Community & EducationAkron-UMADAOP, Inc. believes that a young person whose self-esteem is intact, who is aware and proud of his/her heritage, and possesses strong leadership skills, integrity and respect for his/her community, is better able to resist difficult situations or challenges that may be presented to them. Youth who are comfortable with themselves and confident of their worth and abilities can better understand and avoid the devastation that results from substance abuse and other life-altering behaviors.Akron-UMADAOP, Inc.’s programs to implement Community and Education Services Department [Prevention] are as follows:Strengthening Families GroupThe Strengthening Families Group (SFG) is a family skills training program designed to increase resilience and reduce risk factors for behavioral, emotional, academic, and social problems in children 3-16 years old. SFG comprise three life-skills courses delivered in 14 weekly, 2 hour sessions The Parenting Skills sessions are designed to help parents learn to increase desired behaviors in children by using attention and rewards, clear communication, effective discipline, substance use education, problem solving, and limit setting. The Children’s Life Skills sessions are designed to help children learn effective communication, understand their feelings, improve social and problem solving skills, resist peer pressure, understand the consequences of substance use, and comply with parental rules. In the Family like skills sessions, families engage in structured family activities, practice therapeutic child play, conduct family meetings, learn communication skills, practice effective discipline, reinforce positive behaviors in each other, and plan family activities together. Participation in ongoing family support groups and booster sessions is encouraged to increase generalization and the use of skills learned.Youth Programs Youth Led Prevention Leadership CouncilYoung Ladies of DistinctionDistinguished GentsYouth Advocate / Mentoring Programs These programs are designed for youth from six to seventeen years of age. The programs provide education, awareness and early intervention techniques to youth, to assist them in being able to make better life choices. In addition, youth are provided with personal development, leadership skills, training and recreational events.All youth programs use an evidence based curriculum by Dr. Gilbert J. Batvin, Cornell University Medical College and Thinking for Change.
