Our Parent/Caregiver Advisory Committee (PAC) is instrumental in providing the parent perspective necessary for our programs’ success.
About the PAC
The PAC supports and engages parent education, early childhood learning, health-related work and the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Their input and insights have shaped the development of our Parenting Hub and Preschool Hub websites, and assisted in our goal of effectively promoting all free preschool opportunities and community resources and information on early childhood.
Members
Members also participate in community events, serving as ambassadors and building their leadership skills through training such as Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead.” Additionally, they have advocated for The Hub and the early childhood system with local legislators, ensuring our programs are responsive to the community’s needs and priorities.
The PAC brings community support for its members, as they themselves navigate parenthood.
Learn how PAC members Sharon and Lucy benefit from their PAC experience, and give back to other partens.
Lucy, Parent Advisory Committee Member since 2019
Why did you join the PAC and how has it impacted you?
Every core value I hold dear is in line with the PAC’s mission. The first time I went to one of their meetings, it was just to see what it was about. I wasn’t sheltered and it was a really vulnerable time for me. I saw that the PAC creates opportunities to learn and connect with community resources. It even helped me fine tune my parenting. I’m grateful to be able to voice my thoughts and suggestions, and see that I can make a difference for other parents. The HUB is a very active advocate for little learners.
How do you see MPELH helping kids, families and the local community on a day-to-day basis?
My own family’s experience is an example of how The HUB makes a difference in children’s lives. When my youngest child wasn’t reaching her 12-month milestones for development, I got support with how to engage medical professionals and schools. The HUB’s support helped me understand my rights as a parent and responsibilities as a caretaker, in a space that was completely unfamiliar to me.
Parents who don’t have the connections or haven’t built their skills just yet – who speaks for them? In the Salem area, it’s The HUB. I continue to participate on the PAC because I want to give back. I’m at a place where I’m fortunate to have a good job, and I recognize that privilege. Children with disabilities are born to all kinds of parents. We all benefit when those families get the help they need.
Sharon, Parent Advisory Committee Member since 2017
Why did you join the PAC and how has it impacted you?
I got involved about six years ago because I didn’t know anyone in Salem and I had a newborn and seven-year old. I was very quiet before, and now I am on the board and I’ve gained a lot of new skills and strengths. My PAC experience also helped give me the confidence to get a new job as a family coach for the state. I leave the PAC meetings with my cheeks hurting because we have so much fun and laugh so much.
How do you see MPELH helping kids, families and the local community on a day-to-day basis?
They’re a connector to other resources in the community and are constantly advocating for kids age 0-5. They are important every single day. When we can make children’s and families' lives better, we improve the whole community.
