"Three different parent mentors have provided me with support and encouragement over the past 4-5 years. They have helped and educated me through the early years of my son's development. Now they are, again, such a resource during this challenge of my daughter's special needs and her infancy. Their reliable visits have come to be a bright point of my week, always. Thank you to each parent mentor!"
-Cathy
I have worked with the Parent Mentor program through NCO for several years. All of the mentors and other staff I have worked with were friendly, helpful, and professional at all times. They connected me to resources within the community which helped my family immensely through some difficult times. Due to their involvement with me and my children, we are now leading happy and productive lives. I feel lucky to live in a city which has access to such a caring organization. I would highly recommend this wonderful program to anyone!
- Christine
Mission & History
Philosophy:
Nurturing and effective parenting is essential to the health and well-being of children. Parents who are determined, confident, and supported in their parental responsibilities can provide an environment where children can live up to their potential.
Mission:
Through home-based parent mentoring and community partnerships, Project HELP empowers parents within Naperville School Districts 203 and 204 to create a nurturing environment, thereby enhancing the opportunity for children to reach their full potential.
History:
In an effort to promote healthy families in our community, the Naperville Exchange Club dedicated long hours and worked hard to raise the funds necessary to launch Project H.E.L.P. in 1992. With the support of the Exchange Club, we have been a valuable asset to the DuPage community for over 18 years; providing mentoring and educational support services to well over 1000 parents and children.
For 12 years Project H.E.L.P. operated under the administration of a larger organization, working tirelessly to raise awareness of child abuse prevention and provide parent mentor services to families in DuPage County. In 2009, we were able to find our footing and become a separate and autonomous 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting the quality of life for parents and their children.
As a mission-driven organization, our board of directors and staff are passionate and committed to improving the lives of children and families. We work continuously to identify and incorporate appropriate best practice methods into our program design to make the biggest impact in the community. Project H.E.L.P. currently offers two programs, the Parent Mentor Program (our signature program) and the Parent Education Program.
Families who graduate from our programs:
- Increase their understanding of child development
- Improve parenting skills
- Learn how to identify and manage situational stress
- Improve family communication
- Learn how to solve problems
- Learn techniques to create a more positive and respective environment
- Enhance parent-child relationships
- And much, much more.
Our ability to implement programs that improve the lives of children and families is made possible by the continual support and efforts of the Naperville Exchange Club; and donations from individuals, businesses, service clubs, and congregations. Together, we are dedicated to the belief that strong, healthy families are fundamental to preventing child abuse and neglect, and are essential for a strong, healthy community.
Help us strengthen families in our community! If you have questions, concerns or ideas on how we can improve our programs and/or better serve our community, please Contact Us.