Parents and caregivers in Skamania County are invited to strengthen their parenting skills and connect with other families at two free workshops this fall, offered by One Prevention Alliance, a community coalition dedicated to reducing and preventing drug and alcohol abuse living within the Stevenson-Carson School District boundaries and beyond.

Whether raising young children or navigating the middle school years, these evidence-based programs offer practical strategies to build stronger relationships, improve communication, and create calmer, more connected homes.

Registration is now open for Incredible Years and Guiding Good Choices, two nationally recognized parenting programs that support families at different stages of a child’s development. Both courses are offered at no cost, and meals are provided to make participation easier.

About Incredible Years

Incredible Years is designed for parents and caregivers of young and elementary-age children and will be facilitated by parenting educator Vickie Stolle, founder of Dragonfly Paradigm. The series focuses on practical, everyday strategies to help families establish healthy routines, set clear expectations, support learning at home, and promote children’s emotional well-being. Lunch will be provided at each session. The class meets on Thursdays from Sept. 3 through Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hegewald Center in Stevenson.

About Guiding Good Choices

For families with youth in grades 4-8, Guiding Good Choices offers a five-session workshop to strengthen family bonds, set clear guidelines, manage conflict, increase family involvement, and help young people develop strong decision-making skills. ESD 112’s LINKS (Lifegiving Integrated Network of Key Supports) program will provide instruction for one of the Guiding Good Choices series. Dinner will be provided, and childcare will be available to remove barriers that often make it difficult for families to attend. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from Sept. 9 through Oct. 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Hegewald Center.

David Bower, the lead family coordinator for the LINKS Program at ESD 112, said both workshops are designed to equip parents with practical skills and to remind families that they don’t have to navigate parenting challenges alone.

“Every parent wants the best for their child, but parenting doesn’t come with a handbook,” Bower said. “Guiding Good Choices offers families practical, research-based strategies they can apply immediately to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and help young people make healthy decisions.”

Families who have completed Incredible Years and Guiding Good Choices consistently report meaningful changes at home. Many say the courses helped them establish simple routines that reduced daily stress, improved communication, and created a calmer home environment. Parents often report feeling more confident in their parenting and see their children become more cooperative, emotionally secure, and successful at school.

Registration is now open, but space is limited for both workshops. Families are encouraged to register early to secure a spot.

For any questions or to register for either workshop series, contact Karen Douglass, community prevention project coordinator at ESD 112, at karen.douglass@esd112.org.

About One Prevention Alliance

OPA is a coalition of community members and organizations working together to prevent underage use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, opioids, and other substances. Focused on the Stevenson-Carson School District and broader Skamania County, OPA uses data-informed strategies to address root causes of substance use and strengthen protective factors within families and schools. To learn more or get involved, visit onepreventionalliance.com.