Prevention
Unfortunately, not every person is given the life skills necessary to help them on the journey through life. It is hard to imagine that a child would not be taught to believe that they have a choice, that they have power to pick the direction their life goes. That can be hard for many of us to imagine, but it is true and it does happen every day. Before that child has to learn through the trials of crime and the justice system, Volunteers of America Utah Prevention hopes to provide them with the skills that will set them on a different course; one that will open the doors of opportunity and will allow them to make the most out of their life experience.
Our priority in Prevention is to provide quality, evidence based strategies to children, youth and families to reduce risk factors such as early initiation of substance abuse, violence, gang involvement and other problem behaviors. We also address low commitment to school and poor family management.
In order to do this, we offer five school based programs which are taught either in the classroom or in smaller groups. Group members are identified by school counselors and teachers. These classes focus on building social skills such as conflict resolution/problem solving skills, peer refusal skills and coping skills. We also have two programs that address the family either through community collaborative efforts or through in home visits with the family. All of these programs are evidence based and are shown to be effective methods to reduce high risk behaviors and increase pro social choices.
We can reduce harmful behaviors and enhance our community through proactive strategies. Prevention research and evidence based strategies have come out of this philosophy over the past several years. We at Volunteers of America Utah truly believe that prevention plays a critical roll in the overall well being of our homes, schools, communities and state.
The following is a list of all the programs that Volunteers of America Utah Prevention has to offer. These are brief descriptions, so please feel free to contact us with questions on any of the programs we offer. Please email Craig Anderson, Director of Prevention Services, at canderson@cornerstoneslc.com or call 801-355-2846 ext 139.
SIXTH SENSE
In Sixth Sense, elementary and Jr. High school students are presented with incremental drug-use prevention sessions which cover healthy life-style choices, short-term negative effects of drugs, decision-making skills, and resistance to peer pressure. Students role-play ways to resist peer pressure. Parents are invited to attend an informational session. Recognized as an “Outstanding Program” by the U.S. Dept. Health.
LIVING SKILLS
Living skills serves students in 2nd through 5th grade. Participants are invited to attend a weekly group that teaches life skills with a focus on getting along better with others and providing a more positive school experience. Parents and teachers are invited to reinforce the skills the students have learned. Living Skills has been recognized as a CSAP Promising Program; Exemplary award winner, 1999 and cited as one of 20 most effective programs by U.S. Dept. of Education.
VOICES
These gender specific groups focused on building skills to deal with the special needs and concerns that adolescents face at this pivotal time in their lives. The groups provide youth with the opportunity to raise questions and voice their concerns and develop strategies to deal with these concerns. The groups are designed to build connections with peers in a positive and supportive environment.
FAMILIES PLUS
Families Plus focuses on students in first through fifth grade, who attend after-school programs. These students are invited to participate in “Making Choices” skills groups. The group focuses on building decision-making skills and positive social relationships. Selected families are provided with in-home family support and parent training
LIFE SKILLS TRAINING
LST is a classroom-based prevention program for 6th, 7th, 8th graders. It has been proven effective at teaching students personal and social skills in order to promote individual competence. LST shows a reduction in substance use up to 87 percent. Life Skills Training is a CSAP Model Program.
Prime for Life
Prime for Life is the state mandated DUI education program. This class is for adults and youth and focuses on both alcohol and drug prevention and intervention. These classes are offered through Volunteers of America every Wednesday from 5-9pm. If you or someone you know would like more information on this program, please call us Monday through Friday from 8am to 5 pm at 801-355-2846.
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