Excelsior Springs Substance Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) is organizing a program to assist families in improving communication and strengthening relationships.

The Strengthening Families 10-14 Program is an evidence-based initiative is also aimed at decreasing youth substance use through a series of seven engaging weekly sessions.

The research-based seven-week program is is organized by SAFE and led by Director Julia Mees and is designed to help parents and children ages 10-14, develop skills to prevent substance abuse, enhance family relationships and effectively navigate the challenges of adolescence.

“Unlike other prevention programs, the Strengthening Families 10-14 Program is for both parents and youth,” said Mees. “This program is well-researched and evidence based. It is a program that appears on many lists of evidence-based strategies as one of the most effective programs to increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for youth substance use.”

The Strengthening Families…