Nurturing New Beginnings: CPP Supporting Parents in Recovery

Maryville Academy is an organization which received funding and support through the Chicago Parent Program RFP. This story was originally featured in the Chicago Parent Program newsletter on September 9, 2024.

Maryville Academy: Empowering Families Through CPP
Maryville Academy, a cornerstone in the Chicagoland area, has a long-standing commitment to supporting families and children. Maryville’s approach is holistic, accepting any parent throughout the Chicagoland area who is struggling to meet their children’s needs. This includes parents in recovery, as well as those from the community and even from downstate regions. One of the key areas of interest for Maryville’s Parenting Coach Katrina Ivory is supporting mothers who are in recovery. This focus raised an important question: Can the Chicago Parent Program (CPP) be effective for parents in recovery? The answer, as observed through the program’s implementation at Maryville, is a resounding yes!

The Initial Goal
The initial goal of integrating CPP at Maryville was to ensure the use of evidence-based practices to promote family growth, reduce parenting stressors, help parents to understand child development, and foster positive outcomes and nurturing parent-child relationships. According to Ivory, CPP accomplishes those goals. “We observed a level of engagement with parents that we hadn’t seen in other parenting programs,” she explains. “Participants feel a strong connection with other parents.”

Emotional Graduation Ceremonies
Nelia Bernabe, Social Media and Communications Manager at Maryville Academy, attended a graduation and witnessed firsthand the emotional impact of the program. “That certificate of completion means the world to participants,” shares Bernabe. “It represents their ability to overcome obstacles…for many in the room, this program was a turning point.”

The Impact of CPP
The effectiveness of CPP for parents in recovery is undeniable. It addresses common struggles and strengths among attendees, regardless of their backgrounds. For some women, this program was an opportunity to accomplish something significant, boosting their self-esteem and empowering them. Ivory notes that having CPP groups with both recovery and non-recovery participants was beneficial. “Recovery is just one more stressor for these parents,” she says. “We didn’t need to make changes to CPP because it worked for both groups [of parents].” Maryville did, however, make sessions hybrid to accommodate attendance, which worked well and will continue for the second cohort.

A Community of Support
One of the most significant outcomes of CPP is the sense of community it fosters among participants. Bernabe shares how the women support each other. “It was wonderful to see them lift each other up,” she recounts. “The mothers saw that they had a sorority going on, which is why they were crying and hugging. They realized that together they did something really big.” Post-program, these connections continue. Participants created a list to stay in touch, stressing the importance of social connections for mental health.

The Success of CPP
Maryville has tried various parenting programs, but CPP stands out. Every member is invested, and the program’s holistic approach makes families stronger and better. Ivory underscores the importance of appreciating the participants beyond just teaching the curriculum. “It’s not just about delivering a program; it’s about learning from the participants and valuing their contributions.” Maryville Academy’s implementation of CPP demonstrates its profound impact on families, particularly those in recovery. By fostering a supportive community, promoting personal growth, and utilizing evidence-based practices, CPP has become a beacon of hope for parents in recovery striving to provide better futures for their children.