Last year, Maria Fox took a chance and enrolled in the Family Leadership Training Institute offered in Montezuma County.
“I have always wanted to have a role in the community,” Fox said, and as a grandparent, she felt it was time to take action
She graduated from the 20-week program , which is sponsored by the Montelores Early Childhood Council last year.
“It is a civics course, and it teaches you how to be a family or parent leader,” she said. “The program gives you the tools to feel comfortable, say for example, speaking in front of a school board.”
“It is about how to create a caring community for children,” she said.
Parents and families often say they are overwhelmed by the daily tasks of taking care of their families. This program, which provides free child care and dinner, helps out such families.
Fourteen people graduated from the program last year, and this year the program is limited to 25 people and is currently taking applications.
Fox said she believes just about anyone can benefit from the program.
“If you are a parent, grandparent or if you have nieces or nephews, this is a good program for you,” she said.
Participants meet once a week and must choose a community project, Fox helped clean up graffiti.
The FLTI says that its curriculum helps to inspire, train and empower individuals to become effective leaders on behalf of children, youth and families. The course is offered free of charge. To apply visit: www.ColoradoFamilyLeadership.com. Click on Montelores and fill out the application.