Lisa's report on our family outreach activity the other evening

June 25, 2009


The RHYBCP held its second family outreach activity at the Midtown Family Resource Center, located at the Parkersburg CHS offices, Suite 3. The activity targeted participants from a broad category of interests, ranging from parents, foster parents, older youth, youth care workers, Glasser enthusiasts, and anyone desiring to explore options in self improvement and improvement in their methods of communicating with others. The activity represented a collaboration of the two RHY programs. The RHY Workers felt this was an effective way to support and advance both the CHS and RHY mission of strengthening families, while also encouraging positive individual growth. The RHY is committed to reaching youth and their families in a variety of modes, using, but also stepping outside of traditional one on one counseling sessions. This type targeting proves useful as the diversity of the group benefits our RHY and RHY families by exposing them to differing perspectives rather than staying within the one “box” of communication means which, for many, most likely contributed to their situation. Snacks and drinks were offered and the session was conducted in a comfortable roundtable style delivery. The presenter, CHS Regional Director and Program Supervisor Steve Tuck, MSW, ACSW, did a thorough job providing introductory information about Psychiatrist William Glasser, his concepts, and did a good job tailoring the information in a useful way relating it to the individuals in attendance, and directing conversation from the participants on the topics. After the event a number of participants lingered and interacted one on one with staff, discussing ideas or seeking direction on issues related to their circumstance. Attendance, though less than hoped, increased from the previous Family Outreach Activity, therefore, it is encouraging that future activities would be worthwhile. The RHY intends to continue offering Family Outreach activities as one means of meeting the needs of our RHY clients and clients’ families and as a means of proactive prevention for families at risk of crisis.