Royal Oak Tribune

E-Community Outreach Services starting new Parent Matters Network

- By Natalie Broda nbroda@medianewsg­roup.com @NatalieBro­da on Twitter

Pontiac-based nonprofit E-Community Outreach Services is putting the call out to local guardians to join its new Parents Matter Network.

The nonprofit, founded and run by local community leader and mentor Eisha Branner, aims to directly support families in Pontiac with a myriad of resources and advocacy for social services. The Parents Matter Network is a continuati­on of that work, she said, and a way to better connect those caring for children with each other and those who can help meet their needs.

“One thing we always hear is how difficult parenting in the city can be. I wanted to create a closed network for families, so that no matter what resources come my way through this nonprofit, they can receive it,” Branner said. “Social media outreach just isn’t personal, I felt like we were missing something. This is a place where parents can meet other parents and build support with each other.”

About 260 Pontiac parents have already registered for the network, which will also offer membership cards. Seventeen local businesses have signed on to join the network offering discounts to those who are members of the group. Members will also have direct access to the nonprofit’s three case managers, a counselor and social service advocates. Weekly webinars are also available.

“The big thing in Pontiac is that we have all these resources and programs, but they aren’t connecting to our families that need it. That’s what this hub is for, so families can get their hands on those resources first,” Branner said.

Registrati­on for the network can be found at ecommunity­outreachse­rvices.com.

 ?? PHOTO COURTESY OF EISHA
BRANNER A Parents Matter Network shirt. ??
PHOTO COURTESY OF EISHA BRANNER A Parents Matter Network shirt.
 ?? NATALIE BRODA — OAKLAND PRESS FILE PHOTO ?? Kids work on chalk drawings on the sidewalk beside Indian Village Park in Pontiac.
NATALIE BRODA — OAKLAND PRESS FILE PHOTO Kids work on chalk drawings on the sidewalk beside Indian Village Park in Pontiac.

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