A parent is a child’s first and best teacher, and a new program in Gary is supporting families throughout their child’s early education journey.
Culturally grounded and community-rooted, the Family Empowerment Program is designed to support parents and caregivers with a goal to nurture Black families in a way that’s deeply affirming, practical and rooted in legacy. Based on a nationally recognized curriculum from the National Black Child Development Institute and supported by the Black Child Development Institute – Chicago (BCDI), Trinity United Church of Christ now offers the program to families with children from birth to age three – one of the first of its kind in the state.
“This program was developed for us, by people who look like us,” said Kathalene Harris, program director. “It’s culturally specific, built around African proverbs, and it creates space where grandparents, foster parents, moms, dads and married couples can come together and learn from each other.”
Delivered virtually through Zoom, the program offers flexibility for busy families and those who may not have access to transportation.
“We don’t care if your baby is crying or if your child’s hanging on you during class,” said Sandra Mosley, who oversees organizational development and outreach. “It’s a no-judgment zone. Come as you are.”
Each Saturday, participants engage in two-hour sessions led by master’s-level early educators. They also receive a backpack of learning materials designed to reflect and celebrate Black children, including skin-tone-inclusive dolls and books that represent their communities.
“One of the things I fell in love with right away was the backpack. For a child to see what they look like from an early age reflected in their toys and books – it’s incredibly powerful,” Mosley said.
While the curriculum includes essentials like early literacy, math and health, it also focuses on identity, connection and agency.
The Early Years Initiative exists to elevate organizations, like Trinity United, working to ensure infants and toddlers develop foundational knowledge and skills that support their future learning and development. The Family Empowerment Program, which averages about 10 to 15 families per session, runs year-round, with new cohorts starting every few months. While summer participation can dip, the team is preparing for a robust fall session, and they’re hoping to grow their reach to 60 families.
The team recruits with boots on the ground. They attend community events, including city council meetings. They keep flyers in their cars. If they see someone with a child at Walgreens, they talk to them, Mosley said.
One mom told Mosley, ‘This is the first time I’ve really seen my son for who he is.’ He was two. And by the end of the program, she saw real progress. He hit milestones he hadn’t reached before.
Another participant shared how the program helped her shift her approach to discipline. She had grown up with strict rules and physical punishment, but the program helped her find tools to understand her children as individuals.
Graduations are held in person, giving families the chance to celebrate with each other.
“By the time graduation rolls around, there’s a real bond. Parents feel empowered. They feel seen. And they’re already sharing what they’ve learned with others,” Harris said.
“Our pastor speaks about the history of education in the Black community, and then we let the parents share their experiences. It becomes its own recruitment tool – hearing those stories, seeing that pride.”
Through it all, the program continues to show what’s possible when families are given the support, resources and respect they deserve.
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