Project Northland of Martin County Parks and Recreation, The Children Services Council of Martin County, The Crexent Center and Stuart Magazine have come together to create positive futures for youth by embracing the developmental assets approach. Developmental assets are the building blocks that young people need to grow and succeed. "We need to focus on building positive relationships with young people, give them opportunities and build their strengths so they may grow to be caring and responsible adults." said Darcy Von Ohlen, Prevention Coordinator for Martin County Parks and Recreation.

Your family can begin building assets by attending this FREE event, called AACT out "a youth recreation expo" at The Crexent Center on September 18 th from 5:30pm to 8:00p.m., The Crexent Center is located at 850 NW Federal Hwy. Stuart, Fl 34994. The evening will include fun demonstrations that highlight community local youth recreation programs from both the private and non profit organizations. The event will open with refreshments donated by Treasure Coast Accounting, Advanced Tutoring Center, The Law Offices of Gordon Koegler and Dunkin Donuts. A FREE parent workshop will be offered beginning at 6:30 p.m., please reserve your spot by email at dvonohle@martin.fl.us or calling 772-260-9343.

AACT out, (assets, activities, culture , training) is unique because it will afford children and adolescents an opportunity to explore their interests by experiencing and watching each activity and parents will receive a financial incentive to sign up their child for the activity of their choice.

There are 40 Internal and External Developmental Assets that help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible! These 40 assets fall under eight categories; Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, Constructive Use of Time, Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies and Positive Identity. Increasing the number of assets youth have is a powerful tool in preventing or delaying the use of alcohol and other risky behaviors.

By committing your child to Constructive Use of Time, your kids build 23 assets in just 2-3 hours a week. A youth program is an asset-rich environment. It is one of the best places you can go to build and strengthen a lot of assets at one time. Kids will form relationships with caring adults (asset#3). Youth programs are proof that the community values youth (#7). You'll be given useful roles and meaningful things to do (#8), often including service to others (#9). Youth programs are safe places to go and be (#10). You'll meet and interact with adult role models (#14) and make friends who model responsible behavior (#15). Many youth programs offer creative activities (#17). Most promote positive values (#26-#31), social competencies (#32-#36), and positive identity (#37-40).

By attending AACT out, you have the opportunity to expose your child to these assets. For more information about this exciting event or if you're simply interested in learning more about assets, please call: Project Northland at 772-260-9343.