PEPS

We are meant to parent in community. 

Last year, the Surgeon General issued a public health advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. The report stated that humans are wired for social connection, but we’ve become more isolated over time. Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling - it harms both individual and societal health. Adults who report feeling lonely often are more than twice as likely to develop depression. Frankly, it’s scary, but the solution is simple: Social Connection. Relationships. The work that PEPS does with parents creates a culture of connection. It creates relationships.

Since our inception 40 years ago, PEPS has always been about bringing parents out of isolation and together, because we deeply know that when parents/caregivers are connected, and children grow up with supportive and responsive relationships, children and families become stronger and resilient. And post COVID that’s become increasingly important.

This year, more than 4,000+ King and Snohomish County parents will participate in our facilitated peer-support groups for expectant parents, parents of newborns, second time parents, parents of babies 5-12 months, and parents of adolescents and teens. 

Your investment will help us expand and evolve in these and many more areas: 

• Grow in-person groups. In 2024 we aim to meet the needs of post pandemic parents by increasing our in-person services to 68% of new parent groups, hosting 256 in-person groups in both community sites and in homes.  
• Grow Program for Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT). Our goal is growing and further refining our 9-week and 4-week PAT groups as well as the workshops on topics relevant to this parenting stage. Additionally, we will expand our partnerships with community-based organizations, school districts, and middle and high schools and continue PAT Spanish language groups.
• Meet the needs of parents with unique identities.  We will continue to build our PEPS affinity program offering LGBTQIA+ affinity groups quarterly and an in-person gathering for LGBTQIA+ families in the summer; launch our Single Parents groups as an ongoing program offering; and continue piloting Working Moms groups, aiming to launch these groups as ongoing programming in the fall of 2024. 
• Deepen and grow partnerships. We currently partner with 20 community and network partners supporting them in providing culturally responsive programs locally and nationally. Together we serve Spanish speaking parents, Afghan families, Black moms, parents living in low-income housing, young parents, and more and plan on expanding our partnership work focusing on Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Just like parenting, as an organization, we cannot do our work alone.  PEPS relies on our amazing community to thrive. That's where you come in! Your experiences, support, and involvement are crucial in driving our mission forward and I invite you to make a joyful gift during GiveBIG 2024.

Let's ensure that PEPS can keep making a difference in the lives of families for years to come.  

Please also consider supporting our partner organizations who work diligently with their respective communities.

Mission

To connect parents to strengthen families and build community

Vision

Resilient Families | Connected Communities | Equitable Outcomes

Engage More:

Volunteer to lead a PEPS Group. Click here

Learn about our Advisor and Ambassador Network. Click here

Dig deeper with our 2023 Annual Report. Click here

Get involved in our advocacy work. Click here