Course Offerings

Classes are free for participating parents and referring child welfare offices and are only seven weeks (12 hours of classroom instruction), making it easier for parents to reach completion. Best of all, Families Count is highly relational and offers mentorship that can continue beyond graduation.  Please find referral and registration buttons below:

Case worker Referrals:

Referrals for participant outreach is welcome. Caseworkers - please fill out this referral form and Families Count Coordinator will personally reach out to your family in need to get them registered:

2026 Course Offerings:

Course 2 will run on Thursday evenings:
Thursday August 6th 6-9PM - Count 0
Thursday August 13th 6-9PM - Count 1
Thursday August 20th 6-9PM - Count 2
Thursday August 27th  6-9PM - Count 3
Thursday September 3rd 6-9PM - Count 4
Thursday September 10th  6-9PM - Count 5
Thursday Sept 17th 6-9PM - Count 6 and graduation
(Course 1) ran Tuesday evenings:
Tuesday May 19th 6-9PM - Count 0
Tuesday May 26th 6-9PM - Count 1
Tuesday June 2nd 6-9PM - Count 2
Tuesday June 9th 6-9PM - Count 3
Tuesday June 16th 6-9PM - Count 4
Tuesday June 23rd 6-9PM - Count 5
Tuesday June 30th 6-9PM - Count 6 and graduation

Meet our Teachers:
Jess and Sean Dowd are members at Grace Church Southern Pines, proud parents, and active community members. They are excited to be a part of this ministry as the first co-leaders for Course 1!

EVERY PART COUNTS

Families count is a parenting course that brings a more involved community and many resources to surround participants with the support they need to heal. Some of the resources we provide are detailed here:
Co-Leaders: A trained volunteer married couple faithfully leads each class, providing biblically grounded instruction and encouragement.

Course Participants: Each class includes 8–15 parents, creating a supportive, holistic, discussion-based environment where meaningful growth and connection can take place.

Curriculum: Participants receive a comprehensive 6-week curriculum workbook designed to provide practical tools, biblical guidance, and hands-on application for strengthening their families. Students and supporting relatives are also invited to participate in a graduation ceremony to celebrate participants that complete the course.
Mentors: Each parent is lovingly paired with a dedicated support mentor who offers regular check-ins, encouragement, and prayer throughout the course.

God's word: Participant and children’s Bibles are provided to equip families with lasting spiritual resources and to encourage faith-centered growth in the home.

Support Services: Volunteer “rope holders” serve families by providing transportation and childcare during class sessions, removing common barriers to participation.

​Family-style meals:​ A warm meal is provided each night of class, fostering connection and community. This year, meals are generously sponsored by Grace Church of Southern Pines.

Families Count Curriculum Overview:

If you have any course-related questions, please reach out to us on our contact page

Families count is a ministry of
​Lifeline Children’s Services

For more information, please their Families count site:
https://lifelinechild.org/families-count/