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Giveaway finalist: Parents Helping Parents

[The following content was provided by Parents Helping Parents. Cast your vote for Parents Helping Parents or check out our other finalists on our 2008 Finalists page.]

95% of youth drink before graduating high school; 53% try at least one illegal drug; 20% will be addicted.

"I am so thankful to be able to direct distressed parents to your organization. There is such a feeling of helplessness and isolation," Chair, Memorial Parent Organization.

"Thank you so much for your help. I read it (email response) over and over again. Your help and information is more helpful than anybody else," from a parent accessing email consultation.

Parents Helping Parents Programs that are meeting the needs of the community include:

  1. Regular meetings: for parents with guest speakers, and time to talk.
  2. Parent/Coach program: "experienced" parents matched by request to share experiences.
  3. Police Department & Juvenile Court: parents of involved youth are referred to PHP.
  4. Web site: information, local resources, services list, a sample contract to drive, and hope.
  5. Email newsletter: information about drugs, alcohol, use, addiction, and options for parents.
  6. Speakers' bureau: speakers are available on topics related to drugs and alcohol use or abuse.
  7. Private consultation by e-mail: with a licensed professional for parents whose child is using.
  8. Resource referral: local resources and professional help for children and adult children.
  9. Bimonthly article for the Edmond Sun newspaper: deals with adolescents, drugs, and alcohol.
  10. Collaborations: coordinating with Oklahoma Citizen Advocates for Recovery and Treatment Association, the Oklahoma Statewide Association of Substance Abuse Providers, and the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselors Association to coordinate services, refer, and explore collaboration addressing the whole picture of addiction: prevention, intervention, treatment, family involvement, coordination with the legal system, schools, community, and political system, and successful reintegration in to the community.
  11. Additional Chapters: parents Helping Parents is working to assist other communities to start chapters.
  12. Newsletter: a City of Edmond grant provides for a quarterly newsletter mailed to parents of children between 11 and 17 with information, options, and resources to address youth use of drugs and alcohol.
  13. Contract to Drive: available on-line, in tag agencies and insurance offices for parents and teens.
  14. Family Contract: work has started to provide a family contract similar to the Contract to Drive.
  15. Family Mediations: family mediation services, and top tools for teen parents free of charge.

Parents Helping Parents will ask program participants to complete evaluations of services where possible. Collaborative effort partners are asked to complete evaluations. Informal conversations with community organizations and program participants provide excellent feedback. The Board and staff review and discuss all input to determine focus, improvements, changes, and discontinuation of services.

The latest National Household Survey on Drug Abuse found that many Americans who need drug treatment don't realize they have a problem. According to the survey, more than 4.6 million drug users in the United States meet the criteria for needing treatment but don't know or acknowledge that fact.

In 2000, an estimated 4.7 million people aged 12 or older (2.1 percent of the total population) needed treatment for an illicit drug abuse problem. 16.6 percent of the people who needed treatment in 2000, received treatment services at a specialty facility. Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Among young adults aged 18 to 25, current illicit drug use increased between 2000 and 2001 from 15.9 percent to 18.8 percent. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse Parents Helping Parents is dedicated to assisting communities start chapters to prevent addiction where possible, and offer resources, education, and an opportunity to share experiences for parents of children using drugs or alcohol.

Visit Parents Helping Parents' current website.

Posted on Tue, October 7, 2008 by Tim Wall

32 comments (Add your own)

1. wrote:
I vote for Parents Helping Parents Dennis Nevius

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 8:49 AM

2. Belinda Merkel wrote:
PHP is helping parents and families all over our community and I vote for Parents Helping Parents.

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 9:07 AM

3. wrote:
This organization fills a vital need.

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 10:52 AM

4. Stacy J wrote:
THis was an answer to prayer for dear friends of mine! Thank you! my vote is here!

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 11:55 AM

5. Todd Spencer wrote:
Parents Helping Parents gets my vote!

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 12:27 PM

6. Jean wrote:
This is a great organization and it needs this help. My vote goes here.

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 12:34 PM

7. Dr. Miles K. Lewis wrote:
Outstanding organization! PHP has truly broken new ground and provided a light in the midst of darkness for so many Oklahoma families.

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 12:34 PM

8. Erin wrote:
I vote for Parents Helping Parents

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 1:41 PM

9. Trudy Nix wrote:
Parents helping Parents was a Godsend for me as I could not converse with anyone else about my son's addicton. They knew what I was talking about when no one else did. They also offered options I had not known about. This is a real problem of our youth that needs more exposure. It needs to be treated for the illness it is, not punished as a crime.

Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 4:24 PM

10. Kyle McGraw wrote:
PHP is vital in helping parents with adolescent and early adults who are struggling with the abuse and addiction. They are an excellant resource to the community.

Wed, October 8, 2008 @ 10:41 AM

11. Joyce wrote:
This organization has help me restore sanity to my life and my son's life. More parents are reaching out everyday. Vote Parents Helping Parents and give parents a helping hand.

Wed, October 8, 2008 @ 1:41 PM

12. Robert Semands wrote:
PHP helped me so much when my teenage son was addicted to drugs and alcohol that I decided to be a volunteer and eventually a board member. PHP has helped many parents and families in distress. I hope they win.

Wed, October 8, 2008 @ 8:46 PM

13. jrdennis wrote:

Fri, October 10, 2008 @ 10:43 AM

14. Caril Guilliams wrote:
Parents Helping Parents is extrememly helpful in encouraging and supporting parents. It's got my vote.

Fri, October 10, 2008 @ 1:46 PM

15. Kaye S. wrote:
Parents Helping Parents is extremely important to any family who is dealing with a son or daughter who is has an addiction problem. PHP offers support from parents who have been through the same devastation upon learning their child is using drugs. They offer caring support in numerous ways including regular meetings with speakers, website with tremendous resources and information, newsletters, forum, etc.

Sat, October 11, 2008 @ 9:12 PM

16. Linda Stokes wrote:
As a parent of children with addiction issues, it was very frustrating to me to find someone to talk to that truly understood the issues I was facing. When I began coming to PHP meetings, I found not only an empathetic ear, but resources and education that positioned me to truly support my children in recovery. Parents play a unique role in a person's addiction, and by educating parents and providing a multitude of resources to help create a plan of action, we can truly make a difference in the lives of our children. PHP has my vote!!!

Mon, October 13, 2008 @ 6:43 AM

17. Pat wrote:
My involvement with Parents helping Parents helped my family find resources that we had no idea were available. This opened new doors and lead us to create the strength, understanding and education necessary to do all that we could to help our child who was addicted to crack cocaine. Blessings to all who support this outstanding organization.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 11:13 AM

18. Judy Nevius wrote:
Parents Helping Parents fills a vital need! There are parents as well as children who are hurting because of additions and Parents Helping Parents is a support and resource group that is there for them when they need help the most. More and more people are searching the web for help rather than picking up the phone and calling for help. If Parents Helping Parents has the web presence they need, then they will be even more effective in reaching people with these needs. I think they are deserving in getting a web makeover and it will serve a great need! A big thanks goes to Element Fusion for offering this opportunity!

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 11:41 AM

19. Tammi wrote:
PHP is a wonderful organization. There are so many caring and understanding people there. There is even an online chapter just getting started to assist those who are unable to travel in for a local meeting. PHP is DWIT-doing what it takes to meet the many needs of parents with children caught in the grasp of drugs/alcohol/addictions. PHP is a worthy cause, todays kids are our future. PHP has my vote.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 11:46 AM

20. Brenda wrote:
Parents Helping Parents was my first stop on the begining of recovery for both of my daughters. Pat was prompt in returning my phone call and pointed me in the right direction that eventually led to my duaghter's recovery. I find great support today as I continue to attend the bi-monthly meetings and refer others who are in need of this blessed organization of caring supporters. I have found encouragement and love while facing this disease and have helped others through my life experiences, which I believe is the great part of this group. Shame and worry was replaced Love and Compassion... Thanks to all who have helped this group in so many ways...

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 11:49 AM

21. witheld for security wrote:
Parents Helping Parents have a vital role in support of the communities substance abuse problem. As a drug enforcement agent I carefully watch their newsletter and I have been well pleased with their accurate and professional advise to our community on substance issues. I frequently use PHP as a resourse for assistance to those contacting our agency need help with substance abuse. They have never failed to assist and are always available. PHP is a key player in Demand Reduction through their publications, web site and involvement with parents. All to often help is available for everyone but the parent. PHP makes sure the parents has a resourse for help.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 11:56 AM

22. Kim Collins, M.H.R., LPC wrote:
PHP is a wonderful organization that helps numerous families across our community. They are a wonderful resource, and I am so glad to be able to refer families to them as such a wonderful source of support and information.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 11:57 AM

23. Nancy wrote:
PHP has been a lifesaver for me, since there has been so many areas of addiction that I did not understand. I have been going to their website for years, as they always update it with new information and resources. The issue of addiction is so heartbreaking for me, since so many of our youth struggle with this problem. PHP offers so much help and support to parents, family, and friends, who have a love one suffering from addiction. PHP truly deserves this for all they have done to help people in the community.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 12:05 PM

24. Garrell Hoch wrote:
PHP is an organization that is designed to help parents deal with and get help for loved ones and/or their children that have or is suspected to have a chemical dependency. This organization has very little overhead so almost all of the monies received go for chemical dependency issures.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 1:42 PM

25. Saundra wrote:
Parents Helping Parents is a life line to families that don't know what to do. It is personal and direct. It is not a government Agency that may intimmidate or embarrase some to seek help. They network and keep up with resources and methods. They need more help to spread their message. Please choose to support PHP.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 2:29 PM

26. Sheryl wrote:
PHP is more than worthy of this grant. They showed me where and how to get the help my son needed to end his drug addiction. Without their help I expect my son would still be using drugs. Now my son is in the Army as a Drill Sergeant training new recruits how to survive in Iraq (where he was deployed for one year). I have nothing but praise for PHP!!!

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 7:15 PM

27. Debbie wrote:
PHP has my vote! They were an answer to prayer at a devastating time in the life of our family. They offered answers and helped us understand how to help our son with his addictions. Thanks to one of the speakers they had, our son is celebrating 6 months of sobrity.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 8:00 PM

28. Cindi wrote:
PHP gets my vote! They were great helping us figure out what to do for our son's addiction, not just information, but also companionship.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 8:39 PM

29. Sandy C wrote:
PHP has provided vital knowledge to our family in dealing with the tragedy of drug use. We had not found this any where else.

Wed, October 15, 2008 @ 9:56 PM

30. Reta wrote:
I have been attending PHP since I became aware of my son's addiction. They have helped me with information and great speakers to have me through a rough time. They deserve this!!

Thu, October 16, 2008 @ 1:27 PM

31. John F. wrote:
PHP helps parents that have a child with an addiction to find help thru parents that have been there. Sometimes a parent does not know where to turn or what to do. PHP is there to provide the support and guidance for both the parent and child.

Thu, October 16, 2008 @ 3:12 PM

32. Karrie wrote:
Drug addiction among our youth is a greater problem than most realize and generally parents have no idea where to turn. When I had no where else to turn, PHP provided me with so many people to contact and a place to go where people understood the devistation I was going through. More advertising is so necessary to get the word out that all is not hopeless for parents to get help for their children and themselves.

Fri, October 17, 2008 @ 10:36 AM

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