The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County's new prevention/education program
Too Good for Drugs and Violence received the 2009 Florida Program Award in the category of Health and Life Skills at the Boys & Girls Club Florida Area Council Conference in August.
The program is listed in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, a service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Too Good for Drugs and Violence has eight components designed to equip Club members with the tools and confidence to resist drugs and avoid violent confrontations.
Scripted lessons focus on individual children and include activities to strengthen knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and skills which research has shown to be effective in preventing drug use and violent behavior. Each of the components also includes activities for parents/caregivers and children to do together. They are designed to increase bonding and interaction between children and their families and to promote discussion of drug and violence prevention and wellness education.
The community involvement component helps children discover that they are contributing members of a larger, caring community and helps them to identify sources of support within the community. Studies show that children and teenagers are more likely to develop safe and healthy lifestyles when they are perceived as resources that are capable of making meaningful contributions to their community.
Known as the "positive place for kids," the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County provides important after-school and summer programs to kids ages 6-18 at three clubhouse locations in Indian River County, two in Vero Beach and one in Sebastian. Plans call for expanding into Fellsmere and building a new club in Vero Beach in 2010. The top priority of the Boys & Girls Clubs is helping kids succeed in school and in life. For more information, please call (772) 299-7449 or visit www.bgcirc.org.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is a United Way and Children's Services Advisory Committee agency.