supporting these families.
Our Family Empowerment Program program provides the educational, financial, and emotional support that families need to continue and complete their education. Participants set goals, enroll in classes and get help applying for financial aid.
Through this program, we provide comprehensive, intensive one-on-one support and case management to motivated families who want to gain the necessary skills to return to the workforce, increase their income levels and break the cycle of poverty.
At Verner, our mission has always included support for the families of the nearly 300 children enrolled in our programs. We feel that providing opportunities to increase parents’ education levels and English fluency are crucial in supporting these families.
Special Programming and Support for the Family Empowerment Program
As part of the Family Empowerment Program, participants attend weekly meetings including one-on-one appointments and nightly socials. Meetings often feature guest speakers. Sample programming includes sessions on health and wellness and parenting.
We also encourage families to volunteer their time to other worthy causes such as Toys for Tots, MANNA Food Bank, and the Steadfast House among others. Volunteering helps participants to increase their self-esteem and develop their skills and talents.
Participants in the Family Empowerment Program also hold small fundraisers to help fund the program. For example, past participants have made and sold face scrubs and chocolate covered strawberries. These activities also help to build support and cohesiveness among the group.
We also encourage families to volunteer their time to other worthy causes such as Toys for Tots, MANNA Food Bank, and the Steadfast House among others. Volunteering helps participants to increase their self-esteem and develop their skills and talents.
Participants in the Family Empowerment Program also hold small fundraisers to help fund the program. For example, past participants have made and sold face scrubs and chocolate covered strawberries. These activities also help to build support and cohesiveness among the group.
Impact and Success
Since 2009, Verner’s Family Empowerment Program program has served over 145 families. Of those:
To learn more about this program, please contact Whitney at (828)450-7503 or via email at wrea@verneremail.org
- 56 participants have graduated from the program of their choice
- 58 participants successfully completed at least one semester of college degree-seeking courses
To learn more about this program, please contact Whitney at (828)450-7503 or via email at wrea@verneremail.org