Parent Support

Judith Allee

MHA's parent support programs were started in 1994 by a dedicated volunteer and grandmother, Nancy McCulley, who wished she'd had a support group when her children were little. Eventually MHA received grant funds to create a position that started part-time and evolved into a full-time job. A parent support group was formed, initially affiliated with Parents Anonymous, a national organization. McCulley, now deceased, trained Judith Allee to take her place in 1997. In 2000, MHA changed the name of its parent support group to Parent Support (PS) because the word "anonymous" appeared to create a barrier for struggling parents who wanted to learn new skills. Today PS programs include a support group that offers free daytime and evening meetings with free childcare, as well as telephone support and over 50 workshops a year, many of which include meals and childcare. Although she's the only paid PS staff person, Allee utilizes a volunteer brigade of over 20 people a year to bring programs throughout Licking County.

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