Family Alternatives to Violence seeks to break the cycle of violence in family interactions and provide the skills that lead to healthy family interactions. 

o    Parenting and Anger Management courses (in English and Spanish) are 11-week classes designed to improve parenting skills and anger awareness while providing specific techniques and 'homework exercises' that provide opportunities for behavioral change.  Includes a Teen Moms & Dads Program.
 

o    A Family Development Program reaches out to families in a pro-active, multi-faceted effort that encourages goal-setting and personal improvement strategies for families and for family members.  Includes home visiting, afternoon workshops, Family Weekends, mentoring and the full complement of Mercy Center services for women and families.
 

Here's what some of our past participants had to say:

“Just because some of us went through abuse doesn't mean our child has to...I learned prevention of child abuse, how anger affects the child, and how to deal with anger in a positive way.”  --anonymous

This class showed me that you don't have to be a dictating parent and tell your child what to do all the time, you can give them choices.”  --LaTenah, age 16

“Before I believed that children did things to get you mad, but now I understand that they do certain things to learn or understand things they never really had any knowledge of...before I would not know what else to do but put her in her room, but now I can use more communication skills.”  --Cinthya, age 19

“I liked the topics and the homework assignments.  I go home and brag to my mother, especially if I use a technique and it works!”  --Lianna, age 20

“Honestly I do feel as if I have a better understanding of how to handle situations, this class has taught me a lot.  I usually just ignored my son and just left the house, but now I sit and talk with him.”  --Genesis, age 17