LEAD, the parent engagement program at Fortress, began as a Junior League Fort Worth funded project in 2014. The positive feedback we received and the powerful relationships we formed during that pilot year prompted us to launch the full program (called Equip from 2014-2020) for the parents & guardians of children enrolled in Fortress programs. LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Achieve, and Disciple, and describes the four steps parents take as they develop leadership skills that will enhance stability for their families and their community.
LEAD requires each family to invest a minimum of 12 hours each year back into the Fortress programs. Research tells us that parent involvement is an indicator of future success for students in low-income households, and our goal is to empower our parents to become more involved in their child’s academic and social-emotional growth, and to discover opportunities for growth in themselves.
Parents are invited to go above the minimum requirement and work towards Leveling Up by graduating from our ongoing class series and completing hours within each of the four pillars of the program: Knowledge of Child Development, Parent-Child Engagement, Personal Empowerment, and Community Involvement. Parents who level up are eligible for perks and privileges within the Fortress program, including reserved parking, specialty classes and events, and public recognition.
Parent hours can be completed in a variety of ways. On average, Fortress offers 120 hours of parent engagement opportunities annually. The majority of these opportunities are through ongoing classes and events during the fall and spring semesters:
It’s Just a Phase, based on Ivy & Joiner’s Phase Project, explores how to address weighty topics with children through every phase and stage of their life.
Connect & Correct, based on TCU’s Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), examines parenting through a trauma-informed lens.
Thursdays Together provide parents an opportunity to build social capital by meeting and connecting with other parents to discuss topics of mutual relevance and interest.
Fortress Live offers instructor-led activities for parents and children to enjoy together — from cooking to crafting to learning new skills.
Donuts with Dudes invites dads, grandpas, uncles, and other important male figures in our students’ lives to gather monthly over breakfast and celebrate fatherhood.
Live Richer Challenge, based on resources from Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, provides practical, real-life tips and tricks for budgeting, saving, getting out of debt, improving your credit, and investing.
Getting Ahead, developed by Aha! Process is a 16-session curriculum that helps individuals in poverty build their resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families, and their communities. This class is only available to parents who have achieved Emerald status or higher in the LEAD program.
Parent hours can also be completed through participation in a myriad of other events and opportunities we offer throughout the year. Family Fun Events – including our annual Back 2 School Bash (August), Trunk or Treat (October), Family Christmas Party (December), Valentine’s Karaoke Party (February), and Literacy Carnival (June) – give parents a fun and structured environment to connect with their children on “their turf”. Volunteer opportunities at family events and in Fortress programs encourage buy-in from parents who invest their time and energy to help our programs run smoothly. Involvement in community activities – such as Meet the Teacher night at the local elementary school and Neighborhood Association meetings for the Historic Southside community – help parents find their voice and empower them to continue their involvement beyond their time at Fortress.
In addition to the 12 required hours, parents must complete two conferences each year with a Fortress staff member: one orientation session at the beginning of the school year and one parent-teacher conference in the spring. These conferences allow time to give and receive valuable feedback about child performance, assess family needs, and give parents face time with the Fortress staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join?
Parents of children enrolled in our preschool, after school and summer programs are automatically a part of LEAD. Some classes will be open to the community, but the program and its perks are reserved for enrolled families.
Why are Fortress parents required to participate ?
Research demonstrates a strong link between parent engagement and positive child outcomes both academically and socially. Fortress is a leader in the field of parent engagement and requires this participation in lieu of tuition to equip families with the skills they need to see their child through their Fortress years and beyond.
Can I volunteer in the program?
Parents and community volunteers alike are invited to volunteer in the program! Specific volunteer opportunities can be found here, or you can contact us for more information.
How do I level up in the program?
There are four levels in the LEAD program: ruby, sapphire, emerald, and diamond. All parents start at a ruby level and can move up at their own pace. There are specific classes designed for each level, and parents must complete a variety of classes or activities in our four learning domains to move up. Talk to our Family Resource or Parent Program Coordinator for more details!
What do I get out of participating?
Our classes are designed to meet the unique needs of families at all different stages of parenthood, from prenatal to teen years, from first time moms to veteran parents and grandparents. In addition to getting valuable information about the latest research and best practices in parenting, parents who level up through the program will also receive benefits such as reserved parking, t-shirts, and household items and toys. Parents at our highest levels even have the opportunity to receive scholarships for college and trade school!
When are classes offered?
All of our LEAD classes and events are listed on our calendar.