Parenting and Community: Insights from Two Dedicated City Councilors
Providing these clubs, these activities, oftentimes, whether it's a coach or a teacher, somebody actually can step up and provide that go-to person, that influence, that trusted parent that a child can relate to.
Parenting is never easy, but when you add the challenges of peer pressure and potential substance abuse, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of 'Healing Voices Project', host Mike Tourville sits down with Cecilia Calabrese from Agawam, MA, and Jason Campbell from Bridgeport, WV. Both are city councilors and parents deeply committed to their communities and families. They share their unique perspectives on how to navigate the tricky waters of raising children today.
Cecilia, an 18-year veteran of the Agawam City Council and mother of two young adults, emphasizes the importance of knowing your child and being actively involved in their lives. She believes that creating a safe space for open communication can make all the difference in steering kids away from harmful influences. Jason, newly elected to the Bridgeport City Council and President of JC Films, offers his insights as a father of children ranging from five to their twenties.
He talks about the power of storytelling in family-oriented films and how being a parent means sometimes making tough decisions rather than just being a friend. Together, they discuss community initiatives that provide youth with activities and a sense of belonging, which can be crucial in preventing substance abuse. This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories, making it a must-listen for anyone facing the dual challenges of parenting and addiction.