Program Elements

The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 consists of:

  • 7-10 families coming together for a 2-hour session each week for 7 weeks
  • Each week typically begins with a group meal
  • Programming is led by three certified facilitators
  • The first hour consists of separate youth and parent programming
  • For the second hour youth and parents come together for family programming
  • Childcare is frequently provided for younger children

Youth sessions engage each youth in small and large group discussions, group skill practice, and social bonding activities. Topics include:

  • Having Goals and Dreams
  • Appreciating Parents
  • Dealing with Stress
  • Following Rules
  • Handling Peer Pressure I
  • Handling Peer Pressure II
  • Reaching Out To Others

Family sessions use specifically designed games and projects to increase family bonding, build positive communication skills, and facilitate learning to solve problems together. Topics include:

  • Supporting Goals and Dreams
  • Appreciating Family Members
  • Using Family Meetings
  • Understanding Family Values
  • Building Family Communication
  • Reaching Our Goals
  • Putting It All Together and Graduation