About Us
Maralyn Benay (Family Support Worker), Tina Dow (Probation Officer), and Audrey Holliday (Parent) founded Parents Empowering Parents (P.E.P.) in May 2004 as a result of an increasing need for support and direction for families dealing with the effects of substance abuse in youth. Initially, P.E.P. held a series of three meetings to investigate the needs of families struggling with substance abuse in the County of Strathcona. There was immediate overwhelming response. Families were indeed reaching out for exactly what we were offering: information, support, direction, and hope.
Since our inception in May, 2004 P.E.P. has met every second Tuesday evening at County Hall in Sherwood Park. The group continues to grow as word spreads throughout the province and North America about P.E.P. On any given night, in each chapter meeting, there are 40-70 or more family members in attendance seeking help and hope. They leave each meeting a bit stronger, a bit more knowledgeable, and certainly more empowered, by gathering with others sharing their struggles and their successes. Our support programs focus on drug abuse/addiction in youth and also in adults, as many of our members attending are parents or family members of adults looking for help and support. We understand that addiction can happen at any age, and can affect families through years, and sometimes through generations.
P.E.P. has been instrumental and active in our community since its inception. We planned and held “sold-out” fundraisers at Festival Place entitled “Keep Kids Clean” in 2004 and 2005. Our first drug awareness education and prevention initiatives proved to be incredible successes. Our preventative efforts reach from pre-teens to grandparents, recognizing that the impact of substance abuse on all ages and all family members.
Through advocacy, support, and our commitment to education, PEP has become a highly respected resource in Canada. We have proudly represented our cause, our mission and our membership at many national conventions such as the Issues of Substance Convention and the National Drug Treatment Courts Convention in the past 4 years.
P.E.P. is committed to positive action and change as we endeavour to make a difference. We are working with other stakeholders in the battle against drug and alcohol abuse in our youth. Some of our stakeholders include our County officials, the RCMP, EPS, FCSS, the Boys and Girls Club, the media, AADAC, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Children’s Services.
We invite you to join our mission. You have found a safe and protective environment in which to learn and heal. And when you are ready, you have found a wonderful organization to empower you to create a more positive future for yourself, your loved ones and your community.