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FOCUS PROGRAMS & GRANTS FOR 2008
AODA Prevention and Education Program
This program is the foundation of Focus prevention and education efforts. The major goals are to prevent drug abuse using science based model programs, to increase public awareness, to provide information and referral services, and to advocate for quality treatment services. The majority of our program efforts are focused toward youth and those who play a key role in their lives; to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and assets to make good decisions and maintain healthy lifestyles, free from substance abuse. Focus offers a Speakers Bureau and serves as a resource center for parents, schools and other agencies. Programs include Life Skills Training, BABES, Class Action, Clear the Air, Teen Institute, and more. Funded by United Way of Racine County and other fundraising efforts.
Brighter Futures Initiative
Substance Abuse Outreach (SAO)
SAO is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) abuse prevention and outreach program for youth throughout Racine County. Children are served year-round at both city and county schools through programs such as Positive Choices, Project Respect, Peace-Out Society, and BABES. The primary goal is to provide services to select groups of youth to reduce individual, school, and peer-group based risk factors for substance abuse and related problems. Funded by Racine County Human Services Department Brighter Futures Initiative.
Youth Holistic Program
The Youth Holistic Program targets middle school youth who may be at high risk for problems such as alcohol and other drug abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, and truancy. The goal is to prevent and reduce such problems and to enhance and enrich the lives of the participants. Youth are served through Opportunities Clubs that meet weekly at Humble Park, San Juan Diego and Gilmore Middle Schools. Through the clubs, youth are exposed to a multitude of educational, cultural, recreational, and volunteer experiences. Time is spent on goal setting, decision making and social skills. Funded by the Racine County Human Services Department Brighter Futures Initiative.
Drug Free Communities Support Program
Focus received a five year federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant to “reduce substance abuse among youth by limiting risk factors and promoting protective factors” and to “establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, organizations, and governments to support the coalition and reduce substance abuse among youth.” Focus is a member of, and fiscal agent for, the Racine County Youth Coalition. Its mission is to engage agencies, business partners, communities, families, and schools, to promote and foster positive change in community practices, public policy, and youth programming to build assets and reduce risk behaviors among all Racine County young people. Current programs include LifeSkills Training for 5th graders, county-wide Alcohol Compliance Checks, a media campaign targeting underage alcohol use, and work to address the policies and procedures that impact underage alcohol use. Thanks to a donation from LaVelle Industries, one staff member is based at Burlington High School.
FAST — Families and Schools Together
FAST is a family support program for parents and families whose children may be at risk for school failure, juvenile delinquency, and alcohol and other drug abuse. FAST is a collaborative program including Focus, Lutheran Social Services, schools, and parents. FAST uses a family based approach that strengthens parent-child relationships, helps families feel more comfortable in their interactions with schools and community resources, and builds parent support groups.
Though the FAST Program was originally designed for the elementary school level, grades K-3, the program has been adapted for use with other age groups as well, and is now being offered at Johnson Elementary, Julian Thomas Elementary, and CAA Head Start. FAST includes a two-year follow-up component called FASTWORKS. Funders include United Way of Racine County, Racine County Human Services Department, and donations.
Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14
The main elements of the program are two-hour sessions held once a week for seven weeks attended by both youth and parents. In the first hour, the parents and youth ages 10-14 attend separate groups and work on skill building activities. During the second hour the family comes together for supervised group activities. Research outcomes demonstrate positive results for both parents and youth including significantly improved parenting behaviors. Analyses of youth outcomes demonstrate positive results in regards to school related problem behaviors, affiliation with antisocial peers, peer resistance, and decision making. Funded by Office of Justice Assistance. We offer this model program in English and Spanish.
Teen Peer Program
Focus employs a staff of Teen Peer Educators, high school students who are committed to living a drug free lifestyle. The Teen Peer Coordinator and Focus staff train these young people in the arena of AODA education as well as facilitation techniques for encouraging a youth culture to value healthy lifestyles. The Teen Peers work in all of Focus’ youth serving programs. Teen Peers are positive role models at their respective schools and in the community. Funded by the SC Johnson Fund, and other grants.
Tobacco Prevention Program
This program’s main objective is to reduce youth tobacco use and encourage tobacco free lifestyles by offering research-based programming to eighth graders in Racine Unified Schools. This is accomplished through the Clear the Air Program which helps students to understand the nature of tobacco addiction and the health consequences of tobacco use and of second-hand smoke. An interactive program, it encourages youth to advocate for a smoke-free environment, teaches them how to analyze the impact of the media, and encourages youth leadership and advocacy. Funded by Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Transition Program
Research and local school data shows that many youngsters experience difficulties upon leaving elementary school and entering the larger, more crowded middle school. The Transition Program began in 1994 to facilitate students’ entrance into middle school and reduce individual, school-based, and peer group-based risk factors for substance abuse and related problems. The primary coordinators of the Transition Program meetings are the Teen Peer Educators. The Transition Program serves youth from elementary schools who will attend Starbuck in the fall. Transition is funded by the Racine County Human Services Department.
Transitional Supportive Services (TSS)
TSS is a collaborative effort of Focus and Family Services of Racine (fiscal agent). Funded by Housing and Urban Development (HUD), TSS is directed towards assisting those in temporary housing to improve the likelihood of successful transition into permanent housing. By dealing with interpersonal, family and substance abuse issues through supportive services, individual families will have better skills to deal with the challenges of their lives. Services are available at sites including Homeward Bound/HALO, Vet’s Place, and wherever needed.
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