Prevention WORKS!
Our prevention program educates youth (K-12) and parents on coping, decision-making, and problem-solving skills as well as the risks associated with substance use.
Our Certified Prevention Specialists provide free prevention curriculum at our North Oak Cliff Center as well as in local schools, recreation centers, housing authorities, nursing homes and other youth-serving agencies. We serve Dallas, Hunt, Rockwall and Kaufman counties. Our specialists use two different types of curriculum, The Strengthening Families Program and Positive Actions, both provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
The ultimate goal of our prevention programs is to provide education about healthy coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills in a preventative effort to stop the desire to cope with substances before it happens. Our commitment is that adolescents and their families walk away from prevention programs feeling stronger as a family-unit, remembering that they have a support system right here in their community.
AVAILABILITY Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm
Interested in learning more about opportunities?
Positive Actions (PA)
A FREE 8-10 week program that educates children and youth on coping, decision-making, and problem-solving skills as well as the risks associated with substance use. We teach them how to manage their feelings of anger, sadness, or stress through positive alternatives, ultimately preventing their desire to use substances.
Available to students 6-12th grade
Groups meet 1-2 times per week for 45 minutes
Three-tiered model of prevention
Units on Social and Emotional Learning
Self Concept: What It Is, How It is Formed, and Why It is Important.
Positive Actions for a Healthy Body and Mind.
Positive Actions for Managing Yourself Responsibly.
Positive Actions for Getting Along with Others by Treating Them the Way You Like to be Treated
Positive Actions for Being Honest with Yourself and Others
Positive Actions for Improving Yourself Continually
Strengthening Families (SFP)
A FREE 11-week program specifically designed to increase positive factors and decrease risk factors that lead to both substance use and depression in youth. SFP teaches parents and youth skills while they practice bonding, setting clear and firm boundaries, and monitoring their emotional well-being. It provides activities to help ensure both youth and parents stay in an alcohol and drug-free social environment.
Meets once a week
In-person (120 minutes)
Available in English and Spanish
PARENTS REPORTED
Increased family unity
Increased positive communication
Increased parenting skills
Improved parent/child relationship
Decreased family conflict
YOUTH EXPERIENCED
Increased social skills
Improved academic performance
Reduced misconduct/aggression
Reduced depression/anxiety
Reduced drug and alcohol use