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