Program Philosophy
Our program focuses on building individual strengths and minimizing
risk factors to help adolescents grow up to be healthy, caring and
responsible. Research shows the more assets a young person has, the
less likely they are to engage in unhealthy behaviors. We strive to help
young people develop as many of these building blocks as possible -
which will ultimately help them succeed in school, resist danger,
maintain good health, overcome trouble and grow to their full
potential.
Program Goals
• To develop skills to cope with feelings/experiences
• To develop skills for surviving adversity, both today and down the road
• To learn to have fun without the use of alcohol and drugs
• To develop one’s own inner strengths
• To help establish the sense of empowerment that comes with self-reliance
• To reassure that it’s alright to get help when you need it, at any age
• To build a network of positive relationships, and engage in positive
attitudes and behaviors
Reasons for Referral
There are a variety of emotional, behavioral, school or family problems
that may be cause for concern. You may want to consider referring a
child to us if you observe any of the following signs:
• Aggressive behavior
• Low self-esteem
• Anger
• Depressed mood
• Oppositional behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Academic failure
• Chronic anxiety
• Experimentation with alcohol or drugs
14 | YMCA COUNSELING SERVICE