Tandem Families is committed to establishing family mentoring for children and their families who are facing challenging circumstances. We recruit volunteer families (tandem families) who mentor children and their families (natural families) in Delta and Montrose counties. Through this ongoing process, children who face extra struggles learn healthier social, behavioral, and emotional skills. The child's family is also provided with support, parenting education and mentoring.

Family Mentoring

Volunteer families, or tandem families, work with the natural family to enrich a child's life. These tandem families, as well as the natural families, are provided with support from numerous sources such as:

• Mental health professionals who guide parents with behavioral and emotional suggestions and support.
• Schools that provide more frequent reports than is typical to ensure the child's educational success.
• Family Advocates who work with the family to secure needed goods and services.
• Community volunteers who deliver gifts of appreciation.
• The Volunteer Coordinator who works with the community to help support these children. In addition, the Tandem Families staff collaborates with schools, churches and numerous community-based organizations; each provides support to tandem and natural families.

Nurturing Parenting Classes

Tandem Families, in collaboration with other family service agencies in the Delta and Montrose counties, are offering Nurturing Parenting classes. A family style dinner is served to all families attending and subjects include appropriate expectations, empathy, non-violent behavior management, appropriate family roles, and supporting children's power and independence. Sessions are focused on families with children 0 to 5 years and 6 to 12 years, but any families interested in participating in this enjoyable, enlightening experience are welcome. For more information contact Tandem Families.

Teen Groups

It's especially tough being a teenager. That's why we've developed two additional programs to provide support specific to teens and their needs. GIRLS is a group for adolescent girls to help them develop skills to be successful in school, in family life and in the community. PALS is a group for adolescent boys to help develop positive self-esteem and communication skills.

Family Tracking Program

Family Tracking Program is assigned to the Department of Human Services (DHS) involved families with past involvement with drugs (specifically Methamphetamine). They assist the DHS caseworker with monitoring client needs, including reviewing daily journals, conducting home visits and encouraging positive lifestyle choices and positive parenting and ensuring compliance with the court-ordered Family Service plan. Referrals come from the DHS.

Ways to Get Involved

We are always looking for assistance and support to help our communities' children and their families. Here are some ways you can get involved.

• Volunteer to be a tandem family.
• Tandem families come in all varieties: individuals and couples with or without children.
• Donate money or items to Tandem Families.
• Volunteer your time and talents making phone calls, addressing envelopes, baking cookies, doing household repairs, and transporting families.
• Help recruit tandem families.
• Invite a tandem family speaker to your organization, business or church. If you want to make a difference in the lives of people within your community, call today for more information.