Parent Advocacy & Resource Center

Nobody should have to raise a family alone.

We empower, educate, and support single-parent families through advocacy, educational programs, referrals, and access to the community resources that make lasting stability possible.

Our Mission and Purpose

"The mission of Parent Advocacy & Resource Center is to empower, educate, and support single-parent families by providing advocacy, educational programs, referrals, and access to community resources that promote family stability, self-sufficiency, and the well-being of children."

— Parent Advocacy & Resource Center, Bylaws
Connection

Every family we work with becomes part of a circle of support — that's what stability looks like.

What we do

Support, education, advocacy, and resources — together.

The corporation exists to connect families with community resources, parenting education, financial literacy programs, workforce development opportunities, and housing referrals that promote family stability, self-sufficiency, and the well-being of children.

Support

A steady point of contact who knows your family's situation and helps you navigate it, over time, not just once.

Education

Parenting education and life-skills workshops that build confidence and capability at home.

Advocacy

We speak up alongside single parents — in schools, courts, and agencies — so families are heard and fairly treated.

Resources

Referrals to housing, childcare, employment, healthcare, and financial literacy programs, matched to your household.

Focus areas

Where families connect with us most.

These are the areas we hear about most often — but if your family needs something not listed here, reach out anyway.

01

Community resources

Local programs and organizations matched to your household's day-to-day needs.

02

Parenting education

Life-skills workshops and guidance for parenting solo through every stage of childhood.

03

Financial literacy

Budgeting, credit, and savings programs built for single-income households.

04

Workforce development

Job training, resume support, and connections to employers hiring in your area.

05

Housing referrals

Referrals for rental assistance, transitional housing, and tenant support.

06

Childcare & healthcare

Connections to affordable childcare and healthcare access for the whole family.

Why we work this way

Two ideas guide everything we do.

A healthy parent equals a healthy child. When a parent has the resources they need to be their best self, it creates an environment where the whole family can thrive.

Our preventative goal is to keep families together. The foster care system was created to be a last resort, not a first option — supporting families before they reach a point of desperation is how we ultimately help children.

Article XI — Responsibilities

How members, staff, and volunteers show up.

Everyone connected to Parent Advocacy & Resource Center — whether a member, staff member, or volunteer — shares a common set of responsibilities.

Members

Responsibilities of members

  • Support the mission and goals of the organization.
  • Attend meetings and organizational events whenever possible.
  • Vote on matters requiring membership approval.
  • Promote the organization within the community.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Conduct themselves ethically and professionally.
Staff

Responsibilities of staff

  • Carry out the daily operations of the organization.
  • Provide advocacy, education, and resource referrals for single-parent families.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Protect confidential information.
  • Follow all organizational policies.
  • Represent the organization professionally.
  • Participate in training and professional development.
Volunteers

Responsibilities of volunteers

  • Support the mission of the organization.
  • Complete assigned duties responsibly.
  • Respect clients, families, staff, and fellow volunteers.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Follow organizational policies and procedures.
Resource directory

Trusted organizations we refer families to.

If you're in crisis or need immediate help, please reach out to one of these organizations directly.

Network Tacoma

Assists homeless families with children from the point of crisis intervention, through transitional housing, with the goal of helping them achieve permanent housing and long-term self-sufficiency.

253-474-9334

Metropolitan Development Council

MDC responds to community needs by providing services in the areas of healthcare, housing, education, and employment that address the challenges faced by low-income individuals and families.

253-593-2740

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Text, call, or visit 988lifeline.org.

988

Washington Domestic Violence Helpline

Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking support and safety planning.

1-800-562-6025

Care Net Pregnancy & Family Services

Pregnancy tests, ultrasound, baby clothes, car seats, and diapers.

253-984-6222

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

For families

Need support right now?

Tell us a little about your family's situation and we'll connect you with the right program or person — usually within a few days.

Request support
For the community

Want to help a family get steady?

Become a member, volunteer your time, donate, or bring your organization on as a referral partner.

Get involved
🎓 This site is academic in nature and used for educational purposes only as part of the Team Academy pedagogy at The Evergreen State College.