One Hope United, a nonprofit agency with the mission to protect children and strengthen families, offers a Parent Café for the Centralia Community. The gathering takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011 at the First Christian Church,205 S. Elm St.,Centralia,Illinois.

The purpose of the Parent Café is for parents to network with each other, and with One Hope United staff, to learn new techniques for growing strong family bonds.

“At the Parent Café, we share information and ideas that help us take care of ourselves, raise strong children and build strong relationships with our kids,” said Lucas Sigrist, staff member with One Hope United. “We encourage the community to join us and make new connections.”

At the Parent Café, parents will make new friends, share ideas and learn about community resources. It is a chance for parents to share their hopes and dreams for their family and ultimately build a stronger community. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sigrist at 217.347.5880 x13 or lsigrist@onehopeunited.org. Babysitting and dinner will be provided.

Parent Cafés are part of Strengthening Families Illinois and more information about the statewide program is available at www.keepyourfamilystrong.org.

Additional meetings will take place on Sept. 1 and 15, same place and time.