The Garrison and Friends Project / R2R Parent Empowering Program

The Garrison & Friends Project and
the Raindrops to Rainbows Parenting Empowerment Program
have joined forces to uplift families through literacy, advocacy, and trauma-informed education. Together, we offer parenting classes designed for caregivers from all walks of life. If you care for a child, then our program is for you!

Welcome to a Partnership Rooted in Healing and Growth.

A Mission of Connection

This partnership bridges two powerful initiatives:

Garrison & Friends Project: An advocacy and literacy project amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and striving to educate the public about how trauma affects children, individuals, and families who are system-impacted. Sponsored by Texas Prisons Community Advocates (TPCA), it promotes healing through storytelling, children’s books, and community engagement.

Raindrops to Rainbows Parenting Empowerment Program: A child development–centered curriculum that equips parents with tools to nurture their child’s emotional, cognitive, and physical growth from day one. Classes are led by experts in early childhood development, trauma-informed care, and family support.

Parent Empowerment Lab

Practical Advice

Why Kids Get Physical: It’s Not Defiance—It’s Development

Dr. Amin explains that hitting, kicking, biting, and throwing are developmentally normal behaviors, especially in toddlers and preschoolers. Young children simply don’t yet have the brain wiring to manage big emotions with words or self‑control.

Across ages, physical outbursts usually come from:

Overwhelm or sensory overload
Frustration they can’t verbalize
A need for connection or co‑regulation
Difficulty transitioning or sharing
Fatigue, hunger, or overstimulation

Understanding the why helps parents respond with empathy instead of punishment.

Understanding the Theorists

When studying the theorists, you will find many ideas about how children develop into healthy, happy adults. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a favorite. Consider what might happen to development if the foundation aspect of physiological needs goes unmet. Can children develop feelings of trust and safety if they don't have sufficient food and warmth? Watch the video below for a deeper explanation.

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We believe that putting children first results in healthier children, stronger communities, and brighter futures for us all. To do this, we must realize that children view the world very differently and responsibly consider their literal stature as well as their developmental capability to understand, so that we reduce their exposure to trauma. To learn more, click on the images below.