In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, host and CEO Philip Clark sits
down with Nicole Shepherd, the Parenting Program Services Director at Greenville First
Steps. With a career that began in 2001 at Compass of Carolina, Nicole has extensive
experience in counseling, domestic violence education, and child trauma programs. She
has played a pivotal role in scaling up the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) in
Greenville, ensuring parents receive the support they need. Her dedication to
supporting families and children is evident through her ongoing work with various family
support programs. She joins Phillip to discuss the essential services provided by this
vital organization.
Phillip begins by speaking of Nicole's extensive background in social services, her
journey from working with domestic violence victims to now leading parenting support
programs, and the various evidence-based initiatives First Steps offers to the
community. As Nicole explains to Phillip, "My background is in social work, in social
services...I've always had a passion for working with families and children.";
Nicole explains the critical role of Greenville First Steps in supporting young families,
particularly those with children aged zero to five. Highlighting the Triple P (Positive
Parenting Program), she details the program's tiered approach and its flexibility in
meeting parents' specific needs. Phillip adds, "The issues and problems that our
communities face are larger than any one entity. We have to work together to provide
that continuum of care."
The discussion also touches on the widespread impact of First Steps, emphasizing their
various programs, including Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Family Connects, and
their collaboration with community partners to enhance service delivery. Nicole's
insights reveal these programs' holistic and non-judgmental nature, emphasizing
the importance of intentional parenting. She says, "We are there as a convener of
services for our youngest families or those who need support who have a zero to five-
year-old."
Key Takeaways:
-Support for Young Families: Greenville First Steps focuses on helping families
with children aged zero to five, offering programs that promote school readiness
and literacy.
-Triple P Program: The Positive Parenting Program is a comprehensive,
evidence-based initiative offering multi-tiered support tailored to parents' specific
needs and challenges.
-Community Collaboration: First Steps has partnered with various
organizations, including Greenville County Schools and Prisma Health, to extend
their reach and effectiveness.
-Non-Judgmental, Accessible Support: The programs are designed to be
inclusive and supportive, addressing diverse needs such as transportation, food
security, and case management.
-Ongoing and Expanding Efforts: With continuous growth in the community,
First Steps is committed to scaling up services and ensuring that every family
receives adequate support.
For more information, please visit us at www.justsaysomethingsc.org or give us a call at
(86) 467-4099.
Nicole Shepherd can be reached at www.greenvillefirststeps.org.
#justsaysomethingpodcast #phillipclark #nicoleshepherd #positiveparentingprogram
#dollypartonimaginationlibrary #familyconnects #greenvillefirststeps #collaboration
