Making Connections
Connection Building
Lifeways professionals work to establish trust and rapport with youth by creating a balance between understanding and compassion with the importance of including accountability. We provide supports services and educational opportunities for adolescents and their families to learn the dangers of substance abuse and practice healthy coping skills to deal with sadness, anxiety, and stress. The ability to be nonjudgmental and not take ourselves too seriously is important. The importance of empathy is essential and can determine success or failure of making positive connections. Experiential learning helps students apply knowledge to their daily life. Lifeways also works to bridge students to opportunities which create insight, self-awareness, personal growth and practice skills for a successful life.
Ways we promote Connections
Lifeways professionals work to establish trust and rapport with youth by creating a balance between understanding and compassion with the importance of including accountability. We provide supports services and educational opportunities for adolescents and their families to learn the dangers of substance abuse and practice healthy coping skills to deal with sadness, anxiety, and stress. The ability to be nonjudgmental and not take ourselves too seriously is important. The importance of empathy is essential and can determine success or failure of making positive connections. Experiential learning helps students apply knowledge to their daily life. Lifeways also works to bridge students to opportunities which create insight, self-awareness, personal growth and practice skills for a successful life.
Ways we promote Connections
- Peer to Peer groups and activities connecting with students in middle school and as they progress through high school
- Individual and group education
- Intervention Programs after school
- Referral and assistance to "bridge" the gap from the school to the community for needed treatment, mental health or other services.
- In school support for recovery
Since 2013, Lifeways has formally celebrated youth in our community who create art, in its various forms, as a way to cope, express themselves, and share their gifts with others. It is an incredible prevention event as youth show us all how they choose ART over alcohol, tobacco or other drug use. Please see our AMP page for more details.
What's Being Said
Parents
Remembering my child doesn't think like me. Good information, tools on communication, impact of substance use and all of the above bonded me and my child for supporting him. Just seeing him interact with others helps me to understand him. Open communication – see we are not alone. |
Students
I got a lot of feelings out. I liked the honesty and trust, check-ins, the instructors energy and uplifting spirit. I wish I would of known about Lifeways before, because I could of got help a lot sooner. This class has helped me stay clean. |