Our Impact
Proven Results, Independently Confirmed
More than 75,000 parents and caregivers served over four decades. Today, the results keep pointing to the same thing: PEP works.
By the Numbers
What Families Report
Independently evaluated by NORC at the University of Chicago, PEP’s results hold across every group it serves — English, Spanish, and Amharic.
83%
Stronger Parent-Child Relationships
Most families report a stronger bond with their child after PEP. Research shows that the parent-child relationship affects a child’s well-being more than anything else.
81%
Improved Communication
Most parents come away communicating better with their children. Strong communication helps children manage their emotions and navigate challenges—and reach out before problems grow.
82%
Stronger Parenting Skills
Most parents leave PEP feeling more capable and confident, with practical tools they can use the same day. Parents develop foundational skills they can use across many situations as their child grows.
71%
Positive Changes in Children
Most parents see positive changes in their children after the program—more cooperation, less conflict, more initiative. Research links PEP’s Adlerian approach to stronger student engagement and success in school.
Source: NORC at the University of Chicago Independent Evaluation
Measured by NORC at the University of Chicago
NORC, a leading nonpartisan, objective research organization, evaluates PEP’s programs and designed the survey that measures the changes families experience — stronger parent-child connection and communication, improvements in children’s behavior, and growing parent confidence and skills.
Key Findings
What We’ve Learned
Why the PEP Approach Works
The data shows PEP works. Four decades alongside families have taught us why, and shaped how our programs are designed.
Encouragement Works Better Than Punishment.
PEP’s approach is kind and firm—pairing encouragement with positive discipline. Together, they help parents raise confident, responsible children who cooperate willingly rather than out of fear.
Trust Comes First—So PEP Groups Are Peer-Led
Parents are more open to change when they trust the group’s leader and feel they belong. That’s why groups are led by trained facilitators from the same communities, who took the program themselves.
Parents Change When They See They’re Not Alone
In group conversation, parents hear others name the same struggles and realize their challenges are normal and shared. That relief, and the group’s energy, opens them to trying new approaches.
Parents Succeed by Adapting Tools to Their Own Family
PEP doesn’t hand down answers. Each session pairs tools with guided reflection, so parents adapt them to their family, culture, and life, which is what makes the program work across diverse communities.
Support Parents.
Watch Kids Thrive.
The research is clear: invest in a parent, and the whole family grows stronger. Partner with PEP or donate to reach more families.
