Empowering Parents, Equipping Kids for Life!

The Parents First Initiative program begins with a 10-week course for parents to teach skills & provide support that empower parents with confidence, tools, and skills to raise their children to be the best that they can be.

Be the first to hear about workshops near you!

Registration is open for fall 2026 workshops! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to find support with other parents, learn how to lead with confidence, and enjoy parenting again. 

Join a Workshop Near You

What’s the Parents First Initiative?

The Parents First Initiative is a collaborative effort between LVfirst United Methodist Church and the Georgia Center for Opportunity designed to empower and support families in the Lawrenceville area.

The first step is a FREE 10-week course for parents that teaches essential skills and provides support to build stronger families.

Learn More About PFI

Parenting is hard work, and no one should have to do it alone!

Parenting is one of the most important jobs in the world, yet it often comes without a guidebook. 

The Parents First Initiative provides parents with skills and support to help their children thrive.

We do this by offering Raising Highly Capable Kids classes in local schools, providing regular roundtable meet-ups, and encouraging small groups to explore parenting in the context of faith. Best of all—you’ll connect with a growing community of parents who are in this journey together.

Find a Workshop

Fall 2026 Workshops

LVfirst United Methodist Church

395 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Sundays at 3:30-5:30 pm
August 23-November 8
(Except September 6 and October 11)

Meals provided and childcare available for all ages.

Register Here
Baggett Elementary School

2136 Old Norcross Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30044

Mondays, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
August 24-November 9
(Except September 7 and October 12)

Meals provided. No childcare.

Register Here
Jenkins Elementary School

12 Village Way SE, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Tuesdays, 10 am-12 pm
August 25-November 10
(Except October 13 and November 3)

Bilingual. Meals provided. No childcare. 

Register Here
Simonton Elementary School

275 Simonton Rd SE, Lawrenceville, GA 30045

Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
August 25-November 10
(Except October 13 and November 3)

Bilingual. Meals provided and childcare available for all ages. 

Register Here
Rock Springs Elementary School

888 Rock Springs Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Wednesdays, 12 pm-2 pm
September 3-November 12
(Except October 15) 

Bilingual. Meals provided and childcare available for preschool and under. 

Register Here
Moore Middle School

1221 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Wednesdays, 11 am-1 pm
September 2-November 11
(Except October 14)

English only. Meals provided. No childcare available. 

Register Here

What Participants Say About the Parents First Initiative

Really, this program surprised me and exceeded my expectations. I never thought it would be so complete, and I truly invite all parents to participate because the time we dedicate to training ourselves is very important and very valuable, and it is the best legacy we can leave our children.

Not only is it changing your children. It is changing you, your community, it is changing everything that you touch. I’m just grateful that I did it. It was well worth it. If I had to put a dollar value on it, it would be thousands. It would be invaluable. It is worth it. It is worth every hour.

When you go to these workshops, you can have that confidence that you’re in that safe place. Think of this as your opportunity to breathe and get that weight off of you. Extend yourself some mercy. You’re not by yourself. It is a wonderful group.

I have gained a new community with my classmates. They’re people you can reach out to because you were all sharing in a safe space. They already know, so having that extra community helps along the way in the journey of raising the kids and following through.

What I learned from this program were the 40 developmental assets, how to put them into practice at home so our children can succeed in the future and grow up to be responsible, confident, and approach life in a very positive way.

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