Sacramento Head Start Alumni Association

Building Strong Families (2004)

Nov 22, 2004

NEW STUDY
Building Strong Families (2004):
From YMCA of the USA and Search Institute ?— A Study of African American and Latino/Latina Parents in the United States and Resources These Parents Need to Succeed

The Building Strong Families 2004 Study is the second study in an ongoing collaboration between YMCA of the USA and Search Institute around strong families and parenting. Following its 2002 counterpart which examined the resources that families have or need to raise children that thrive, the 2004 study examines the same family strengths, challenges and resources, this time among African American and Latino/ Latina families. Both studies are part of the larger Abundant Assets Alliance, which combines the resources of the YMCA of the USA, YMCA Canada, and Search Institute.

Building Strong Families (2002):
A Preliminary Study on American Parents and Resources They Need to Succeed

Made possible by a generous grant from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation .

November 20, 2002-Parents of children and teenagers are "going it alone," without the support, encouragement, and networks that would make it easier to overcome the daily challenges of parenting, according to a new poll of 1,005 parents by YMCA of the USA and Search Institute. Most parents interviewed generally feel successful as parents most of the time, and they do many things to help their children grow up strong and healthy. However, they say that more support and affirmation from others would really help them as parents.

For More Information

* New Year's Resolutions for Supporting Families in 2003--A press release encouraging people to apply the findings from the Building Strong Families study in their New Year's resolutions.
* Study: Parents "Going It Alone," Despite Available Support--Press release on the Building Strong Families study.
* Building Strong Families Fact Sheet--A two-page summary of key findings from the poll.
* Building Strong Families: Highlights from a Preliminary Survey--An easy-to-read summary of key findings from the study, stories of families that reflect the study's findings, and practical action steps.
* Building Strong Families: An In-Depth Report--This research report presents the findings in detail, tells stories of parents and communities that illustrate the poll's findings, offers action ideas, and presents technical information on the study.
* Parenting Self-Quiz--A simple conversation-starting tool for adults to compare their perspectives to those of parents in this survey.
* Building Strong Families: Insights from Research--A free electronic newsletter that provides updates on the study as well as other relevant research on building strong families.
* Building Strong Families: Power Point Presentation--A ready-to-use presentation of the key findings from the study, including presentation notes.

Additional Resources

* YMCA Resources--For more information on family programs at your local YMCA, or for practical parenting resources from the YMCA Strong Families Zone, go to www.ymca.net.
* Asset-Building Resources for Parents and Those who Work with Them--Search Institute offers a range of asset-based tools and resources for parents and families-and those who support them.