Participating youth experience life skills training which focuses on positive self-talk, improving communication skills, alcohol, tobacco, and drug resistance skills, and complementing others. The project also provides positive alternative activities, community service, and a caregivers retreat/graduation ceremony. Participating youth are able to choose from the following positive alternative activities: Video production, photography and storytelling, and music production. These activities have been proven to be entertaining, challenging, and helpful in building self-esteem. In addition, a cultural scavenger hunt takes place and is an innovative activity for building an appreciation for different cultures. Stipends of $15 are given to caregivers who participate in the orientation. An addition $50 savings bond is given to participating youth as an incentive to complete the 8 week project cycle. Free bus tokens are provided to caregivers who express a need for transportation assistance.
The Special Kinships project will occur in 8 week sessions (1 session each Saturday for 8 weeks) (each 8 week session is considered 1 cycle). There will be 3 to 4 cycles per year. Admittance to the project is on a first come first serve basis. No sessions are held in mid to late November or December in respect for the busy schedules and numerous events that occur around the holiday season.
Return To Special Kinships' Home Page