Parenting Classes

In our parenting classes individuals learn how to deal with the stress of being a parent by developing better communication skills, more appropriate approaches to discipline, and positive behavior management techniques. 
Participants in our Parenting Classes come from court system referrals, local social service agencies, and self-referrals. 

The Sunshine Center conducts three on-site classes based on the age of the child (ren) in the referred families.

• Nurturing Parenting is for parents of children whose ages range from birth through 5 years.  This class is a twelve-week session and starts at 5 p.m. on Mondays.
• Active Parenting is for parents of children ages 6 to12-years-old.  This class is also a twelve-week session and starts at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays.
• The Parent and Teen Class is for parents and their teenagers.  It is unique because both Parents and Teens attend.  Teenagers in this class range from ages 13 to 17-years-old.  This group strives to give teens the means to avoid falling into negative and abusive relationships with their families and peers.  Through this class, teenagers improve their self-esteem, and learn how to manage their responsibilities in a healthy and constructive way. 

The Sunshine Center also provides parenting classes to incarcerated men and women at the Franklin County Regional Jail.  These classes use the same curriculum as our Nurturing Parenting and Active Parenting classes.

The goal of our parenting classes is to help parents better understand affective and positive parenting styles that will further prevent the cycle of abuse.

*There is no charge for Franklin County residents participating in parenting Classes.  However, there is a fee for those participating individuals residing outside of Franklin County.

Victim Therapy

The Sunshine Center provides counseling services to child victims and adult survivors of child abuse and to children who are victims of, or have witnessed domestic violence. Our therapists primarily work with children that have suffered physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect.

We also provide a women’s support group for victims of domestic violence. This is an open group and individuals may continue as long as they choose.  This group is every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

*There is no charge for the therapy services.

Supervised Visitation

Supervised Visitation is available for families requiring a third party supervisor for visits between children and their non-custodial family member.  There is an intake process for supervised visits.  Please contact us for further information.

*There is a fee for this service.

Crisis Intervention

Christmas Assistance Program