‘Strengthening Families’ In Coudersport, Galeton

Local agencies are teaming to present a “Strengthening Families” program over a seven-week period in Coudersport and Galeton. Two of the program’s administrators attended this week’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners to share details. Cathy Straub from Penn State Extension said the mission is prevention of behaviors and choices that not only erode the family structure, but also lead to problems for adolescents who may be vulnerable to substance abuse and other temptations. She and Mary Freeman, who coordinates family programs for Potter County Human Services, introduced a Coudersport couple who participated in Strengthening Families and found the program to be beneficial.

Students ages 10-14 and their parents attend the two-hour program once weekly to strengthen communication and prepare for the teenage years. Parenting skills are refined, while the children develop life skills. Through it all, family bonds are strengthened. The program is offered at no cost on Thursday evenings starting in early October. A dinner is served at 5:15. The participants break into separate groups, students in one and adults in the other, before coming together for the final hour and dismissing at 8. Sessions for students include games, activities and awards. Parent sessions involve house rules, consequences, encouraging good behavior, protecting against substance use, and more. More information is available at 274-8540.