Parenting in today’s world comes with challenges like never before, and a new speaker series, Families in Mind, is here to help. Hosted by Aldersgate UMC in Tustin, this series is designed to tackle tough topics head-on, offering parents, grandparents, and guardians trusted information, practical tools, and a welcoming community to navigate the complexities of raising school-aged children.
The series kicks off on Tuesday, January 16, at 6 PM with a session on the dangers of human trafficking. Led by Rev. Karin Ellis, “Human Trafficking: It’s Closer Than You Know,” will provide helpful information on ways to keep your children and those in our community safe. This session will help attendees recognize signs of trafficking, understand how it impacts young people locally and globally, and provide resources to take action.
No reservations or advanced registration is required to attend. To reserve complimentary childcare, please email maria@aumctustin.org by Monday, January 13.
Maria Longley, Director of Community Life at Aldersgate, shared that the vision for Families in Mind “grew out of our commitment to not shy away from difficult issues and to create a safe, trusted space for parents and caregivers to discuss tough topics and learn from credible experts.”
Rev. Ellis shared, “For parents of young children, I’m hoping this time together will be a reminder of how we can teach our children to practice safe boundaries and remember that we are all beautiful children of God.”
The series continues on Wednesday, March 27, at 6 PM, led by Cindy Ellington, MA, LMFT. Cindy will moderate a panel on “The Prevalence of Social Anxiety.” With a focus on children raised in lockdown, the discussion will offer insights for helping kids develop strong interpersonal skills and cope with overstimulating situations.
Aldersgate UMC is building a community where parents, grandparents, and caregivers can come together to learn, share, and support one another. They hope to continue the series in the fall so that learning, collaboration, and support can continue year-round.
The transformative series kicks off January 16. For more information, visit the Aldersgate UMC website.
