When Cesar Martinez moved from Colombia to the United States in 2022, he was focused on building a better future for his family. Cesar is a former teacher who worked closely with local government leaders in his hometown. He left behind a career, a community, and familiarity in search of safety and opportunity for his wife and two sons.

The transition was far from easy. As an immigrant navigating a new country, Cesar faced language barriers, long work hours, and the constant pressure of providing for his family. He took whatever work he could find, from warehouse jobs and truck driving to cleaning Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Ģ����Ƶ. As the leader of his household, he carried the weight of making sure his family could succeed in their new life.

Cesar’s wife gently reminded him that while he was working hard to provide for their family, his presence was just as important. But he struggled to find purposeful time with his 9- and 11-year-old children.

Determined to be more involved in his children’s lives, Cesar looked for ways to spend meaningful time with them despite his demanding work schedule. He decided to coach his youngest son’s soccer team, a choice that would unexpectedly open new doors. 

Finding the Tools to Be the Father He Wanted to Be

Through connections he made on the field, Cesar was introduced to , where he eventually became the organization’s 2024 High School Director. There, he developed and expanded after-school programs that provided academic support, college and career preparation, and family engagement services for high school students in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties. 

It was through another trusted community connection that Cesar first learned about the Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program. While attending an open house at Central Gwinnett High School, Cesar was encouraged by the school principal to speak with a pastor who was sharing information about RHCK. Although the opportunity intrigued him, Cesar hesitated. He worried that his English might not be strong enough to fully understand the curriculum, and he wasn’t sure how he could fit 10 sessions into an already packed schedule.

Still, he decided to give it a chance, because he deeply desired to improve the dynamic of his family. For Cesar, that desire was rooted in his own childhood experiences.

He grew up in a home where conflict and intense arguments were common. When tensions escalated, he often left the house until everything was over. But when he returned, the distance between family members, the tears, and the emotional wounds remained. There were also times when discipline felt harsh. 

Some memories still affect Cesar today. When his two sons argue, he sometimes finds himself thinking about conflicts between his older brothers that deeply impacted his family. 

“I do not want my children to repeat those patterns,” Cesar said. “I want them to respect one another, care for each other’s hearts, and understand the value of their relationship as brothers.”

Cesar’s experiences shaped his motivation to create a different kind of environment for his own children and become a more intentional father. He wanted to build a home defined not by conflict, but by love, patience, respect, and healthy communication.

After attending the first RHCK session, any doubts Cesar had about the workshop quickly faded. “I need to be here,” he remembered thinking. “This program can give me tools to be a better father.”

One experience in the workshop resonated the most with Cesar. As another parent described the frustration of trying to manage a household when children didn’t follow directions, he saw his own family’s struggles reflected in her story. The exchange reminded him that many parents face similar challenges, and it made him feel less alone in his journey. The supportive environment helped him stay committed, and each session confirmed that his investment of time was worthwhile.

Making Changes His Family Could Feel

Before RHCK, tension and arguments were common in Cesar’s home. Like many parents balancing work, stress, and family responsibilities, he sometimes struggled to communicate and respond in difficult moments. While he deeply loved his family, he recognized that some of his habits were creating distance.

Throughout the RHCK program, he learned about the 40 Developmental Assets, the building blocks that equip parents to lead their children in healthy ways. For Cesar, the most impactful asset was “positive family communication.” It helped him learn and maintain practical tools for managing his emotions, communicating more effectively, and becoming a better listener. 

“In the past, I would often react quickly. Today, I try to pause, be more patient, and put myself in my child’s position. I try to ask questions and understand what they are feeling at that moment before responding,” Cesar said.

Cesar’s kids noticed the change in him. “At one point,” he recalled, “my children even asked their mother, ‘What is happening to Dad? He used to react differently, and now he is much more patient and doesn’t get angry as quickly.’”

The program also helped Cesar communicate better with his wife. “When she gives me advice about how to approach a situation with our children, I listen more carefully and try to work together with her,” Cesar said. “Overall, I have become much more intentional about building stronger communication within our family.”

The transformation was so meaningful that Cesar wanted other families to experience it, too. After completing RHCK, he encouraged his supervisor at Corners Outreach to bring the program to that organization. His efforts were successful, and today RHCK is helping even more parents around Norcross strengthen their relationships with their children.

Redefining What Success Means as a Parent

Cesar credits RHCK with helping him become a better husband, father, professional, and overall person. 

Five years ago, Cesar’s primary goal was finding a better job and creating financial stability for his family. While those goals still matter, he now believes one of the most important investments he can make is building a strong foundation at home—one rooted in trust, communication, and connection. That commitment shows up in simple but intentional ways. No matter how busy life becomes, Cesar prioritizes dedicated time with his children, even if it’s only 20 uninterrupted minutes of conversation each day.

He now measures success differently. It’s no longer defined by the job he holds or the hours he works, but by the relationships he’s building with the people he loves most.

Cesar’s story is a reminder that families will grow stronger when parents are supported. And when families thrive, entire communities benefit. What began as one father’s commitment to being more present has already helped other families through Corners Outreach, and Cesar hopes that impact will continue to spread. 

Bring the Transformation of RHCK to Your Family and Community

If you’re interested in getting the tools and support to bring more strength and stability to your family, please visit our Raising Highly Capable Kids page.

All images courtesy of Cesar Martinez.

The post The Father He Wanted to Be: Cesar’s Transformation Through RHCK appeared first on For Opportunity.

The 2025 annual report for the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program confirms the big impact the workshops are having on children, families, and communities across Ģ����Ƶ. GCO collaborated with the Department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Ģ����Ƶ to prepare the report. It offers strong data for measuring and understanding the outcomes for both parents and children.

RHCK is a workshop offered by GCO in partnership with local organizations. It’s designed to give families the tools, confidence, and support to raise healthy, responsible, caring kids.

During GCO’s RHCK sessions, participants learn about the , which were identified by the Search Institute. The assets are the essential qualities and experiences that enable kids to become well-rounded, resilient adults. 

GCO and its partners offered 15 RHCK workshops at 12 locations in 2025. Participants took pre- and post-workshop surveys that illustrated the ways families had grown stronger throughout the program. Almost everyone who took the post-workshop survey (99%) said they’d learned new parenting skills, and all the participants shared that they’d found ways to encourage the development of the assets in their children. 

When parents answered open-ended questions about their experiences with RHCK, they drove home some of the lessons they’d learned:

“Better appreciation for how parenting affects overall outcome, not just of individual children but the family and community as a whole.” 

“Everything in life revolves around morality, and this is so important in feeling that you matter and have purpose.” 

“Fostering empathy and friendship skills are super important for a child to thrive in the world today.” 

These quotes reflect workshop discussions related to two Developmental Asset categories in particular: Positive Values and Social Competencies. Parents saw some of the biggest transformations in their kids in these areas. 

The assets in the Positive Values and Social Competencies categories empower children to build the confidence to engage with others in meaningful ways. By increasing their parenting skills in these categories, RHCK participants opened doors to opportunities for their kids to cultivate a robust, supportive community and a rewarding life for themselves as they grow up.

Parents in our Spring 2026 Raising Highly Capable Kids cohort gather for a session to learn how their personalities and their pasts shape their parenting journeys. 

Instilling Positive Values in Children

During GCO’s RHCK workshops, participants learned the importance of making sure their kids possess the positive values that are vital for building strong character, fostering empathy and kindness, and becoming responsible citizens. Key examples of the assets in the Positive Values category include:

• Caring: Parents support their child in developing a heart for helping others.
• Equality and Social Justice: Parents teach children the importance of treating others equally and finding ways to lend a hand to those in need.
• Integrity: Parents guide children to stand up for their beliefs.
• Honesty: Parents encourage kids to always tell the truth.
• Responsibility: Parents teach children to accept responsibility for their behavior.

In the post-workshop survey responses, 96% of participants said they’d increased their knowledge and parenting skills in the Positive Values asset category to a medium or large extent. By helping their children grow in these areas, parents are equipping them to follow foundational guiding principles.

Ensuring Kids Are Socially Competent

RHCK participants also learned about the powerful role social competence can play in forming relationships. The assets in the Social Competencies category reflect children’s ability to handle social interactions effectively, even potentially negative ones. These assets include:

• Planning and Decision-Making: Parents help children plan ahead and make good choices.
• Interpersonal Competence: Parents make sure their kids care about other people’s feelings, enjoy making friends, and learn skills to manage anger.
• Cultural Competence: Parents teach children how to form relationships with people of different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and how to be comfortable with their own identity.
• Resistance Skills: Parents encourage children to resist negative peer pressure.��
• Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Parents teach their kids positive ways to resolve conflicts.

In the post-workshop survey responses, 95% of participants said they’d increased their knowledge and parenting skills in the Social Competencies asset category to a medium or large extent. When parents help their children develop these assets, kids can better evaluate situations, understand people’s emotions, and behave appropriately around others.

“We have a common denominator of wanting the best for our children and making sure that we are intentional about providing them every opportunity, surrounding them with great people who love and support them, who will push them, making sure not only that they excel academically, but socially in the community, and just being aware that they have what they need inside already to be successful.”

— Jackie, Houston County parent and RHCK participant 

Empowering Young People to Build Community

Positive values and social competencies are closely linked. In fact, good values help set the stage for children to become socially competent. And these assets are invaluable for children’s futures.��

Having a high level of social competence enables young people to succeed academically, actively engage with others, and enjoy a strong sense of self-esteem and well-being. These outcomes then increase the likelihood that children will graduate from high school, find meaningful work as adults, experience lifelong resilience, and thrive.

Above all, positive values and social competencies make it possible for kids to form supportive relationships and build vibrant communities. They’ll be well prepared to pay attention to people’s needs and to lend a helping hand to others. And through these connections, they’ll flourish—even as they pave the way for others to grow and blossom, too.

Learn More

If you’re interested in getting the tools and support to raise healthy, responsible, caring children, please visit GCO’s Raising Highly Capable Kids webpage.

The post Raising Highly Capable Kids Program Increases Positive Values and Social Skills in Children appeared first on For Opportunity.

• Shaneika Murphy turned to the Raising Highly Capable Kids program as her sons were becoming teenagers. She wanted to make sure she supported them through all the changes middle school and high school would bring.
• During the program, Shaneika also learned how crucial it is for parents and families to have a supportive community surrounding them.
• After completing the Raising Highly Capable Kids workshop as a parent, Shaneika became a program facilitator, and she now supports other parents. Her sons volunteer with the program, too. Together, the Murphys are a shining example of how strong families build strong communities.

Shaneika Murphy felt nervous about the big transitions she was facing in 2024. Her two sons were starting middle school and high school—a new phase of life for everyone in the family. And Shaneika found herself asking, “How do we navigate this?”

Shaneika is a behavioral therapist, so she had worked with other children who struggle with challenges. But as a parent, she was anxious about how to help her teenage sons develop healthy behaviors and relationships. “Middle school, it’s a whole different thing,” she said. “Right when you think you’ve got the parenting skills down and everything—oh, we’re good, we’re communicating—and then boom, they’re in middle school.”

Shaneika started looking for opportunities to learn how to better connect and communicate with her children. Through a school newsletter, she found out about the Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program, a workshop offered by the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity in partnership with local organizations. RHCK is designed to give families the tools, confidence, and support to raise healthy, responsible, caring kids.��

Excited about the chance to enhance her parenting skills, Shaneika enrolled in the fall 2024 RHCK cohort offered by the . She found the program so rewarding that she participated again in the spring of 2025.

The support Shaneika and her family received during the RHCK workshops is now rippling outward. Every member of the Murphy family is finding ways to help others thrive. And in doing so, they’re creating a sense of community that’s changing not only their lives, but also the lives of many others.

Empowering Children Through Family Support

The RHCK workshops gave Shaneika the tools she needed to bring stability to her family and to help her children feel supported and equipped to succeed. During the sessions, she learned about the , which were identified by the Search Institute. The assets are the essential qualities and experiences that enable kids to become well-rounded and resilient adults.��

The Developmental Assets that stood out to Shaneika the most involved the idea of support. Taking what she learned from the sessions, she made sure that her children felt loved and supported at home, where real transformation could begin. “When they’re feeling great, or when they’re not feeling great—there’s things that are bothering them or things that are on their mind—they need to have that safe space within their parents,” Shaneika said.

By helping her children feel safe and supported, Shaneika strengthened the most influential part of their lives—their family—and laid the groundwork for their future growth and development.

Shaneika makes sure to spend quality time with her husband, sons, and nephew—the family she guides and supports.

The support Shaneika and her family received during the RHCK workshops is now rippling outward. Every member of the Murphy family is finding ways to help others thrive.��

Discovering a Supportive Community for Parents

During the RHCK workshops, Shaneika also discovered the invaluable benefits of a meaningful and supportive community among fellow parents. The close relationships that formed during the sessions made a big impression on her. She described the RHCK program as an opportunity for “making community”—and “building a family if you don’t have one.”��

Shaneika and the other parents in the workshop formed deep connections with each other, sharing both their strengths and weaknesses. She felt supported on every level. “I had people that were pushing me to do better, pushing me to be greater and be more excellent, and in other areas besides parenting as well,” she explained. The bonds Shaneika formed with other parents during the workshops continue to uplift her even today.

Evolving from Learning to Leading

While Shaneika was participating in the RHCK workshop, one of the facilitators, Dr. Tonya Moore, noticed how Shaneika’s professional skills as a behavioral therapist helped her support other parents. “I observed Shaneika organically building rapport with the parents. . . . She also displayed an interest in bringing resources to parents,” Tonya explained.��

Drawing on Shaneika’s strengths, Tonya worked with her to develop Parent Café, a prayer and support group that connected parents during and after RHCK workshops. She also started thinking about how Shaneika could continue supporting workshop participants and the broader community by becoming an RHCK facilitator.

When Tonya approached Shaneika about the opportunity, Shaneika was hesitant at first. She didn’t feel very comfortable speaking in front of others. But Tonya gently pushed Shaneika out of her comfort zone, boosting her confidence and encouraging her to take on the new role.

And when Shaneika settled her nerves and became a facilitator in the fall of 2025, she realized she had a passion for it. “It’s one of the more purposeful things that I’ve done,” she reflected. “I look at it as an honor to be able to do that because, in some way, I may be able to help the next generation with something that I’ve said or something that I’ve helped a parent to understand or realize.”��

As a parent, Shaneika had gained so much from the support RHCK offered her, and now she could support the families in her community in return. She was also setting an example for her sons, showing them how to overcome fears and to serve their neighbors in need.

Shaneika serves as an RHCK facilitator in Lamar County, Ģ����Ƶ, where she helps other parents and caregivers find the tools and support they need to build stronger families and communities.

During an RHCK workshop, Shaneika led parents and caregivers in an activity that drove home the importance of teaching children to lean on others for support.

Receiving Support When Times Got Tough

Through her experiences as both an RHCK participant and a facilitator, Shaneika built a strong, supportive community for her family. And when she had a major surgery followed by a long recovery process, that community stepped in to help out.��

One of the RHCK facilitators created a meal train to help the Murphy family, and other facilitators and parents contributed financially and with their prayers. People also regularly stopped by to check on Shaneika’s husband and children, making sure they had everything they needed.

The support system Shaneika had developed was once again wrapping itself around her, and also showing her children the powerful impact a caring community can make.

Inspiring Children to Build Community

To continue supporting her boys as they grow into responsible, thoughtful young men, Shaneika is now helping them develop skills for positive social interactions and active community engagement.��

To serve others, Shaneika’s sons started volunteering with RHCK during the fall of 2025. They read to the younger children while their parents take part in the RHCK workshop. They also help out after each session, putting away supplies and making sure participants get to their cars safely. Volunteering has even sparked an interest in Shaneika’s oldest son in getting a job.

And RHCK participants and facilitators have noticed the good work Shaneika’s sons are doing. The praise the boys receive gives them an extra boost of confidence. “They hear it from me all the time. They hear it from their dad. They’re great. They’re going to be successful,” Shaneika shared. “But when you hear it from someone outside of your circle, it just kind of rings a little bit more.”

Through RHCK, Shaneika also learned about a class that paired young boys with mentors. She enrolled her children, and they’re now thriving in the program. Shaneika’s husband saw the impact of the class on his sons, and he became a mentor through the same program.��

As both parents and role models, Shaneika and her husband want their sons to understand the power of connecting with people so they can not only be supported but also offer support to others. “You want them to be contributing citizens to their community,” Shaneika emphasized.

Continuously Expanding the Circles of Support

Through Shaneika, the waves of support have steadily rolled outward. The RHCK program gave her the tools to support her family through the many ups and downs that middle school and high school can bring. She also built a supportive community to help them flourish. As a facilitator, Shaneika empowered other parents to create stability and community for their families. And now, her whole family is finding ways to serve others. In Shaneika’s words, “It’s just this effect that keeps on going.”��

Above all, the supportive relationships Shaneika has formed and nurtured continue to strengthen both her own family and others who need a community—and, as she described it, “a family away from family.”

Bring the Transformation of RHCK to Your Family and Community��

If you’re interested in getting the tools and support to bring more strength and stability to your family, please visit our Raising Highly Capable Kids page.

The post Strengthening Her Family, Building Her Community: Shaneika Murphy’s Passion for Helping Others Flourish appeared first on For Opportunity.

The Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO) is honored to welcome Travis Thorne as the Vice President of Family. Travis will lead GCO’s Family Initiative and shape the future vision of its flagship program, Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK), which is an in-person, 10-week program designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical tools, honest conversations, and confidence to raise healthy, responsible, and caring kids.

Travis brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, relationship management, and strategic problem-solving. Alongside his corporate career, he has spent many years serving in ministry, leading family and men’s small groups focused on strengthening households through practical guidance around money, marriage, and legacy. A Ģ����Ƶ native who grew up in Jonesboro, Travis combines professional expertise with a deep personal commitment to families across the state.

Travis was drawn to GCO because of its holistic approach to poverty and opportunity. “At GCO, we understand that poverty, especially generational poverty, is about more than income,” Travis shared. “It’s often about fractured relationships and a loss of hope. Strong families are where a sense of purpose, belonging, and connection begins.” That belief closely aligns with GCO’s mission to advance solutions that expand opportunity and help Ģ����Ƶ families build durable paths out of poverty.

GCO selected Travis to lead the Family Initiative because of his unique ability to bridge strategy and relationships. His experience building trusted partnerships in high-performance environments, combined with years of hands-on ministry and family engagement, positions him to lead family-centered work that is both relational and scalable.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Travis to our team to lead our work in strengthening families,” said Eric Cochling, GCO’s Chief Program Officer and General Counsel. “Travis brings a unique mix of professional experience, drive, and a passion for this work that I am confident will take our family-focused initiatives to the next level and allow us to have a much deeper impact in the communities we serve.”

In his role, Travis will focus on empowering parents as the primary leaders in their children’s lives and strengthening parent-child relationships to drive generational change. This includes enhancing and expanding RHCK. Unlike many parenting programs that focus only on parents, RHCK brings families together in cohorts that build social relationships, trust, and connection, especially in communities connected to Title I schools, which serve high numbers of low-income households.

Looking ahead, Travis envisions RHCK growing through strong partnerships with faith-based organizations, schools, and community leaders. “We listen, we learn, and we build alongside families,” he said. His vision is to see RHCK become a trusted, community-anchored model that meets families where they are and creates a lasting impact across generations.

With Travis’s leadership, GCO is excited to expand the reach and success of its Family Initiative.

Hear from Travis on the vision behind GCO’s Family Initiative:

The post Strengthening Families for Generational Change: GCO Welcomes Travis Thorne to the Team appeared first on For Opportunity.

Parental love is more than just affection—it’s a powerful force that can shape a child’s life in profound ways. Far beyond the hugs and bedtime stories, the bond between a parent and child lays the groundwork for emotional security, social skills, academic achievements, and even lifelong decision-making.

Think of it as building a foundation for the future. Parents who provide consistent love and support create an environment where children feel safe to grow, learn, and thrive. These positive relationships don’t just affect childhood—they set the stage for success and resilience well into adulthood. 

Parental love enables children to be at their best emotionally, socially, and academically��

But why is this connection so vital? And what does science say about the benefits of parental love? From boosting emotional health to improving academic success, the rewards are more surprising and far-reaching than you might think.

1. Emotional well-being and mental health

A child who feels loved and supported grows up with a strong sense of security and self-worth. This emotional foundation helps children manage stress and develop resilience during difficult times. Research shows that children with strong relationships with their parents are better adjusted emotionally and face fewer mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.

2. Behavioral regulation

Parental love plays a crucial role in teaching kids how to interact with the world. Through daily interactions, children learn emotional regulation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. These lessons form the building blocks of self-control and appropriate social behavior, helping children grow into responsible adults.

3. Academic success

Children with engaged parents tend to do better in school. By being involved in their children’s education—whether it’s attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, or simply being a source of encouragement—parents can spark a love of learning. The result? Higher grades, better school attendance, and a more motivated, confident student.

4. Prevention of risky behaviors

Strong parent-child relationships act as protective measures against risky behaviors, including substance abuse, delinquency, and teen pregnancy. When children feel connected to their parents, they’re more likely to seek parental guidance when facing tough decisions, reducing the likelihood of engaging in harmful activities.

Through GCO’s Raising Highly Capable Kids Program, communities can offer parents a safe, supportive place to learn how to nurture loving bonds at home.��

Empowering parents to strengthen loving relationships is one of the best priorities a community can have

At the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO), we understand the critical role parents play in raising capable, confident kids. Our Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program focuses on empowering parents by teaching them the 40 Developmental Assets—a research-driven framework that fosters emotional and social growth in children. These assets cover essential aspects like support, empowerment, and positive identity, serving as the foundation for raising resilient kids.

RHCK has benefited parents like Brittany Moore, who found the workshop life-changing. The program provided her with practical tools, a renewed sense of purpose, and the confidence to handle conflicts.

“Parenting is one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs, and there’s no shame in seeking support,” Brittany shared. She emphasizes that RHCK is more than just a workshop—it’s a welcoming community of people who understand the ups and downs of raising children. “You’ll walk away with valuable lessons, practical tools, and a renewed sense of confidence,” she said.

Through RHCK, parents receive tools and strategies to build loving, stable homes. Here’s how it works:

• Workshops and classes: Parents participate in structured sessions that offer guidance on fostering healthy relationships and teaching critical life skills.
  
• Hands-on support: Expert facilitators provide personalized support, helping parents identify areas of growth and build stronger connections with their children.
  
• Community-building: RHCK creates a supportive community where parents can collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Interested in getting involved with RHCK?��

If you’re ready to grow stronger as a parent and learn how intentional, loving relationships can lead to transformational change in your family, we welcome you to join the RHCK program where you’ll find a safe, supportive environment to access the tools, strategies, and community needed to confidently tackle the ups and downs of parenting.

Workshops in Gwinnett

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Workshops in additional communities

Get on the list for notifications of workshops in other communities.

The post 4 Surprising Benefits of Parental Love That Set Children Up for a Flourishing Life appeared first on For Opportunity.

Research shows that —extended family members, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and the broader community—shape who they become as adults.

If these relationships are positive and nurturing, then kids learn that the world is safe and secure and that they are loved.

At the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, we believe that community is a powerful force in the journey of raising healthy, happy kids.

What happens in homes and communities has the greatest impact on the outcomes of each person’s life. After all, families and neighborhoods are the first places where people learn to love and trust one another, to live in community, and to sacrifice for others.

This dynamic is especially important for children in difficult situations, whether it be poverty and or other disadvantages. Children thrive when they have access to nurturing relationships and supportive environments, which help the development of .

When these supports are lacking, children may face additional challenges, including mental health struggles, difficulty finding employment, and economic hardship. By giving parents and communities tools to address these needs, we can shape better outcomes for all children.

According to the Search Institute, young people need positive relationships with three or more adults outside of their family to help them become healthy, responsible, caring adults themselves.��

Children’s lives are formed in community��

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” (Margaret J. Wheatley)

While parents are the first and best teachers for their kids, children’s lives are shaped by many different people, places, and experiences within their community.

GCO’s Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program gives communities a resource that’s designed to involve parents, caregivers, teachers, and broader communities equipping kids with skills and behaviors that will carry them into a successful future.

RHCK teaches these through a research-based framework known as the . The effect of these developmental assets is even more powerful when whole communities understand and engage with them.

What happens when a community embraces the building blocks of raising highly capable kids?��

Shared responsibility: Involving the community ensures that children’s development and education is shared among the most important influences in kids’ lives—parents, educators, coaches, caregivers, and local organizations.

Holistic support: Community involvement provides access to a range of resources and support systems that can serve the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs that are essential to raising highly capable kids.

Diverse perspectives: Communities are rich in diversity—with individuals from different cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds. Involving the community brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the educational process and ensuring that it’s inclusive and culturally relevant.

Stronger networks: Community involvement forms connections between parents, educators, and community leaders, creating networks that are valuable sources of information and encouragement for parents as they navigate the challenges and joys of raising their kids.

Access to resources: Communities have access to a wide range of resources like educational programs, recreational facilities, health services, and social support networks. Community involvement ensures that parents and caregivers have access to resources that enhance their ability to support their children’s development.

Positive norms and values: Communities play a crucial role in shaping the norms, values, and expectations that influence child development. By involving the community in educational initiatives focused on the 40 developmental assets, we can promote positive norms, values, and expectations that prioritize the well-being and success of children and families.

Supportive environments: Communities help create a supportive and stable environment where parents and caregivers feel empowered and encouraged in their role as primary influencers in their children’s lives. This support can boost parental confidence and resilience—enabling them to overcome challenges and advocate effectively for their children’s needs.

Sustainable impact: Communities foster a sense of ownership and investment in the well-being of children and families. By engaging the community in educational initiatives focused on the 40 developmental assets, we can invest in the well-being of children and families in a way that leads to long-term impact for current and future generations.

Our Raising Highly Capable Kids program is designed to bring parents and communities together to fostering a supportive environments and a common goal of nurturing capable and resilient kids.

Highly capable communities lead to highly capable kids 

Our world is marked by constant change and uncertainty. And kids today are often pulled in directions that their parents and grandparents can barely fathom.

Communities coming together to prioritize family health and overall well-being of the parent-child relationship has never been more important in raising highly capable kids who will lead purpose-driven, meaningful lives.

The goal of RHCK is to empower anyone who works with kids and youth—including parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, church and business leaders—to pool collective resources, knowledge, and experiences. This type of collaboration creates a support network to raise the next generation to become valued, flourishing members of the community.

Whether it’s through RHCK or another opportunity, the reality on the ground remains the same: Children’s growth and development is shaped by those closest to them.

By reaching into homes, schools, and faith-based groups, we can ensure communities are nurturing places where families can thrive and future generations have good opportunities for enriching relationships, meaningful work, and better quality of life.

The post Want our kids to be seen, heard, and valued? Get the community involved. appeared first on For Opportunity.

Key Points

• Building off our success in 2023, the new year presents unique opportunities to build better lives for our neighbors through the power of work, education, family, and safer communities.

• Our goal is for 2024 to be the year that safety-net reform takes hold in states across the country, while educational freedom becomes a reality at home here in Ģ����Ƶ as Promise Scholarships finally become a reality.
• We hope this year will also bring safer communities in big and small cities alike through key public safety reforms.

One word that often comes to mind at the beginning of a new year is “hope.” As 2024 dawns, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO) is working hard to help everyone — especially the poor and disadvantaged — experience the wonder of hope by envisioning a better future for themselves and their loved ones. They can live better. They can become better.

Time and time again, government has proven that it can’t help people escape systemic, generational poverty. While the safety net is important, viewing it as a way of life saps people of their humanity and unfairly limits their potential. The poor deserve to know that poverty is escapable, not just survivable. And they deserve a helping hand to escape.

These solutions come from homes, neighborhoods, and local communities. This is where aspirations and dreams are born. No handout can substitute for this.

With this vision in mind, we will be dedicating 2024 to making positive changes in a few key areas that greatly affect the quality and trajectory of life for those who are most vulnerable. We built significant momentum last year on a range of issues, and that’s setting the stage for even bigger impact this year.

Here’s some of what’s on tap for us in the new year.

Safety-net reform will yield new opportunities

We’re taking on the safety-net system by advancing reforms in Congress, Ģ����Ƶ, and states across the country to create a more humane system that rewards work and creates a bridge to self-sufficiency.

We should look to Utah as an example of a state in the nation that is leading the way on safety-net reforms. The Beehive State’s has integrated human services with workforce services and provides citizens with a single program to work through. Welfare becomes work support, and people have a clear path to get the help they need while receiving education, training, and other support to find employment.

This year, working with partnership as a platform, we are advancing federal legislation to allow all states to adopt the One Door model—something that federal law currently prohibits. In Ģ����Ƶ, we are working with state policymakers to create a One Door task force so that our state is prepared to implement more holistic safety-net policies, especially when federal law is no longer a barrier.��

On a similar front, we are working to educate lawmakers and the public on the problem of benefits cliffs. Put simply, benefits cliffs are when an individual, family, or household loses more in net income and benefits from governmental assistance programs than it gains from additional earnings. This net loss is a perverse incentive that undermines the natural desire to earn more income. Thanks to GCO’s original research, we are crafting program-specific solutions to reduce benefits cliffs in food stamps/SNAP and childcare assistance.��

These solutions will build off the momentum created in states like Missouri, which became the first last year to address public assistance provisions, breaking ground in reforming safety-net benefits.

Safety-net programs have a role in helping the most vulnerable in our society. Ultimately, reforms are not about making government more efficient. They are about ensuring safety-net progams serve as a bridge, not a barrier, to better opportunities and futures.

Expanding educational opportunity will benefit all students

Could 2024 be the year that—finally—education opportunity is extended to all of Ģ����Ƶ’s students, not just a privileged few?

Our hope is the answer is yes. We’re fighting to give every child in Ģ����Ƶ access to a quality education as the Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship bill comes back for a final vote in the recently convened 2024 legislative session. Promise Scholarships would give parents $6,500 per student per year to find the right education option for their kids. The bill cleared the state Senate in 2023 but stalled in the House.��

Promise Scholarships are the cornerstone of our education agenda in 2024, but they are not the only priority. We are also encouraging lawmakers to expand the ceiling on the tax-credit scholarship, to free up families to transfer students between public schools within districts and in separate districts entirely, and make key improvements to charter school laws.

It’s well past time Ģ����Ƶ caught up with the rapidly growing list of other forward-thinking states that are expanding educational opportunity to all.

Support for parents will strengthen families

This year is an exciting phase for our Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program, which we launched in 2023 to give communities a better resource for nurturing family stability and well-being.������

RHCK is a 13-week evidence-based parenting program designed to build stronger families by empowering parents with the confidence, tools, and skills they need to raise healthy, caring, and responsible children.

A driving factor of long-term poverty is a lack of connection and supportive relationships, especially at home. That’s why we are prioritizing RHCK. At its heart is a curriculum that teaches the building blocks of healthy child development. In 2024, we’re working with partners and schools to expand RHCK. We believe the program will be a powerful way to give parents, caregivers, and educators tools and support to improve kids’ academic achievement, relationships, and overall success in life.

In 2024, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity spearheads transformative initiatives, ranging from safety-net reforms and educational advancements to family support and community safety, all geared towards breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a brighter, more empowered future for individuals and families.

In 2024, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity spearheads transformative initiatives, ranging from safety-net reforms and educational advancements to family support and community safety, all geared towards breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a brighter, more empowered future for individuals and families.

Key reforms will lead to safer communities

Community violence is another barrier to economic opportunity and healthy communities. Individuals and families can only truly thrive when neighborhoods and streets are safe.��

Through community collaborations with law enforcement, policymakers, and community leaders, we’ll help Ģ����Ƶ cities like Atlanta and Columbus reverse the tide of rising violence that has been damaging the family bonds, work opportunities, and educational pathways needed to break the cycle of poverty.

In Columbus, the Columbus Empowerment Network is leading to crime reductions, and we expect more local policy reforms to be adopted in 2024. While much of the focus on increasing crime rates centers on large metro areas, smaller cities like Columbus are still important and have seen concerning upticks in crime.

Our team is also active in moving forward policy in other states, including California, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington State, and Kentucky. In Louisville, for example, our work has helped shape an omnibus crime solution bill, which is expected to pass their state House this year. Louisville is important as a national example because it’s one of the most challenging public safety environments in the country, and solutions that work in this city have a good probability of working elsewhere—including Ģ����Ƶ.��

Breaking down employment barriers will transform generations

For those who struggle in poverty, an upwardly mobile job is often the first and best step toward self-sufficiency. That’s why we will continue to work through our BETTER WORK initiative in Gwinnett County and Columbus to build our local support systems to empower men and women to find work. We’ll also cultivate an environment of community safety where business and job opportunities abound.

In Columbus, a new focus for 2024 will be on partnering with local leaders and law enforcement to keep crime from driving away businesses and job opportunities. Meanwhile in Gwinnett, we’re laser focused on building out our network of employer partners, nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations to provide a bridge to a better life for the disadvantaged. And overall, we will continue our partnership with Jobs for Life as well as our mentor program.

The post 2024: A Year of Unique Opportunities to Change Lives and Help Our Neighbors appeared first on For Opportunity.

Lawrenceville, Ga. – Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded an endowment grant to Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church. The grant will enable the church to facilitate the Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting program — called the Parents First Initiative — across the Lawrenceville community.

The Parents First Initiative is a unique partnership designed to empower parents to equip their kids for life. By leveraging the Raising Highly Capable Kids program, the initiative will help parents develop the skills they need while building the meaningful relationships that weave a community together.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside Lawrenceville First United Methodist to make this curriculum available to more Ģ����Ƶ families,” said Joyce Mayberry, vice president of family at GCO. “The endowment will help this critical curriculum continue to thrive. Beyond resilient kids, we’re focused on building resilient communities. This grant will help us make a bigger difference in the lives of families across the state.”

“We need a village to raise kids today and we want to help build that village together,” said Rev. Dr. Adam Hilderbrandt of Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church. “Raising Highly Capable Kids’ 13-week course will give footings to build this village and the connections made will allow the village to grow from there.”

The Raising Highly Capable Kids program empowers adults to become stronger parents with healthier families. Its 13-week-long, evidence-based curriculum gives adults the tools and skills they need to confidently raise children who are caring, responsible, and healthy.��

is presented by the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, in partnership with . It’s currently being offered to adults in communities across Ģ����Ƶ.��

The objective of Raising Highly Capable Kids is to help kids have healthier outcomes across all areas of their lives, including family life, academics, mental health, social wellbeing, and their eventual careers. By focusing on the family unit and the whole child, the program improves parent-child communication, strengthens bonds, and helps kids to avoid risky behaviors.

“We’re opening lines of communication between parents and students and improving academic outcomes,” Mayberry said. “And, we’re helping parents to see their strengths in parenting, equipping them with the right tools and resources to be successful.”��

The program also connects parents to one another, creating a stronger community as parents learn how to create healthier, more effective environments for their children. According to Mayberry, it’s critically important for parents to understand that they’re not alone, and they have support along the journey.��

One of the program’s most unique aspects is its focus on where parents excel in their roles as they raise their kids.��

“We’re here to support them and identify their strengths,” Mayberry said.��

According to Mayberry, this program isn’t just about improving parenting skills and kids’ outcomes in the here and now. It’s about facilitating change across entire communities and carrying those changes into the future for generations to come.��

“Through Raising Highly Capable Kids, we’re going to change the trajectory of families,” said Mayberry. “We’ll change the parents’ lives and the kids’ in turn. It’s all about generational transformation.”��

The bottom line is that communities need more programs like the Parents First Initiative. Raising Highly Capable Kids depends on community organizations, churches, and schools to get involved and help to facilitate its curriculum in local communities. From volunteer teachers to organizations that incentivize parents to complete their classes, there are many ways to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help with Raising Highly Capable Kids, we’re looking for leaders in:��

• • School environments who can provide parents in their communities with the tools they need to help their kids succeed in academics
  • Churches who are willing to offer courses locally
  • Nonprofit organizations who are willing to host local classes��

There is also an ongoing need for volunteers to teach the courses wherever they’re made available.

Want to get involved? Get in touch with Joyce Mayberry at joycem@foropportunity.org.

The post Lilly Grant Will Bring the Parents First Initiative to Lawrenceville, Enabling Families to Thrive appeared first on For Opportunity.

Raising and educating young people takes . Everyone—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends, clergy, coaches—plays an important role. Within this collaboration, parental involvement is especially powerful and yields numerous benefits for both children and schools. 

Research consistently that children with engaged parents tend to have higher academic performance, better attendance rates, improved behavior, and increased motivation to learn. Moreover, by gaining valuable insights, fostering a supportive environment, and enhancing overall student outcomes. When our kids are successful and able to show up as their best selves, our entire communities benefit from future generations of healthy, responsible, caring adults who are well prepared for meaningful work, relationships, and community involvement. 

As families prepare for a brand new school year, here are six ways that schools and communities can empower students and their parents and caregivers throughout the school year. 

1. Build strong communication channels between parents, children, and schools.��

Schools can employ various strategies, such as regular newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, class websites, and digital communication platforms to keep parents informed about their child’s progress, school activities, and opportunities for involvement. Encouraging two-way communication ensures that parents feel valued and heard, enabling them to participate in their child’s educational journey.

2. Offer and promote parent education programs.��

Parent education programs and workshops play a vital role in equipping parents with the necessary skills and knowledge to support their children’s learning. Schools can organize workshops on topics like homework assistance, effective communication strategies, and understanding curriculum standards. By empowering parents with the right tools, they become better equipped to engage in their child’s education and make informed decisions.

3. Encourage volunteering and participation.��

Volunteering opportunities provide parents or other primary caregivers with hands-on involvement in their child’s school and community. Schools can offer various volunteering options, such as assisting in the classroom, organizing events, or participating in extracurricular activities.

Volunteering strengthens the parent-child bond, and it helps parents understand the educational environment and feel a sense of belonging within the school community.��

When our kids are successful, entire communities benefit from future generations of healthy, responsible, caring adults who are well prepared for meaningful work, relationships, and community involvement. 

4. Create family engagement events.��

Family engagement events serve as an excellent platform to bring parents, children, and educators together. These events can range from family fun days, cultural celebrations, or academic showcases. 

By organizing inclusive and interactive events, schools can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages parents to participate and form connections with other families, thereby enhancing the sense of community.

5. Leverage technology to give parents flexibility.����

In today’s digital age, technology can bridge the gap between parents, children, and schools.  Online platforms and applications give parents easy access to information about their child’s progress, assignments, and upcoming events. Schools can use technology for virtual parent-teacher conferences, webinars, or online discussion forums, enabling greater flexibility and engagement for parents who may have time constraints.

6. Partner with the community to enrich students’ educational experiences.��

Collaborating with the wider community enriches the educational experience and broadens the opportunities available to students. Schools can engage local businesses, organizations, and professionals to offer mentorship programs, career guidance, or specialized workshops. Community partnerships foster real-world connections, expose children to diverse perspectives, and demonstrate the importance of community involvement.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about how communities can support parents and foster the academic achievement and well-being of our youth? Check out these resources based on our Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting program:

• 5 Summertime Tips to Support Children’s Development
• Why Parental Involvement Is Key to a Child’s Health

The post Back to School: 6 Ways Communities Can Help Parents and Kids Succeed appeared first on For Opportunity.

School breaks, warm weather, longer daylight hours—these are a recipe for more relaxation and fun as parents and kids enjoy a few weeks free of school-related commitments. On the other hand, summer can be challenging when kids have time off but parents must continue their regular work schedules and responsibilities. 

Numerous studies have shown that parental involvement is key to children’s health and overall development. But how can parents maintain this involvement and nurture their child’s development in a season where kids might be on break but adults are not? 

Our parenting class, Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK), has tools to help parents—and any adult caring for young people—answer this question. RHCK teaches the that are essential for raising healthy, responsible, caring kids. Several of these building blocks provide simple, inexpensive, and effective ideas that adults can use throughout the summer to support kids’ development. Plus, all of these ideas have a larger benefit of cultivating overall family well-being and connection.

1. Embrace evenings for family activities

In our Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting class, one of the developmental building blocks we teach is “”—where a child spends some time each day interacting with their parents and doing activities at home that don’t involve TV or video or computer games. This type of interaction has been shown to improve young people’s leadership skills, health, and achievement in school. 

One benefit to summertime schedules is that flexible bedtimes and longer daylight hours can free up evenings for quality time as a family. For many families, summer evenings can be good opportunities for connection and fun, especially if parents are working during the day or if a vacation isn’t feasible for your budget. 

Activities to try:

• Game night with your favorite board or card game
• Family movie night
• Visit a local pool or playground��
• Go for a walk after dinner and talk about favorite moments from the day
• Plan a picnic for dinner

2. Cultivate responsibility by getting kids involved around the house

Building personal responsibility in kids goes beyond rule-following. It’s about giving kids to practice caring for themselves and their environment and learning from successes and mistakes in the process. 

When it comes to the , summer is a great time to get creative. As kids get a break from school assignments, they can practice cultivating responsibility in other areas of life. For example, parents could have their child pick a household chore to be in charge of throughout the summer. Or, they could involve kids in tasks that introduce new skills and experiences—things like gardening, cooking, reading to siblings, or taking care of pets. 

The important thing is to involve your child in selecting responsibilities for the summer. Being able to choose, even if it’s from a limited list of options, encourages young people to feel that . 

��3. Let your child choose a special hobby for the summer

Participating in creative activities two or more times helps kids : intellectual comprehension, communication, cultural understanding, and overall creativity and problem-solving. 

Summer can be a great time to encourage kids to explore new interests. Plus, parents can use new hobbies as a tool to set much-needed routines in the midst of a less structured season. Have your child pick an activity or two to try this summer, and if it fits within your budget, take them to the store to pick out items they’ll need for their project. 

Activities to try: 

• Creative writing or journaling
• Painting or drawing
• Building (lego sets, puzzles, block sets)
• Listening to or playing music

“What we’re doing with Raising Highly Capable Kids is helping them develop those core assets so they have a strong foundation to have a successful life and be a positive contributor to our community.”��

4. Encourage reading for pleasure

Reading is strongly to developing positive values and learning concepts, facts, and emotions in creative, inspirational ways. Summer is the perfect time to help kids experience the pleasure of reading for fun, not just for school assignments.

Activities to try: 

• Put reading material—chapter books, picture books, comic books, etc.—in easy-to-reach places around the house.
• Set a family reading time once a week to read aloud to younger kids or hang out with older kids while reading different books.��
• Take advantage of through local libraries or bookstores. These programs often set up reading challenges or adventures to get kids excited about completing a goal.��
• Join forces with families in your neighborhood to create a summer book club for older kids or story time for younger children

5. Pick one way to serve others

One way to have a memorable, satisfying summer is to dedicate time to making a difference in the world around you. that young people who serve others are more likely to develop respect, kindness, patience, and helpfulness. Get together with your kids and brainstorm some ways that you could help out in your community. It could be as simple as weeding the yard for an elderly neighbor, or perhaps you could or a home project for the whole family to help out with. 

Get your kids involved in picking summer goals for the family��

For many families, the key to a rejuvenating summer is to . Not sure what to prioritize? Consider having a conversation with your family to brainstorm what you want your summer to include. 

Here are a few questions to use as starting points:

• • How do you want your summer to feel?��
  • What are some local attractions or activities that you could enjoy as a family?��
  • What is a hobby or project that your child would enjoy spending time on?��
  • What are some books you would like to read or movies you would like to watch?��
  • How could you invest in your family’s physical health? How much time should your kids be outside playing or staying inside and relaxing?
  • How much screen time will be allowed?��
  • What seasonal meals or snacks would the family enjoy?��
  • How do you want to build friendships during the season?����

Finalize your list by choosing a handful of things that appeal to your family or by allowing each person to choose one thing that appeals to them. Then, go and enjoy your summer! 

The post 5 Summertime Tips to Support Children’s Development appeared first on For Opportunity.