Parent Engagement Network

The PEN Difference

PEN takes the fear, shame, blame and loneliness out of parenting so that you can do what matters most: be there for your child. PEN surrounds you with a community of experts, other parents, and quality information and resources to support your parenting. By working with PEN, you will learn how to take care of yourself, build a healthy relationship with your child, and guide your child through life’s challenges and adventures so that your family can thrive.

Testimonials

Through PEN's programs, I am learning to be the parent I needed and that my kids need now.
--Broomfield parent
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I love PEN because they come from a strength-based approach that understands that all parents are the best parents they know how to be. This is an empowering place to stand! PEN celebrates with parents when the river runs smoothly, and hold them up when the waves get rocky. I know firsthand, as PEN and its wonderful people were there to support me in raising my own kids who are now grown. PEN activities provide a place for parents, professionals and youth to gather, have fun, listen to experts, and share and learn from one another. I invite you to participate in some of our activities and share PEN with other parents. Together we can raise our children in a community that is safe, supportive, and nurturing to all of our youth and families.
--Paula Nelson, PEN Program Director
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"People in Boulder Valley have found PEN programs to be a valuable asset for almost 2 decades. They have been an invaluable resource to our parent community, as well as the administrators, staff, and professionals who work with youth and families. Please reach out to them with any questions and consider making a donation to their cause."
Sincerely,
--Dr. Rob Anderson
Superintendent of Schools, September, 2019
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"While working with my son's PEN school team, I found that all parents speak the language of wanting the best for their kids. This universal language opens communication and support across barriers and is modeled by PEN volunteers." (Parent- PEN School Team Leader)

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"Parents want to hear and learn from other parents. What have you done that worked? Sharing solutions saves time and resources and gives motivation and strength. Other parents have gone through the same things, what can we learn from each other?"(Parent- PEN Monthly Community Coaching)

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"PEN is a natural partner in extending the work of the Boulder Safe Schools coalition to the parent community. PEN and BVSSC will together focus on parent training to educate and empower parents to talk with their students about respect for the rights of LGBTQ students and staff." Boulder Valley Safe Schools Coalition (BVSSC)

--Parent comments following PEN community presentations and PEN School Team involvement:
"Our community is starving for parent connections."
"I thought I had a good relationship with my child, now I know I do, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like it."
"I found mentorship and acceptance with other parents" "It's great that parent concerns are no longer swept under the rug like they used to be."
"American culture is so individualistic; it's great to get to know other parents.
"What a relief to know I'm not alone."