Sometimes the pressures of parenting become overwhelming. Financial difficulties, divorce and separation, unemployment, educational needs, alcohol and drug abuse, and physical and mental illness can all contribute to stress and a need for help. Time Out for Parents (TOP) is a crisis intervention program that provides childcare in a safe, nurturing environment for children and counseling and education to families in difficult times.

The Association's licensed TOP centers provide temporary childcare services, so that parents and caretakers can engage in meaningful, productive activities. Children from 8 weeks to 8 years are cared for by experienced staff members, who assess the developmental needs of each child and collaborate with local agencies to ensure they receive the help they need.

TOP also guides parents in building a better life for themselves and their children by providing support services that help them manage the circumstances in their lives and improve their relationships with their children. Parents and caretakers receive assistance in finding community resources -- including referrals to other service providers -- parenting and education resources, parent support groups and one-on-one sessions with our case manager, and leave with skills that enable them to adopt healthier methods of dealing with the stresses of parenthood.

TOP is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and parent support groups are held on Friday mornings. Both take place at these locations:

Manchester TOP
Concordia Lutheran Church
40 Pitkin Street
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 645-2244
Fax: (860) 533-1469

Call the location nearest you or (860) 525-1163, to get help for yourself or a friend or family member in crisis.