CHA program helps strengthen families

The Strengthening Families Program is a free 14-week series provided by Cabarrus Health Alliance that is a family-focused, skill-building program. The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) has been serving families in Cabarrus County for the last seven years and continues to grow, serve, and support the families in the community.

This program is designed to:

*reduce at-risk behaviors in youth

*increase parents' confidence in parenting

*increase parents' knowledge of different parenting styles

*increase families positive communication with one another

*decrease defiance in children

SFP improves family functioning by reinforcing the parent-child bond and provides parents and youth with additional tools to improve communication and quality time together. This evidence-based program has shown to lower rates of at-risk behavior in children and strengthen family bonds, as well as improve in peer resistance skills and academic achievement.

This year, SFP will be able to serve more families than ever with the addition of an all-Spanish speaking group series. Groups are set to begin February! This FREE program is offered weekly in the evenings, usually from 5:30 until 8 p.m., at Cabarrus Health Alliance. Dinner is provided to families from 5:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., and then parents and youth break out into separate skill building groups for an hour. Families are reunited during the last hour to practice the skills learned and engage in a fun activity together.

To be eligible, you must live in Cabarrus County and have at least (1) child between the ages of 6-11 years old. The free 14-week program offers:

*FREE dinner each week

*FREE family giveaways

*FREE childcare (for kids outside of the 6-11 age range)

*Family skill building activities and curriculum (all provided to you at no cost)

*Time for parents away from their children and get to know other parents

*Fun kids group focusing on healthy development and positive communication skills

*Huge graduation celebration and family incentives at the end of your completed 14 weeks!

Here are a few quotes from past participants on the impact the program has had on their family:

"The staff and program have been more than we ever could have imaged. Since joining the program, our family has felt supported, hopeful, and stronger than ever. We enjoy time with each other in new and wonderful way!"

"As a single mother with 6 young children, I was skeptical of how this program could really benefit our family. I decided to try it and I am so glad I did. I met so many awesome people, grew my confidence as a parent, and my children and I are so thankful for the team and the Strengthening Families Program. I would recommend it to ALL parents!"

To participate, contact Laura Pierce, Strengthening Families Program Coordinator at 704-920-1356 or email laura.pierce@cabarrushealth.org.

Laura Pierce is the Strengthening Families Program Coordinator and pediatric behavioral health provider for the Cabarrus Health Alliance