by Alan Kagan
Here at the Southwest Council, we offer many presentations, programs, and other opportunities free to the families of Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. One of the greatest challenges we find is getting that information out and advertised to families, so that they have the chance to take advantage of relevant services. The ‘Strengthening Families Program’ (SFP) is one such program we offer, and it’s my hope that if you’re reading this article, you look further into the SFP (as well as everything else we do) and join up! Even if you are unable, you can spread the word to other families you know too – because between you and me, we’ll make it worth your while!
Our Strengthening Families program is a 7-week program that we’ll hold at any agency, community location, or faith-based organization, as long as they’re able to accommodate the number of adults and youth signed up. In order to participate in our free-of-charge SFP, families must have at least one youth in the 9–15-year age range. There is always food served, graduation gifts, and raffle prizes often given at our events as well! If a family successfully completes the program, there is a graduation ceremony held as thanks for their involvement, along with a parting congratulatory gift basket.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
On top of all of that, if a family refers another family to the program, and the referral successfully completes, the family that made the referral is entitled to a gift card to use how they see fit!
Now that stipulations and incentives have been discussed, let me get a little more into details about the SFP itself. As mentioned earlier, it is 7 weeks long, and new topics are presented each week, to both the adults and to youth. First, parents and youth are divided into their own lessons, then everyone is brought back together for a family activity and given a chance to discuss what they learned. Topics during parent sessions include (but are not limited to): identifying stressors and changes in youth, the need for “house rules”, and the value of listening and remaining calm during small problems. Topics for youth sessions include dreams and goals, acknowledging parents frustrations and difficulties, identifying their own stressors, rules and responsibilities, and tips for resisting peer pressure.
There is a Strengthening Families program currently in progress every Wednesday from 12-2:30pm at Holly Success Center in Millville NJ- we are only a week in, so it’s not too late to sign up! If interested, email me at alan@southwestcouncil.org! There will be additional SFP’s held in Gloucester and Salem counties as well, so hang tight for further details!
For more information regarding Strengthening Families and other prevention programs and services we provide, please visit us at http://www.southwestcouncil.org/ and explore the tabs. We are also available to reach by phone at (856) 794-1011.
