Program Helps Parents And Children Navigate Teen Years

"The families who have done it love it," said Karla Neff, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy at The Factory Ministries. "Some have done it twice because they love it so much."

Meredith Burnett, school social worker with the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), agreed. "It really helps with communication going into the teen years," she said.

Strengthening Families is a seven-week, evidence-based program developed 30 years ago by Iowa State University for families with children ages 10 to 14. In PVSD, the program, which is fully funded by a Penn Medicine Lancaster grant, is held at the Together Community Center, where it represents a partnership between Lancaster General Health, The Factory Ministries, and COBYS.

"It's considered highly preventive for drug and alcohol abuse among participants, and research has shown there's even a ripple out effect from children who go through the program to their friends," reported Burnett. Facilitators, who undergo training sessions to take part, include Factory staff, community members, teachers, and Penn Medicine staff members.

The program, which has been in place in the district for about five years, aims to help parents and caregivers learn nurturing skills they may use to support their children, and to teach them how to effectively discipline and guide their children. It also aims to give youths a healthy future orientation and an increased appreciation of their parents and caregivers and to teach them skills for dealing with stress and peer pressure.

Throughout the course, the members of each participating family work on learning how to communicate and listen using "I feel" statements, how to say no to peer pressure, and how to just have fun together. "It's about making decisions to help them reach goals," said Neff, who added that part of the focus is on what students want to be when they grow up and then working backward to determine the steps that need to be taken to reach that goal. Each program begins with a meal. Then children and parents are separated for an hour of programming before joining together again for the conclusion. "It talks through how to host family meetings," said Neff. "I think the power in it is that it's very practical." Neff added that there is material for both parents and students to take home and practice and then to discuss at the next session.

Burnett noted that flyers are sent home to families in the district that have children in the designated age group. The program is also advertised by email, newsletter, and referral. ELANCO School District families are welcome to attend as well. "We have had a diverse group of families participate and enjoy it," said Burnett. The most recent cohort began meeting on Oct. 4, and the program will be repeated during the spring semester.

Readers who would like to learn more about the program may visit http://www.lancasterjoiningforces.org/prevention.