Operation: PARENT Mid-October News

October is off to a great start! As you know, we think it's extremely important that parents have opportunities to come together, re-energize, and learn something new so please check out the exciting events planned over the next few months.

A note about our fundraiser in January...

Rather than having a dinner, or formal adult event, we have chosen to have something that exemplifies our mission...something that will connect parents and teens and make a real difference in their lives. As you read about our fundraiser below, picture a "packed house"... a sold out event...a theater filled with parents and teens (and pre-teens) from all over Louisville as they listen to Sarah Panzau deliver a life changing message. The new North Oldham Theater seats 487 so our goal is to sell 487 tickets at $25.00 each to raise $12,175.00. Will you help us do it? If we surpass 487, we'll find another venue! What an awesome problem that would be!

The Smart Step Family, Seven Steps to a Healthy Family Tuesday, October 26th 10am - 12noon or 6:30pm - 8:30pm Presenters: John & Emily Stewart - a succesful step family for over 9 years
click here to view the Smart Step-family flyer $10.00 per person Register Here

Operation:PARENT over the Airwaves

A new radio program called "Intelligent Talk For Parents" is being introduced on 970 AM and guess who is being featured this Saturday morning from 11:00 - 12:00noon? That's right...Operation: PARENT! I had the privilege of meeting with Producer and Host, Kristen Riddick and we had a lively one hour discussion about teens, parents and the services Operation: PARENT provides. Kristen is the parent of two teen girls herself and has a personal passion for our mission. She asked me to ask all of you to listen, and then send her some feedback...let her know what YOU want to hear on this new program. Her goal is to develop it into a weekday program so please send your thoughts and suggestions to: riddickenterprises@gmail.com.

Fundraising Event - January 27, 2011

"DRIVING THE MESSAGE HOME" Operation: PARENT

Operation: PARENT wants to help you "Drive the message home". Join us for an unforgettable evening as we welcome national speaker, Sarah Panzau. Focused, determined and successful, Sarah was a two-time member of the National Junior College Athletic Association Women's Volleyball All-American Team. She knew what it was like to be on top of her game...and on top of the world. But not long after, she nearly lost it all. Panzau is living proof that poor choices can have drastic consequences. In August 2003, Sarah became a victim of her own drunk-driving crash, losing her left arm and suffering multiple life-threatening injuries. Since the crash, Sarah's life has taken a new direction. She's reaching out to teens all across the country. Sarah's youth, energy and humor are a direct connect with students. She has a powerful message to parents and kids about underage drinking, making smart choices, respecting parents, drunk driving, and rising above disabilities. Her powerful and emotional style captivates and connects with both parents and teens, leaving her audience spellbound.

Will you please join us on January 27, 2011 for this special evening? In addition to this presentation, there will be a silent auction, refreshments and a driving simulator. Tickets will be on sale soon. For more information about our speaker, please visit www.sarahsjourney.com

REMEMBER...SAVE THE DATE: JANUARY 27, 2011

Coffee Break - 2nd Tuesday monthly

After completing Parenting 101, parents tell us that they would like to continue meeting and discussing current teen issues with other parents. We are excited to announce that on the second Tuesday of each month Operation: PARENT will host:

"Coffee Break"

Tuesday November 9 from 10:00am - 11:00am

Operation: PARENT Headquarters - Middletown, KY

An informal monthly get-together, facilitated by an Operation: PARENT volunteer or staff member, focused on a specific teen or parenting topic for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by open discussion. This free event is open to everyone but please register at www.operationparent.org (click on "Speaker Events" and then on "Register").

St. Lawrence School in Tampa, Florida...

Such exciting news! Our first "out-of-state" Parenting 101 Class finally started last week at St. Lawrence School in Tampa, Florida! Many thanks to their OP Coordinator, Dawn Arnold, and new Facilitators Katie Dierks, Cherie Carson, Neil Kennedy, Tayra Paul, & Barbara Portales. They had a large class full of parents who seem very excited about becoming empowered to raise kids in today's culture. At this morning's class, parents Spencer and Heather Ford were the volunteers in Session 3, where parents were learning the importance of handing responsibilities to our children one at a time, & not making the mistake of dumping everything on them at once. It looks like Spencer is doing a great job. He stuffed at least 6 balloons up his shirt and even has one in his mouth!

Thank you for the privilege to educate, equip, encourage and engage you as you raise your incredible teens!

Keep parenting,

Jean Schumm & Staff
Operation: PARENT

(502) 245-7154