Parents Helping Parents, (PHP) Organization Information
“I really don’t believe that I could have gotten through as much of this hurt and pain and struggle without your help…” from a parent participating in meetings
“This is such a great thing you are doing. I remember five years ago when my own daughter had to go to treatment. My husband immediately told me not to tell anyone at church, not a
soul, as we might be stigmatized…maybe it might have saved my child and my marriage if we could have been more open…” from a parent volunteering to help
The total cost attributable to the consequences of underage drinking was more than $58 billion per year in 1998 dollars. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1999
Responding to the need of parents facing addiction in their children for support and information, Pat and Vicki Nichols founded Parents Helping Parents in 2001. Their son needed treatment and they hoped to minimize his involvement in illegal activities. Talking to teachers, counselors, the legal system, and other parents, Pat and Vickie found few options and minimal information. They launched a website and began meeting with other parents. Participation grew and referrals increased. The growing positive community response and the demonstrated need for expansion of services led to incorporation, with not-for-profit 501(c)3 status granted on February 14, 2003. The mission: Caring parents offering hope through resources, education, and shared experience. Substance abuse among teens is a national problem in need of national attention, said Dr. Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of Health and Human Services and a member of PLNDP. The bad news is that substance abuse is starting at younger ages, taking hold earlier, and leading many teens to end up in jail. The good news is that a growing body of evidence suggests that prevention and treatment work, and are more efficient and cost-effective than incarceration alone. Funding sources and in-kind supporters for Parents Helping Parents include the City of Edmond, the Harris Family Foundation, Nichols Travel, all members of the Board, donations received at Parents Helping Parents meetings, general contributions, fundraising events including a garage sale and hotdog sale. In-kind support includes web site design and hosting, printing, telephone, and signage. Further grant research is in progress with plans for additional proposals. An anonymous donor has committed $50,000 for the organization to hire an Executive Director focused on assisting other communities to start chapters of Parents Helping Parents, duplicating existing successful programs, and a Fundraiser to ensure sustainability of the effort. Collaboration with other organizations and participation from all sectors of the community increase efficiency and improve effectiveness. Parents Helping Parents works and collaborates with: Edmond Juvenile Courts and Police Department, Edmond Public School Counselors, Edmond Family Services, Edmond Safe and Drug Free Schools, Oklahoma Outreach Foundation, Treatment Programs throughout the state, Chance to Change, Oklahoma Citizen Advocates for Recovery and Treatment Association, Specialized Outpatient Services, Yu-kan Coalition, Churches, Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Al Anon, Oklahoma Statewide Association of Substance Abuse Providers, and the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselors Association. The Parents Helping Parents Board of Directors is dedicated to providing their time, talent and treasure to the mission. Board members: make a significant personal financial contribution; attend Board meetings, the Annual Meeting, and an annual Board Retreat; volunteer with at least one committee each year; schedule visits with potential contributors; speak to groups when requested; and operate all programs including Parent Coaches, Parent Meetings, and the Juvenile Court Outreach. The Board of Parents Helping Parents is working hard to make a difference in the lives of our children. Adolescents are a special population with a unique set of challenges and needs. Osborn, M.D., Chair of Physician Leadership on National Drug Policy
