“This Women’s Fund grant has meant so much. I just thank God for them. And they didn’t just send a check. They offer support. I know I can call them with questions anytime. Their spirit of excellence and their commitment... Wow!"
-Althea Hodge-Jaboin, program director and co-founder of Rapha Family Services

Executive Director Anneze Barthelemy Brown and Program Director Althea Hodge-Jaboin, Rapha Family Services, at the Women's Fund Annual Luncheon. (Photo: Kara Starzyk/Town and Country Studios)

Rapha, which means "healing" in Hebrew, is thriving. Seeded by a $5,000 Women's Fund grant in January 2008, Rapha provides mothers who are at risk of being separated from their children with free parenting skills classes. Serving the communities of Overtown, Little Haiti and Wynwood, services are provided in English and Haitian Creole.

Althea Hodge-Jaboin and Anneze Barthelemy Brown founded Rapha Family Services in 2007 after years working for the Department for Children and Families. Rapha uses the Nurturing Parent curriculum, a proven method to teach parents successful parenting skills. The Nurturing Parenting Model emphasizes the importance of raising children in a warm, trusting, and caring household. It is founded on the belief that children who are cared for develop the capacity to trust, care, and respect themselves and others.

Althea, who balances her time between her two small children, her role as program director for Rapha and a second job, took time out of her busy schedule to share her experience as a Women's Fund Grantee Partner with us.

Q: What has the Women's Fund Grant meant to Rapha Family Services?

A: "There is no greater joy than working with families to keep their children safe. After years working in the foster care system, I had the training, I had the knowledge of the system, and I had the love of the work. But I would not be able to offer these services to families without funding. The need is tremendous. It has been a long time in the making, and a long-time dream. But thanks to a grant from Women's Fund this is the first year of operation.”

Q: What makes Rapha different from services that already exist in Miami-Dade County?

A: "After years working in the foster care system, we understand the courts. I really understand this population of families, and their particular needs. We are embracing a new process, one I couldn’t do when I worked within the county system. It is about engaging the families. Every family situation is unique. This is about improving their parenting and keeping their kids out of the foster care system. These are often families in very difficult situations. If we are going to succeed, they need support, and we are doing what works. We are keeping children safe and keeping families together.”

Q: Tell me about the Nurturing Parent classes.

A: "It is very interactive. The parents tell me about their struggles. We have a lot of discussion, a lot of dialogue with parents. We teach techniques and tools for dealing with frustrating situations. I can’t say enough about the curriculum… it is excellent. EVERY parent should take this class!"

Visit www.raphafamilyservices.org to learn more.