Parent Program Spotlight: De-stresser Nights

It’s no secret that it’s sometimes stressful to be a parent. Over the course of the past two years, Shoestring parents have reported elevated levels of stress and anxiety in themselves, and in their family members. To help address this, Operation Shoestring introduced a new event in our wide array of family support workshops: De-stresser Nights! 

The parents in our community say they always look forward to attending our monthly “kid-free” night, and enjoy the friendship, food, and conversation our space fosters. (Kids in our program say they love staying late at Shoestring and spending extra time with their teachers too!) In the past, we’ve had “Olympic”-themed game nights, board games, bingo sessions, and time for parents to connect in a stress-free environment.

Shoestring families who attend have dinner and childcare provided for them at our De-stressers nights, and the mental health benefits the event provides can last for weeks for participants. As Shoestring parent Minnia Winters says, ”just to be able to speak openly” when she’s experiencing stressful experiences has been “has been extremely awesome for me and my children.” 

At Operation Shoestring, our aim is to empower families like Minnia’s to live self-determined, and healthy, hopeful lives. By teaching children and inspiring families in Jackson, we improve all our lives. We all rise together.