GEARED TOWARDS FAMILIES
Local 'PROSPER' program continues

Families in Cameron and Elk counties can learn skills and attitudes that improve family life and communication through Penn State Cooperative Extension's PROSPER program.

A four-year state grant was recently approved to continue PROSPER, short for "Promoting School, Community and University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience."

Funds will also be used to continue the Strengthening Families Program, a workshop operated in the Cameron County School District.

Students in grades six through 12 were surveyed to determine the need for education and counseling, said Ron Hammersley, the program co-facilitator.

Strengthening Families is designed to help parents of sixth- and seventh-graders increase communication with their children and discourage alcohol and drug use.

Topics range from dealing with stress and peer pressure to goal-setting and family relations.

Cooperative Extension assists by developing communityschool teams in each school district to help promote and plan the workshops.

PROSPER teams meet monthly at both Cameron County High School and the St. Marys Area Middle School.

Penn State, in cooperation with the Elk and Cameron County Collaborative Boards, helped to secure the state grant. Cathy Straub spearheaded the effort, along with Hammersley and the other co-facilitator, Katie Sarnoski. Several area residents have been trained as Strengthening Families facilitators.

The program uses role playing, discussions and learning games to improve parenting skills, build life skills in youth and strengthen family bonds. It has been shown to reduce the use of drugs, improve emotional management skills and increase a willingness to follow rules.

Parents experience a better understanding of youth development, a greater willingness to get help and a broader understanding of risk and protective factors for youth.

Information about Strengthening Families and PROSPER is available in Emporium at 486-3350, extension 4.