BRADENTON, Fla.—July 14, 2025—“This is the best thing I could have done for our family,” said one parent in a 2025 anonymous survey of Parenting Matters’ Parent Partner Program. With the generosity and care of Bishop-Parker Foundation, Parenting Matters will continue to serve hundreds of Manatee County families—from Anna Maria Island to Myakka City—in its Parent Partner and Chosen Families Programs through a $35,000 grant.

The Parent Partner Program offers personalized, in-home education for parents of children ages 0-12, focusing on parenting skills, child safety and family well-being. Parenting Matters estimates 85% of families served in the Parent Partner Program fall at or below the ALICE threshold. Chosen Families is a unique, multi-faceted initiative that supports adoptive families with children ages 0-17 through trauma-informed counseling, education and long-term relationship-building strategies. Combined, the two programs served nearly 700 children and parents in 2024.

In the January–March 2025 anonymous Parent Partner Program survey, one parent said, “[The Parent Partner Program] has given me the tools and information to make parenting a little less stressful. This program also helped me feel less isolated.” Another parent said, “[The program] has helped me learn to control and regulate myself. I have improved my knowledge of how to manage tantrums and unwelcome behaviors.”

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, valued and ready to succeed,” said Katie Becker, executive director of Parenting Matters. “Thanks to the leadership of Bishop-Parker Foundation, more families will have the support they need—whether facing a crisis, a challenge or a fresh start—to build stronger connections, restore stability and create a future filled with hope.”

Bishop-Parker Foundation strengthens the Manatee County community by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of individuals and animals.

“We are proud to support Parenting Matters in their mission to uplift families and empower parents,” said Wendy Deming, CEO of Bishop-Parker Foundation. “Their work directly impacts the long-term health and success of children in our region, and that’s something we’re honored to help advance.”

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