MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
A former Memphis social worker is taking her decades of experience to host free parenting classes.
Elizabeth Tolliver, founder of non-profit Elements of Life, has 26 years of experience as a social worker and seven years of experience as a special education teacher.
Tolliver hosted three free parenting classes at the North Frayser Community Center on Saturdays in December of 2023. "Elements of Life" focuses on building healthy relationships between parents and their children.
"The parents are no longer involved in their children's lives," Tolliver said. "Technology has taken over."
Tolliver said a lack of parental involvement could lead to youth turning to a life of crime. This was her inspiration to make a change.
"We can at least reduce some of the crime in the area by reconnecting the parents with their children, and how we do that is making sure the parents have the resources and the tools available," Tolliver said.
The classes focus on education, discipline and even the importance of a child’s mental health.
"What they have learned from these classes is learning how to be a positive parent — learning about how to work with their children," Tolliver said.
The next free Saturday class is Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
So far, Tolliver said she has helped nearly a dozen families through the parenting classes.
Elements of Life also offers youth job training. Any interested parents can click here.