🚸 Teen Parents, Grandparents, and More: Making Outreach Inclusive

Every community has families who are deeply connected to programs…and families who remain just out of reach. It’s important for us to reflect: who are we already reaching, and who are we missing? Asking that question can open the door to more inclusive and equitable engagement.

Think of the variety of families in your community: teen parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, military families, families with translation needs, adoptive parents, fathers’ groups, and more. Each brings a unique set of experiences and strengths. If we’re not intentionally reaching out to them, we risk leaving them without the resources and relationships they deserve.

Outreach begins with relationship. Families are more likely to connect when the invitation comes through trusted channels: a childcare provider, a doctor’s office, a local faith community, or even a neighbor. Partnerships with community organizations: public health programs, shelters, schools, housing complexes, can extend your reach far beyond what a flyer or Facebook post could do.

Barriers are real, but many can be lowered. Transportation, costs, and scheduling are often the first hurdles. Language, childcare, and even the physical environment of a space can also play a big role. Programs that acknowledge and address these barriers show families that their presence truly matters.

Outreach isn’t about recruitment, it’s about relationship. When families feel sought after, welcomed, and valued, engagement becomes a natural extension of connection.

3 Actionable Steps for Programs

1. Name the gap: Identify one population you aren’t currently reaching and brainstorm specific strategies to invite them.

2. Leverage partnerships: Reach out to one community organization this quarter/semester to co-host an event or share information.

3. Lower one barrier: Choose a common challenge (like transportation or translation) and create a plan to reduce its impact.

💡 Let’s grow together with C2L!

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✨ Our team is here to support your journey in family engagement!

- Jen & Beka