Parent Leadership Training

About the Wethersfield UCONN People Empowering People (PEP) Communities Program

The Wethersfield UCONN People Empowering People (PEP) Communities program has been building strong, confident parent leaders since 2017. To date, 77 participants have graduated, each contributing to the well-being and connectedness of our town.

We are excited to share that 2026 will mark our 10th year of PEP in Wethersfield!

PEP is a UCONN Extension certificate program that helps parents and caregivers strengthen leadership skills, gain confidence, fill résumé gaps, and explore new career pathways.

The Wethersfield program is proudly facilitated by Jeanine Berasi, UConn-Certified PEP Facilitator.

How the PEP Program Works

Instruction

Participants attend ten weekly two-hour sessions covering:

• Personal and family values

• Communication and active listening

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Parenting strategies

• Leadership and advocacy

• Action planning and goal setting

• Understanding and engaging with community opportunities

To support participation, free dinner is provided each week, along with free childcare for children ages 4 and older.

Community Service Projects

Following the instructional sessions, participants complete four weeks of community service projects—designed to benefit Wethersfield and create real community impact.

PEP graduates have completed a wide range of meaningful projects, including:

• Preparing welcome gifts for new students in the district

• Organizing “Porch Portraits” during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster connection and raise funds for the Wethersfield Food Bank

• Curating a community exhibit celebrating the many cultural holidays observed in town

• Partnering with WeHOPE and Wethersfield Social, Youth & Senior Services to spotlight local prevention work

• Partnering with WECC and Wethersfield Plays to highlight the importance of play and reduced screen time

• Creating the Wethersfield International Moms Group to support and connect families from diverse backgrounds

Program Expectations

Attendance is essential to the learning experience.
Participants may miss no more than two instructional sessions to be eligible for certificate completion.

Learn More

For more information about the UCONN PEP program, visit:
pep.extension.uconn.edu