Families in Fairfield will have the opportunity this winter to take part in a research-based program designed to build stronger relationships and support healthy youth development. Fairfield Middle School, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Jefferson County, will offer the Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth ages 10–14 beginning in February.
The program focuses on helping families learn skills to manage emotions, set goals, avoid peer pressure, make better decisions, and strengthen relationships. Research shows that protective parenting and positive family communication can improve family relationships, reduce conflict, and lower the risk of substance use among youth.
Sessions will be held at Fairfield Middle School on Sundays from February 1st through March 29th, excluding Spring Break. The program runs from 4 to 6 p.m. each week and is offered at no cost to families. A meal will be provided following each session.
During the first hour of the program, parents and caregivers will meet separately from youth to watch videos and take part in group discussions focused on setting limits with love, listening effectively, and showing appreciation within the family. At the same time, youth will participate in interactive learning games and hands-on activities designed to build skills for resisting peer pressure and making healthy choices.
In the second hour, families will come together for activities that reflect on what was learned during the first hour. These joint sessions are designed to increase family bonding, strengthen communication, and help families practice problem-solving skills together.
Families interested in participating can register online at https://go.iastate.edu/7YNUHI. For additional information, families may contact Jay Thompson at jay.thompson@fairfieldsfuture.org or Bethany LaRose at bethany.larose@fairfieldsfuture.org at Fairfield Middle School, or Courtney Burkhalter with Iowa State University Extension at 641-472-4166 or cburk@iastate.edu.
The program is made possible through a partnership between Fairfield Middle School, Jefferson County Extension, and Jefferson County Opioid Funding.
All families have strengths, and organizers say this program is designed to help families build on those strengths and become even stronger.
