As a trusted friend, you're often the one parents turn to when they feel scared, depressed, or overwhelmed - or to share moments of joy. You see a lot.

Parenting is challenging at times (and sometimes very often) – for all parents.

Acknowledging this and offering support makes it easier for parents to accept help. Offer resources, such as Lane Kids and Parenting Now. Catholic Community Services’s Family Support and Connections service can help put parents in touch with a variety of providers.

Help to reduce silence and isolation. Be that person people reach out to for support.

In Lane County, 47% of survivors of child abuse and neglect said no one helped them at the time they were first being mistreated, and 19% said they were rarely helped. Be that person people reach out to for support.

Offer to babysit for a friend’s children so that parents can enjoy a night off.

Donate items to the Welcome Baby Bundle program in your region.

If you’ve watched friends have kids (or have kids of your own), you know how important the first few months of an infant’s life can be. Connecting parents to resources and supporting them with physical needs is crucial.

Get to know the families that live around you.

Meet the kids and talk to the parents so that they know you are there if they ever need help. Social connection and social support are the cornerstones of family well-being and child safety.

“Fill in” for a family member when they can’t attend their child’s recital or soccer game.

Contribute to concrete support for families.

Donate goods and services through Love for Lane County, Catholic Community Services, or St. Vincent de Paul.

Learn how to intervene in a situation where you are concerned about domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers advices for friends and family. If you’re worried about someone, reach out. RAINN is also a helpful resource.

Encourage your local school to adopt Roots of Empathy.

This groundbreaking program teaches first- and second-graders compassion and reduces bullying through interactions with an infant.

Join the 90by30 Regional Leadership Team in your community.

Help create safe, nurturing communities for your family, your friends’ families, and others’ families.

Learn about how to support a survivor of abuse, neglect and healing resources.

Find out more at Lane County’s Trauma Healing Project.

Be a resource to families.

Get to know resources in your area so you can be a source of information for families - including your friends. Help connect parents with specific needs to the appropriate organization. Offer to contact the group yourself to make reaching out less intimidating. Parenting Now’s resource guide offers a wealth of information on everything from mental health to financial assistance. 

Join 5,000 Strong

Support prevention efforts by joining 5,000 Strong, a campaign by Friends of 90by30 to raise funds for and awareness of 90by30’s work. One key way to be part of 5,000 Strong is to share your commitment with your friends and family!

Share K(no)w More on Facebook and spread the word that there are ways to get involved.