Mentoring Program

The mentoring program serves youth, ages 6-17, in Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha Counties. The program’s goal is to pair youth with a caring adult mentor to be a positive influence in their lives. The mentor will provide the youth with additional emotional and academic support as well as exposing them to a variety of activities and experiences they may not otherwise encounter.

Mentors are screened and trained and will commit to a minimum of one year involvement, consisting of monthly encounters and activities with the program.

This is a free program that will make a difference in the lives of the youth and the mentors.

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Curriculum

Strengthening Families Program Training

Strengthening Families Program

This scientifically tested curriculum:

Helps parents/caregivers learn nurturing skills that support their children.
Teaches parents/caregivers how to effectively discipline and guide their youth.
Gives youth a healthy future orientation and an increased appreciation of their parents/caregivers.
Teaches youth skills for dealing with stress and peer pressure.

The program address youth risk and protective factors:

Risk Factors:	Protective Factors:
Aggressive or withdrawn behavior Negative peer influence Poor school performance Lack of pro-social goals Poor relationship with parents	Positive future orientation Peer pressure resistance skills Pro-social peer relationships Positive management of emotions Empathy with parents

Basic Topics

Parent	Youth	Family
Using Love and Limits Making House Rules Encouraging Good Behavior Using Consequences Building Bridges Protecting Against Substance Abuse Using Community Resources	Goals and Dreams Appreciating Parents Dealing with Stress Following Rules Handling Peer Pressure I Handling Peer Pressure II Reaching Out to Others	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

Testimonial

“Thanks to AJ Henslee and Rita with YOUTH FIRST through LIFT CAA and Doris Long for showing my boys a great time Fishing and having a Cookout today. They enjoyed themselves so much. Thank you all for what you do for the Youth!!!! “ Dawn Wilhite