Last year, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona partnered with the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Office of Prevention to host an in-person Young Parent University event designed to empower young parents to embrace their strengths and build bright futures for themselves and their children. With the success of that event, we extended our partnership to host a four-part Young Parent University Virtual Café series. These sessions took place this past July, September, November and January, providing young parents with ongoing opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
The Virtual Café series focused on fostering a safe, supportive environment for young parents to explore their personal and professional goals. One highlight of the series was a session facilitated by former foster youth Justin Black, in which participants engaged in an impactful activity centered on stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing vulnerability, and setting specific, actionable goals. As one participant shared, “It was meaningful knowing it was a safe space to be able to express each and every one of our futures. Justin’s presentation made a change and impact in my life by allowing me to talk about the important things without judgment and create different strategies for growth.”
Participants also developed SMART goals and action plans tailored to their unique aspirations. Many reflected on what they wanted to provide for their children—things they may not have experienced themselves, such as a stable home, financial security, and an environment free from alcohol abuse. These discussions not only inspired personal reflection but also reinforced a sense of community and shared purpose among the young parents.
The series garnered positive feedback, with all 62 participants, many of whom participated in more than one event, sharing their enthusiasm to join future Young Parent University summits. One way that we secured 62 young parents was through social media Advertisements. Prevent Child Abuse Arizona’s Marketing & Media Manager, Sarah Rivas, has used social media Ads to promote events and reach populations that otherwise may not have known about the event by promoting it through professional networks alone.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host the next in-person Young Parent University on March 29 in Phoenix, in partnership with the DCS Office of Prevention. This event will build upon the momentum of the Virtual Café series, offering young parents another opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. If you or someone you know is a young parent, let them know about Young Parent University - share this flyer ( YPU 2025 final )or register here!
Together, we can continue creating safe spaces for young parents to share their dreams, explore their potential, and work toward a brighter future for themselves and their children.