Community Spotlight: Northampton Parents Center
Meet our April 2026 Community Spotlight organization: Northampton Parents Center
When was your organization founded and for what purpose was it established?
Northampton Parents Center (NPC) was founded in 1986 by a group of parents and grandparents who committed themselves to finding and nurturing a space for caregivers to find community. In the words of one of the founders, Jeanne Borfitz:
I had been thinking about how supportive it would if there was a place for new parents to be together with their children. Three or four other parents had the same idea. We began organizing, fundraising, and came up with a name. There were several services already available for children. I was determined that this be a place to support parents first. We finally found a church that would let us use their basement for a nominal fee. One year and two tag sales later, we started the Northampton Parents Center. That was 1986. The first babies now in college, it is still going strong all these years later.
Almost 40 years later, NPC continues to provide a nurturing, affirming, and non-judgemental space where caregivers find support, community, and education all at no cost. NPC is a landmark and a lifeline for caregivers with young children in the valley and beyond.
How would you describe the impact of the work your organization does?
NPC provides free, weekly drop-in playgroups for caregivers and their kids ages 0-5. We regularly welcome families from 10+ towns, representing Hampshire, Franklin, and Hamden counties. NPC drop-in playgroups are often a first point of contact for caregivers who are new to the area, or new to parenting/caregiving. We offer a variety of resources, and collaborate with the Early Childhood Center in Northampton Public Schools to provide free caregiver workshops, both in-person, and online. Our organization is small, but the impact is big. When we get to hold space for people early in their journey of parenting and caregiving, we are supporting the community as a whole for generations to come.
Learn more about the playgroups they offer
What program or project are you most excited about developing/expanding over the coming years, and why?
I am most excited to continue to find ways to reach families with newborns, or first time caregivers. It is a time when the risk of isolation is high, and the need for connection, friendship, and safe spaces is crucial. When I first started working at NPC I had the idea to extend one of our playgroups and have an early bird infant group. Attendance varies week to week as it is one of the most unpredictable and consuming times in a person’s life. But the impact of having somewhere to go with your little one that is free, friendly, and has snacks/coffee/tea covered is huge! I’d love to see our infant programming grow.
- Lindsey King, Executive Director (she/her)
Learn more about the infant playgroup
What is one simple thing an individual can do to make a difference in the lives of the folks you serve?
One thing that someone can do is spread the word about our programming, our presence, and our Friends campaign! Becoming a Friend of NPC would be a simple thing that would make a huge difference.
How can folks get involved and/or support your work?
Our website is a great place to learn more!
www.northamptonparentscenter.org
Our social media pages are also updated a few times/week, follow us on
JOIN US: Kids Somatics Workshop
Friday April 24th from 3-4pm
Join the Northampton Parents Center for this experiential workshop will offer body- and breath-based tools for nervous system regulation. Participants will leave with specific practices for settling their minds and bodies using accessible movements, mindful attention, and social connection. Skills will be adaptable for adults and children of all ages (especially suited for ages 0–5), and will center on the parent-child relationship as a source of co-regulation and wellness!
We will begin gathering at 3pm, start class no later than 3:15, and go for about 30–45 minutes. Snacks and social hour will be held in the studio after the class, from ~4–5pm.
Free for all. Registration appreciated.
