Inspiration For Greatness Foundation for Children and Families (IFG)

Founded in 2006, our mission is to mitigate the effects of abuse and neglect in homes and help children and families in acquiring the skills needed to thrive in our communities.  We are a DSHS contract provider and partner with community agencies and churches to offer service on a sliding scale fee, as available.

The Nurturing Parenting is an evidenced based program through SAMSHA and the Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The parenting and child sessions are facilitated by Master level therapist and local educators in a joint community partnership. Nurturing Parenting is an ongoing education program designed to meet intensive needs of families who have experienced stresses that effect their emotional stability and health.  Ongoing- means: any family who is referred can start the next week. 

The Nurturing Parenting Programs® is a promising practice with a proven track record to prevent and/or reduce incidences of child abuse and neglect. The program is recognized nationally by the following:

• National Registry of Effective Programs and Practices
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• The Child Welfare League of America
• The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
• Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

 The Nurturing Parenting Programs® were created by Stephen J. Bavolek, Ph.D. Dr. Bavolek is recognized for his work in promoting nurturing parenting attitudes and skills for the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

The programs are based on the following six assumptions:

• The family is a system
• Empathy is the single most desirable quality in nurturing parenting
• Parenting exists on a continuum
• Learning is both cognitive and affective.
• Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to become nurturing parents.
• No one truly prefers abusive interactions.

Nurturing Parenting Program is an evidenced based curriculum. The parenting and child sessions are facilitated by Master level therapist and local educators in a joint community partnership. Nurturing Parenting is an ongoing education program designed to meet intensive needs of families who have experienced stresses that effect their emotional stability and health.  Ongoing- means: any family who is referred can start the next week. 

The Nurturing Parenting Programs meet the specific needs of families.  Programs have been identified according to the standard levels of prevention: primary, secondary (intervention) and tertiary (treatment).

Prevention Programs (primary prevention)
The primary prevention of child abuse and neglect has been a sought after goal for decades. At primary level of prevention, a “zero tolerance” community philosophy exists. Parenting education at the pre-parent stage, the pre-natal stage, education for special learning needs children, support groups, community action teams, community awareness campaigns, community resources are implemented so all forms of child maltreatment can be prevented.

Intervention Programs (secondary prevention)
At the secondary level of prevention, programs are designed to “intervene” to prevent further escalation of the early stages of maltreatment. Families at this level are often referred to as “at-risk.” The goal of intervention is to provide families with the necessary knowledge, skills, resources and services to build upon the parent’s strengths to prevent abuse and neglect.

The benefits to families participating in The Nurturing Parenting Programs® include:

• Family Centered programming
• Developmentally appropriate education
• Decreased behaviors that lead to child abuse and neglect
• Culturally appropriate
• Tailored to the specific needs of each family