A free family support program in Princeton has served 52 households since its launch in May 2025. Building Strong Futures, operated by The Turning Point, offers weekly workshops and food assistance to families with school-age children in the 75407 ZIP code. The initiative aims to help participants manage daily challenges, improve relationships, and access local resources.
Since beginning operations, 35 parents and 73 youth have taken part in the six-week workshop series. More than 530 boxes of food have been distributed to participating households. Aditi Parolkar, the program coordinator, stated that the curriculum is designed to reduce stress and build practical skills related to health, finances, and family dynamics.
Parent sessions address topics such as resilience, health literacy, goal setting, boundaries, communication, and financial management. Youth engage in an age-appropriate curriculum covering identity, self-esteem, compassion, consent, leadership, and basic money skills. At the conclusion of each session, parents and youth reconvene to discuss their learning. Families also share a meal every other week.
Participation is not limited to a single six-week cycle. Parolkar noted that registration remains open on a rolling basis with no deadline, and several families have completed multiple rounds of workshops. The program partners with The Samaritan Inn to provide food assistance, with boxes distributed during weekly workshops and monthly enrichment sessions.
Eligibility for food support requires participation in free or reduced-price school lunch, SNAP, Medicaid, or a current food crisis. Those needing further assistance can be connected to The Samaritan Inn’s pantry in McKinney. Currently, 10 families are receiving weekly group support and food aid.
