Kids will frolic at the 7th annual Fall Family Festival in La Quinta. The free event is Nov. 9 from 10am to 4pm.

Did you ever wonder how moms learn to become moms, and parents to parent? When young people are first starting out and don’t have relatives in the area, who answers all the questions?

In the Coachella Valley, new moms and young families are lucky to now have a place to go, the About Families, Inc., Resource and Education Center in Palm Desert. About Families provides local residents with educational classes on topics such as informed childbirth, breastfeeding basics, newborn care and conscious parenting, as well as information on local resources, and even a “mama support network.”

About Families, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to educating and supporting families by providing resources necessary to take on the emotional, mental and physical challenges they may encounter. Some courses are fee-based, but many are offered free of charge or on a sliding scale.

The non-profit is a dream of founder Joanna Whitlow, who in 2005 launched For Moms and Babies, Inc., with Dr. Carol Batt and Bridgette Becker, all childbirth and parenting professionals. About Families is the realization of this dream and just two months ago, the organization moved into its own location in Palm Desert. It “took a village” to get them there. “We are so very grateful for the tremendous support we have received from community members and businesses,” says Whitlow. “This move is a big step forward, but only a small part of our bigger dream to help young families in our community.”

Their largest annual fundraiser is the Fall Family Festival which celebrates its 7th anniversary on Saturday, November 9, in Old Town La Quinta. This festive occasion brings together fun, games, crafts, safety and community resources for Coachella Valley families, in one joyous celebration. Main Street in Old Town will be closed off and lined with over 50 exhibitors, all with a family focus and activities for children. There will be a petting zoo and pony rides, as well as child safety demonstrations and education. The festival takes place from 10 am – 4 pm and admission is free.

Grab your family and friends and come out and support this great cause!

For more information on About Families, Inc. (www.aboutfamiliesinc.com), For Moms and Babies, Inc. (www.formomsandbabies.com) or the Fall Family Festival (www.lqfallfamilyfestival.org) call (760) 342.7400.