Meet Amanda, a parent from Circle of Parents

by Illuminate Colorado | Dec 4, 2025 | Circle of Parents, Impact

Building brighter futures starts with creating spaces where families feel supported, connected, and empowered. Illuminate Colorado’s Circle of Parents program does just that—offering free, peer-led support groups for parents and caregivers.

These groups create a space where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and strengthen their families. With the added benefit of Children’s Circle, kids are nurtured in a safe environment while their caregivers receive support.

Circle of Parents is just one way that Illuminate Colorado strengthens families and builds brighter childhoods.

And your gift helps make this possible. Here’s how:

$54: Provides a parent and their children access to a month of a Circle of Parents group, including Children’s Circle.
$100: Supports a trained Circle of Parents facilitator for a week.
$150: Covers food and supplies for a Circle of Parents group for one month.
$450: Funds a single session of a Circle of Parents group for up to 10 families.
$650: Supports one Circle of Parents participant and their children annually, including the costs of Children’s Circle.

Donate today

Meet Amanda, a parent from Circle of Parents

Great Expectations Teen Group: Empowering Teen Parents at Yampah Mountain High School

At Yampah Mountain High School, a group called Great Expectations Teen Group provides a much-needed support system for these young parents, offering a space to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.

Change the Way You Think about Parent Leadership

February is Parent Leadership Month! Today, join us as we take a closer look at what it means to be a parent leader. Who knows, you just might see yourself reflected in these amazing parents.

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Great Expectations Teen Group: Empowering Teen Parents at Yampah Mountain High School

by Illuminate Colorado | Mar 27, 2025 | Circle of Parents, General

Teen parents face a unique set of challenges, from balancing school, parenting, and social lives to navigating the overwhelming responsibility of raising a child at a young age. At Yampah Mountain High School, a group called Great Expectations Teen Group provides a much-needed support system for these young parents, offering a space to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.

From left to right: Yesica Portillo, Alexa Campos, Leslie Olmedo, Samantha Torres, Lupita Argueta, and Edith Orellana.

A Safe Space for Teen Parents

The Great Expectations Teen Group has been a staple at Yampah Mountain High School since January of 2023. Held every Tuesday, this group is specifically designed for the teen parents who attend the school. These weekly meetings provide a unique opportunity for these young individuals to share their struggles and triumphs in an understanding and supportive environment.

While the facilitator, Fernanda, helps guide the group, the parents take the lead in sharing their experiences and offering support to one another. It’s a self-sustaining community where everyone can contribute and feel heard.

The Role of Illuminate

Illuminate, a key supporter of the group, provides the facilitator with valuable resources to ensure the group’s continued success. Our involvement helps ensure that the group is a safe and effective space for teens, fostering an environment where the parents can communicate openly and grow as individuals and as a community. A Circle of Parents’ Program Manager offers monthly check-ins, where they can troubleshoot issues and assist with group norms and facilitation skills when needed.

Personal Stories of Growth and Connection

The impact of the group on its participants is evident in the stories shared by its members. In March, we had the chance to speak with several of the Yampah Mountain High School students who attend the group.

Leslie, 19, has been attending the group for two years and finds it to be a safe space where she can share anything without judgment. She has an 18-month-old child and feels comforted knowing that there are others going through similar situations.

Mary, also 19, joined the group a year ago and feels that it has helped her grow both as a mother and a classmate. She appreciates the sense of community it provides, where she can openly talk about her challenges and connect with others.

Arias, 15, became a member after she gave birth to her 4-month-old baby. She was referred to the group by the school and found it to be a great way to connect with other teen parents. Through the group, she has learned how not to feel isolated and how to relate better to her classmates.

Yessica, 17, also praises the group for helping her bond with classmates and grow as a mother. She enjoys the opportunity to be herself and to connect with others who understand what she’s going through.

Building a Stronger Community

The Great Expectations Teen Group at Yampah Mountain High School is more than just a support group. It’s a community where teen parents can find empathy, guidance, and lasting connections. It offers them the tools they need to thrive both as parents and as individuals. Through this group, teen parents learn that they are not alone in their struggles and that they have a network of support from those who truly understand their experiences.

For any teen parent at Yampah Mountain High School, the Great Expectations Teen Group is a place where they can find a voice, gain confidence, and receive the support they need to face the challenges of being a young parent.

Learn more about Circle of Parents at CircleOfParentsCO.org!

Meet Amanda, a parent from Circle of Parents

Great Expectations Teen Group: Empowering Teen Parents at Yampah Mountain High School

Change the Way You Think about Parent Leadership

February is Parent Leadership Month! Today, join us as we take a closer look at what it means to be a parent leader. Who knows, you just might see yourself reflected in these amazing parents.

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Change the Way You Think about Parent Leadership

by Illuminate Colorado | Feb 20, 2025 | Circle of Parents, General

February is Parent Leadership Month, which means we are taking a deep dive into what it means for a parent to be a leader in their family and community.

When you picture a parent leader, what do you see? Is it the head of the Parent Teacher Association? The person who never misses a chance to volunteer at their kid’s school and brings snacks to every soccer game? In essence, is parent leadership something you think of as unattainable?

We are here to dispel that myth. In reality, parent leaders are all around us. They are the caregivers who are modeling social and emotional skills for their children. Parent leaders show up for their families and communities, but also know it’s ok to take a break when they need to. Today, join us as we take a closer look at what it means to be a parent leader. Who knows, you just might see yourself reflected in these amazing parents.

Circle of Parents Groups Are Parent Leadership in Action

Circle of Parents groups are places where caregivers can support each other and where every parent’s leadership skills can shine. Recently, we spoke with Trisha Halencak, Circle of Parents Program Manager, about all the ways she sees parents showing up as leaders during group meetings.

One way Trisha sees parents being leaders is through their support and encouragement of each other. Oftentimes, when parents notice a group member has missed a few meetings, or they know they are dealing with some stressful situations at home, they will make an effort to connect with that person. Parents will send a text offering support in whatever way they need and motivate them to join the group for some social connection.

Another example of parent leadership Trisha reflected on was how she sees parents celebrating each other’s wins in life. In the Circle of Parents Fatherhood group, she described how the entire group is currently supporting one father’s journey to gain custody of their child.

All of the fathers have his court date saved in their calendars, and are excited to celebrate him when the day comes. Their community is more than a support group– it’s a system of connection and encouragement that supports growth and resilience.

The sustainability model for the Piñon Project Circle of Parents groups, Trisha explained, is another great example of parent leadership in action. As parents build trusting relationships and consistency within a group, they are encouraged to become facilitators. With this model, not only do the groups ensure the future availability of facilitators, but also utilize the skills of parent leaders to create strong, trusted systems of support for both participants and leaders. Participants can see parent leadership skills exemplified by the facilitators and envision what their journey with Circle of Parents could look like through connection and growth.

We bet you’re starting to see yourself and those in your community as parent leaders.

Thanks for joining us as we focused a spotlight on the amazing parent leaders in Circle of Parents groups. If you’re interested in growing alongside other parents and letting your leadership skills shine, find your Circle at CircleofParentsCO.org.

Meet Amanda, a parent from Circle of Parents

Great Expectations Teen Group: Empowering Teen Parents at Yampah Mountain High School

Change the Way You Think about Parent Leadership

February is Parent Leadership Month! Today, join us as we take a closer look at what it means to be a parent leader. Who knows, you just might see yourself reflected in these amazing parents.

« Older Entries

A New Journey in Parent Leadership for Illuminate’s Circle of Parents Senior Program Associate

by Illuminate Colorado | Feb 12, 2025 | Circle of Parents, General

February is Parent Leadership Month!

That means all month long we will be shining a spotlight on parents and caregivers who show up as leaders in their families and communities. With parents as empowered leaders, we can help create strong networks of support, raise thriving children, and build a brighter tomorrow.

father son family man child conversation talking parent boy happy discussion communication together togetherness bonding care black home talk love dad fun leisure joy

Meet Jessica

Circle of Parents Senior Program Associate

Here at Illuminate Colorado, we have celebrated many of our staff as they have embarked on their journeys in parent leadership. In just the past two years, we have welcomed five little ones into the Illuminate family. The most recent addition, Josephine, arrived in September to our Circle of Parents Senior Program Associate, Jessica Keys.

Since September of 2020, Jessica has been an irreplaceable asset to the Circle of Parents team, supporting the management of data and dissemination of materials for the program. Now, she can add “Parent Leader” to her resume! Today, let’s hear from Jessica about what parent leadership means to her.

Parent Leadership and the Five Protective Factors

A core component of parent leadership is the Five Protective Factors– both incorporating them into your own life and empowering others to do the same. We sat down with Jessica to talk about where each Protective Factor shows up in her life, and what tips she has for other new parents starting their journey.

What Are the Five Protective Factors?

Parental
Resilience

The ability to manage stress from difficult life experiences with the support of family, friends, or the community.

Social
Connections

Positive and meaningful relationships that create a sense that you matter to others and belong to a community.

Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development

The ability to learn what to expect as children grow up and using the parenting approaches of your culture to meet their needs.

Social & Emotional Competence of Children

The ability to help children learn how to communicate clearly, recognize and regulate their emotions, establish and maintain relationships, and develop other important life skills.

Concrete Support

Having access to supports and services that build on a family’s strengths and meet their needs.

Parental Resilience

When asked what strategies she uses to manage stress and stay resilient throughout being a new parent, it was clear that Jessica has been incredibly mindful and proactive about her mental health. Jessica was open about the fact that she struggled with the “baby blues” and postpartum depression, and how she has utilized antidepressants to help her feel like herself again and to enjoy being a mother. She also found support and connection with her best friend who is a new parent – bonding over their similar journeys with postpartum depression and anxiety. Jessica also found therapy to be helpful, and emphasized that seeking help and medication are not normalized but can be incredible tools for new parents.

“No one really tells you that after you have a baby, you go through an identity crisis of trying to be you while also a mom.” – Jessica

Social Connections

When the conversation turned to her community and who she leaned on during times of stress, Jessica spoke about her mom. She explained that her mom helped her through all of the difficult times that no one tells you about before you have a baby. Jessica’s mom supported her through the difficult mental aspects of being a new mom as well as helping her to physically take care of the baby. For the first two weeks home from the hospital, Jessica’s mom was her hero.

Jessica also shared some advice for other new parents looking for connection and community. She explained that parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, even when they feel pressure to be the “perfect” parent – that, in itself, can create anxiety and prevent parents from being there for their new baby. Whether parents talk to their pediatrician about how they’re feeling, join a Circle of Parents group, or find an online community, there are so many places where they can find connection. There are an abundance of people who have had similar experiences, and that connection is priceless for new parents.

For Black women especially, Jessica explained, there can be an expectation that you need to be strong and always caring for others, along with an added stigma of asking for support. Jessica wants all parents to know that there is a sense of power that comes with saying “I need help” and not only benefits your mental health, but your baby’s as well. Don’t hesitate to lean on your community– no matter what society has taught you.

“Without my community I don’t know how I could have lasted.” – Jessica

Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development

Here’s the thing about being a new parent– you’re always worried about your baby. Are they meeting milestones? How much tummy time is too much? What should I do if they won’t stop crying? The questions are endless. When we asked Jessica where she goes for trustworthy information about parenting and child development, she had a list. While her pediatrician, other parents, and google are all on her list, she emphasized one thing: every baby is different and is on their own journey. You can’t compare your baby to others, Jessica said, and every baby will be a little different as they grow. Jessica explained that what puts her mind at ease is focusing on areas where her baby is excelling, which helps her feel empowered as a parent.

“As a parent, you’re always going to question if you’re a good parent. I try to just go off of how my child is doing – If Josephine is doing well, then I am too.” – Jessica

Concrete Support

Next, we talked about the positive impact of knowing where to find community resources if a parent needs them. Jessica explained that she feels lucky to work at Illuminate because it has given her a foundation of knowledge of available resources. Jessica explained that being a new parent is already stressful enough without the added anxiety of economic, mental health, or safety struggles. Just knowing where to access support if a parent needs it can bring immediate relief. Jessica suggested places such as the pediatrician, programs like Circle of Parents, and online Facebook groups for new parents as all helpful places to start learning about the resources available in your community.

“Adding the stress of economic or social needs on top of everything else isn’t good for you as a mom. Being aware of supports can bring relief instantly.” – Jessica

Social and Emotional Competence of Children

When we moved on to discussing how Jessica is fostering social and emotional competence in her daughter, she explained that her own journey started with educating herself. Through therapy, Jessica learned how to regulate her own emotions and how to set boundaries. Without mastering these skills herself, how was she supposed to help her own child learn to do the same? As her daughter grows, Jessica is excited to help her to recognize her feelings and regulate them in a healthy way.