YWCA Programs for Families
Cope Seminar: Helping children cope with divorce or separation
This seminar helps parents understand how their children experience divorce and what parents can do to help. We know that divorce and separation can be a difficult time for all involved. Parents and other caregivers profoundly affect how well a child adjusts to the changes. We truly hope parents leave the seminar feeling like they have more tools for helping their children to thrive during this transition. Register online.
Rollercoasters: A workshop for young children of divorce
Fun games and activities help children through the transition of divorce or separation. For all children aged 6-11. Register online.
Parenting Discussion Groups
Parenting is easier with the support and encouragement of others. This free parent discussion group provides a comfortable, nonjudgmental setting for parents to discuss any issues they might be dealing with as their children grow and develop.
Resources for families in Salem
What's Happening
Find the dates and times of classes, support groups, and activities for families in the Salem area. Published quarterly and available online. Free to print and make submissions.
Social Service Resource Directory
Looking for resources in Salem? This directory is a listing of over 100 social service agencies in Salem such as nonprofit organizations, churches, health centers, and more. Find out the services they provide, their location, hours, web site address, and other contact information. Available online.
No Cost. Free Childcare. Ongoing. Join Us!
Held at the YWCA.
Get Directions
If the discussion group date falls on a holiday, we might not be meeting. Please give us a call or an email just to be sure.
parenting discussion groups
English:
Every Tuesday, 6-8 PM
Spanish:
Every Thursday, 6-8 PM
Parenting is easier with the support and encouragement of others. This free parenting discussion group provides a comfortable, nonjudgmental setting for parents to discuss any issues they might be dealing with as their children grow and develop.
These free discussion groups are led by a professional facilitator focusing on a variety of topics such as problem-solving, effective discipline, and stress relievers for parents.
Please join us! Just stop by the YWCA-- no need to pre register. Our front desk staff will show you where to go. We hope to see you then.
All groups are now meeting at our new building on Broadway.
See our
Rollercoasters
brochure
(300KB-- PDF)
Rollercoasters
Fun games and activities help children through the transition of divorce or separation
Winter Session: February
Spring Session: Tuesdays, April 15-June 3, 2008
Fall Session: October
Classes are held once a week for 8 weeks.
Classes are usually divided into two groups:
1st-3rd graders meet from 6-6:50 PM
4th-6th graders meet from 7-7:50 PM
Parents and kids love the workshop:
- “The instructors were great! The children were really put at ease.”
- “It helped my child to understand that their parents would not be getting back together.”
- “I think the class is great.”
- “I really liked it and it was very fun”
- “I loved the teachers”
- “I liked all the friends I met there.”
Topics include:
- Week 1: Everything is different
- Week 2: Is it my fault?
- Week 3: I wish everything was back to normal
- Week 4: What hasn't changed?
- Week 5: I am so mad!
- Week 6: Nobody knows how I feel
- Week 7: Who can I talk to?
- Week 8: What I have learned
Rollercoasters FAQ
Who can sign up for Rollercoasters?
Rollercoasters is for all children, girls and boys, in the 1st-6th grade who have been through their parents’ divorce or separation. You don’t have to be a member of the YWCA to enroll.
Why do classes start with first graders?
First grade is generally when we think children are developmentally ready for this type of workshop, but it depends on the child. We do allow children who are age five to attend if the parent feels the child will participate and benefit from it.
When is the best time to enroll my child in Rollercoasters?
Any time is good, but children seem to benefit if a small amount of time has passed since the separation. Waiting a while gives the children time to experience some of the changes they will talk about in class. We recommend waiting about 6 months from the time of separation, but it is really up to you to decide when you think the class would be best.
Can my two kids be in the same class if they are in different age groups?
There are some advantages for the kids who have their own separate class. We divide the groups by age because children usually feel more comfortable and relate better when the other children in class are of similar age. Sometimes a child will not be as honest and open when there is a sibling in class listening to what they say. Some siblings will feel like a team instead of each child expressing his or her own feelings and concerns. Many parents like the one-one-one time they get with each child to deal with their specific needs and issues.
Do parents come in the class, too?
Children will have activities and games with the teachers for about a half hour, then parents are invited to attend the last 10-15 minutes of class for discussion.
How much does it cost?
The fee is currently only $29 per child for the entire 8-week session. Need-based scholarships are available
For more information about Rollercoasters and to register, please contact the YWCA at 503-581-9922 or use our secure online form.