At Children’s Aid Society of Alabama, we believe that building strong families is essential for strengthening our communities. A key contributor to this mission is our EPIC program, the Effective Parenting Instruction Course, which provides parenting classes in the Greater Birmingham, Alabama area. These classes help moms, dads, and caregivers feel more confident and connected to their children.
Meet Our Parent Trainer: Linda Martin
Linda Martin has served as a dedicated parent trainer with the EPIC program for nearly three years. A former school counselor with 25 years of experience, Linda is also the proud mother of seven children, all of whom joined the Martin family through adoption. She has maintained a longstanding relationship with our organization, previously serving as a co-lead for the Shelby County adoptive family support group provided by our APAC program, Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections. “You know, one of my daughters attended the very first Camp APAC 21 years ago,” she chuckles.
When asked what drew her to the EPIC program, Linda shared:
“I’ve always believed in what Children’s Aid Society of Alabama does. I had retired, and when I learned about this opportunity to work with EPIC, I knew it was the right fit.”
What Does EPIC Do?
The mission of EPIC is simple: to equip parents with tools to raise happy, healthy children. This includes:
- Building Strong Family Relationships
- Developing Self-Esteem in Children
- Gaining an Understanding of Child Development
- Improving Communication Skills
- Teaching effective, positive discipline techniques
Ultimately, the goal is to build safe, stable, and loving homes in our community. These protective factors help prevent child abuse and lead to positive childhood experiences and better outcomes for the entire family.
What are EPIC Classes Like?
EPIC offers in-person parenting classes that last six weeks. The classes are designed for parents with children from newborns to teenagers, EPIC classes use the Active Parenting curriculum, which focuses on understanding child behavior, using positive discipline, and building self-esteem. “We teach parents how to respond to the behavior of the child instead of just reacting,” Linda explains. “That means calmer homes and families where everyone involved feels heard and supported.”
One thing that makes EPIC’s classes unique…It’s completely free. That includes all materials and support from well-trained instructors.
How Do We Know EPIC Is Effective?
EPIC’s impact goes beyond its research-based curriculum. According to Linda, “There’s a genuine connection that forms between participants. Many parents keep in touch with me after graduating and some even stay connected with one another. They become an informal support group. I love that.”
Classes are offered in partnership with the Jefferson County Family Resource Center, with funding support from the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama and the United Way of Central Alabama.
What Parents Are Saying
“We receive incredible feedback,” says Linda. “Parents tell us they feel more confident, and they’re learning how to talk to their kids in ways that actually work.”
Here are just a few real parent comments from recent surveys:
“This class has helped me better understand my child’s behavior and how to deal with it.”
“Honestly, it was very helpful and actually fun. I learned new ways to communicate and handle situations appropriately.”
“I’d love for more people to attend and for more classes like this to be available.”
Thinking About Joining?
If you’re unsure whether EPIC is right for you, Linda offers this encouragement:
“You’re never too old or too experienced to learn. Kids are different these days. Every parent can benefit from learning new ways to connect with their children.”
To learn more about EPIC’s free parenting classes, visit the EPIC page on the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama’s website, call us at (205) 943-5337, or email Linda Martin at lmartin@childrensaid.org.
This April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invite you to consider the words of Maya Angelou:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
Building a stronger family starts with gaining the information you need to show up as the best version of yourself for your loved ones. Together, we can build stronger families, powered by hope and strengthened by prevention.
Arema Granger
Marketing Communications Coordinator
