The Parent Education Program at La Cañada Presbyterian Church (LCPC) capped the end of its 44^th year by celebrating the program’s achievements with a celebration for the staff, board and MST at the home of Ashley Barrett. The evening began with an al fresco dinner followed by commendations for the team by director Anne Bierling. In addition to expressing gratitude for its 40 team members, board chair Katrina Harbers presented thank you gifts with the theme verse: “Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). Sloan Walsh was also commended for 20 years of service and Jan Roberts for 30 years.

The LCPC Parent Education team celebrated the number of classes offered – 26 – including 10 Parent Express classes; for example, The Art of Fatherhood, Parenting through Learning Differences, and Managing Technology, which drew 564 parents and children to campus last year. Other highlights of the year included a successful fundraising gala, supporting other local non-profit organizations including Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens, The Oasis of Hollywood, Harambee, Elizabeth House and Young Life Capernaum while also providing support resources to dozens of families in distress through the Erskine Compassion Memorial Fund. This fund was created in memory of Cathy and Christopher Erskine in 2018. Contributions can be made to this ongoing fund online at https://bit.ly/PARENTEDGALA23 or by check designated to Erskine Memorial Fund. Checks can be dropped off or mailed to LCPC Parent Ed, 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

2022-2023 team members include Elizabeth Angiuli, Ashley Barrett, Debbie Barsom, Amanda Baughman, Anne Bierling, Erin Brown, Nanette Brown, Teresa Chiu, Stephanie Ferguson, Melanie Frey, Lauren Gallidoro, Paula Giboney, Jennifer Gordon, Lynne Graves, Katrina Harbers, Annie Hewett, Natalie Hubbard, Daniela Kim, Carrie Kingston, Jenn Kliewer, Kathy Kovalcik, Cathy Lukesh, Ellen Mackle, Charlotte Miller, Meredith Min, Sarah Montes, Sarah New, Vicki Rekedal, Katy Riddell, Jan Roberts, Amber Gerhardt-Serrano, Monica Skeehan, Tracy Tobias, Jana Van Dyck, Sloan Walsh and Natasha Wood.

Entering its 45^th year of helping families thrive, Parent Ed offers classes for parents and grandparents of babies to young adults. Its reputable program provides quality education, friendships and community. The program attracts over 500 participants from a 30-mile radius. Visit www.lacanadapc.org/parented for class listings, staff bios and online registration. Scholarships and payment plans are available online. Affordable childcare is offered during most class times. La Cañada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.