Parenting Education Programs & Support
Our Program
About the Program
- Support during pregnancy and early years of parenting
- Information on how babies grow, change, and develop
- Activities, books, and games for babies that promote learning and healthy brain development
- Referrals to community resources
Our Clients
Pregnant and parenting families with children under the age of 5 years who reside in the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth are eligible to participate in our parent education support services. Program services are free and voluntary. Families are enrolled during pregnancy or within 3 years of the child’s birth and may continue until the child enters Kindergarten. Families are encouraged to participate for at least 24 months.
What Makes Us Different
Our Impact
The Up Center’s Parent Education & Support program equips parents with the knowledge and skills to nurture their children and build positive, stable family dynamics. Our program has empowered many families to create safe, supportive environments where both parents and children can thrive.
In 2023,
112 families
were served throughout the year
99% of parents
have shown stability or improvement in parenting behaviors utilizing the PICCOLO tool.
96% of children
with identified delays received early intervention services and support
True Stories
“The Up Center was a blessing…and I know I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for The Up Center.”
—Renae, Parents As Teachers client
“It was good to be able to talk to someone and not be judged…it was just comfortable. Finding The Up Center helped me to be a better mom.”
—Shantae, Healthy Families client
“This program has helped me reach my very best potential as a mom, an auntie, and a strong woman. I’ve learned that even if you think you can’t be the best mom keep trying and never give up.”
—Kyani
“The program has helped me in preparing for my son to arrive! I’ve learned about how my son is growing and developing while pregnant and how to communicate with him when he gets here.”
—Na’chur
Meet the Team
Sabrina Jenkins
Lead parent educator
Sabrina serves as Lead Parent Educator for Parents as Teachers. She is a graduate of Old Dominion University and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Services. She has been passionately delivering child development education, family support and advocacy to families across Hampton Roads since 2013. In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys quality time with her family and experimenting in the kitchen.
Michael Jones, MSW M Div.
Dad Engagement Specialist
Michael has over 10 years of experience serving the children and families of Hampton Roads as a minister, tutor, case manager, and Fatherhood Coordinator. He began his professional career as a Case Manager with The Up Center’s Responsible Fatherhood program after earning his undergraduate degree in Social Work. After earning his M.Div., Michael returned to The Up Center in 2022 as the agency’s first male Parent Educator in our Parents As Teachers program.
Josephine Adams
Prevention outreach associate
Josephine is the Prevention Outreach Associate with the Parents As Teachers program. She has been a vital part of the Prevention Team since 2013. Mrs. Adams conducts program outreach and presentation throughout the community, completes program intake and provides administrative support for the PAT program.
Kathi Walker-Jackson
Senior parent educator
Kathi is a Sr. Parent Educator with the Parents As Teachers program. She has served as a community support worker in home visiting since 2006. As a Sleep Tight Partner with CHIP of South Hampton Roads, Ms. Jackson also serves as the Safe Sleep Coordinator for The Up Center. She provides free safe sleep training and pack-n-play distribution for families in Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Monica Atkins
parent educator
Monica is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and a community leader with her non-profit, Stop the Violence. Ms. Atkins is the Parent Education that services the families in Portsmouth. She has been providing program services with Parents As Teachers since 2018.
Deborah Carlos
Certified doula
Deborah is the certified Doula for the Early Childhood Home Visiting Services. She provides childbirth preparation, lactation, and birthing support to program parents. She also conducts childbirth preparation and education groups for the general public. She is affectionately known as “Deb the Doula.”
Brandie Thompson
Community support
Brandie Thompson has served as a community support worker for 8 years. Ms. Thompson has a passion for working with teen parents and parents with disabilities.
Leslie Meekins
Healthy Families Supervisor
Leslie is the Supervisor for Healthy Families and first began working with Healthy Families in 2001. Leslie has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland. She is the American Red Cross facilitator for the CPR/First Aid/AED classes that we offer to parents in Healthy Families and Parents as Teachers.
Katie Batson
Family Support Specialist
Katie is the Family Support Specialist for Healthy Families, which serves the families of Norfolk from prenatal care until their child is five years old. Katie has been in the Early Childhood field for almost 20 years, working with families and children from birth to age 12. She loves being part of children’s lives and partnering with families to support their child’s growth and development.
Benita Thompson
Family Resource Specialist
Benita joined The Up Center in 2021 and is the Family Resource Specialist with Healthy Families. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in African American Studies. With over 15 years of experience serving youth and families in multiple systems, Benita enjoys connecting with the community through outreach and advocacy.
Silvia Bracero
certified parent educator
Silvia started her career working with families at Healthy Families America at the Virginia Beach Health Department (2018-2021). During this period, GrowSmart Virginia Beach gave her the opportunity of becoming a Parent Educator in Spanish with the program Lena Start Virginia Beach (2018-2023). Previously, Silvia spent most of her time as a Dental Assistant working with children and Hispanic families. In January 2022, she opened her business “Golden Hour Photography LLC” and fulfilled one of her professional dreams. Her passion for kids and families is what makes her go in the direction of helping and educating the community for a better future. She genuinely enjoys helping people and working as a Parent Educator is the best way for her to make those connections. Silvia is also married and the mother of two children, accomplishments that she rates as the most important in her life. Originally from Peru, where she spent the earlier part of her life, she’s been living in Virginia Beach since 2005. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, listening to music with her husband, cooking, playing with her two dogs, and going to the beach.
Asyia Jackson
certified doula
Asyia Jackson is a state certified full spectrum doula. With a heart for serving families through education, advocacy, and hands-on support, she empowers parents through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Asyia combines evidence-based knowledge with compassionate care to create a grounded, personalized experience for each client. Her mission is to hold space for families as they grow—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Request a Home Visit
If you are interested in our program and would like to request a home visit, please complete the form below.
Contact Us
Location: 1805 Airline Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Phone: (757) 397-2121
Fax: (757) 399-3316
Email: homevisiting@theupcenter.org
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday- Friday
For Home Visiting Clients Facebook Group, please click here.
For Home Visiting Podcast, please click here.
How You Can Help
Our clients often need additional support. Below is a list of items that are needed year round and during the holidays. You can also visit our Amazon Wish List for a list of items frequently requested by families, including items for children.
Year Round (NEW items only please):
- NEW baby items—pacifiers, bottles, baby wash, wipes, lotion, towels and washcloths, pack and play sheets, receiving blankets, etc.
- Diapers and Pull-Ups—all sizes but especially sizes 4-5
- Baby food
- Maternity clothes in larger sizes
- NEW seasonally appropriate clothes for babies and children sizes NB-6X
- Books
- NEW or gently used swings and bouncers, toddler beds and baby gates
- NEW strollers, car seats, pack-n-plays
- Adult and child toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Soap, laundry detergent, disinfectant and cleaning supplies
- Gift cards
- Bus passes
- Tickets to family friendly events
Back to School (NEW items only please)
- Small backpacks/tote bags
- Crayons
- Board books and books suitable for children under 5 years
- Blankets for nap time
- Developmentally appropriate toys such as wooden puzzles, rattles, teething rings, sorting and nesting toys, and wooden blocks
- New clothing in infant-size 6X
Holidays
- Food for holiday meals
- Donation of space to hold 150 people for holiday party
- Catering for holiday party to feed approximately 60 adults and 80 children
Please email us at development@thupcenter.org if you’d like to help.
- Volunteer to paint faces for holiday party
- Volunteer to set up, serve or clean up food at events
- Volunteer to set up and clean up
- Volunteer to help families make crafts
Our Mission
We are committed to partnering with children, families, and communities to improve lives and outcomes through prevention, intervention, and support services.
