AUGUSTA — Crisis & Counseling Centers on June 15 launched its summer/fall “Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery” class series for parents and caregivers in recovery from substance use disorders, as well as those who are actively using.

The free 17-week series of classes are hosted by Crisis & Counseling Centers’ Parent’s Case Management program along with KVCAP’s Kennebec Family Enrichment Council.

The class is teaching parents realistic and practical skills, as well as helping them explore the effects of substance use on themselves and their families, their parenting style, and their relationship with their child. The class also provides a sense of community vital for those in recovery.

The course is based on the philosophy of “Nurturing Parenting” created by Dr. Stephen J. Bavolek, a leader in the field of parent education, based on his extensive research. By doing exercises centered on self-care, finding hope, and key parenting skills, participants will rebuild trust with their children.

A panel of community providers will also be offered, as well as resources that can aid participants in their recovery and parenting journeys. There are 17 sessions, all about 90 minutes, which will take place on Zoom from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 5.

Elisa Sousa, manager of community case management at Crisis & Counseling Centers, who has a background in special education and social work, is looking forward to co-leading the class:

“I’m just excited to talk to folks in recovery and be a small part of their journey along the way. I’m always hopeful and optimistic that maybe there’s one topic or one little seed of wisdom that we can give to them that will really help them move towards whatever their life goal is,” Sousa said, according to a news release from the centers.

This class is ideal for parents, caregivers, expectant parents, and parents that are working on reunification who are in recovery from a substance use disorder, or who are actively using and live in Kennebec county and surrounding areas. The class is open to those who are dealing with all types of substance use disorders.

The class is also open to family members who are raising children that have been affected by substance use disorders. While parents/caregivers with children of any age are welcome, the class is designed for those who are actively parenting. The course covers 20 topics, and interested parents/caretakers are encouraged to join at any time.

Participants can learn about stress management, guiding behaviors, boundary skills and gain a deeper understanding of the feelings of grief, loss, and guilt that may come with recovery from a substance use disorder.

As Sousa explains it, parenting while in recovery or while actively using is challenging:

“It’s not always comfortable to have conflict or feel like you’re having conflict even with your own young children. And so you tend to maybe want to just give into something because parenting is hard.” Sousa continues, “I would definitely say speaking from personal experience it’s one of the most difficult jobs on the face of the earth, because it takes a lot of grit and persistence and it’s not easy. It’s not easy to sit with another person being angry with you or upset with you. When you’re in recovery, there’s a lot of that.”

Those interested in participating in this free program can call Sousa at 207-446-4778 or Jenny Freudlich at 207-895-1580.

For more information, or to register at crisisandcounseling.org/events.