ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the program and identifies salient features that appear to promote empowerment. It presents factors that attracted caregivers to this program rather than to another in the neighborhood and the parent program. The chapter also describes the subgroups that emerged among participants. It explores the roles and attitudes of staff who administered the program and the board, which oversaw it and addresses programmatic barriers to empowerment. Parent meetings were usually held in the church “parlor,” a charitable term for a much worn room with cast-off furnishings from several sources. The Ruth Bowdoin curriculum for parent training was used erratically all year. Carrie used rituals to promote affiliation and teach new skills. Through motivational speeches, Carrie addressed common problems. Field trips provided transportation and an opportunity to shop without having to tend to several children at the same time. The business portions of the meetings were designed to empower. Arts and crafts days were also regularly scheduled.
