HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 01 24 Regular A Grove Counseling Center
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM A
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
Regular X
January 24,2000
Regular Meeting
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Mgr. 1 Dept.
Authorization
REQUEST:
Deputy Mayor Cindy Gennell is respectfully requesting that the City
Commission of the City of Winter Springs review and consider approving
a Resolution of support of the Grove Counseling Center.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Agenda Item is for the City Commission of the City of
Winter Springs to review and consider approving a Resolution of support
of the Grove Counseling Center.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The Grove Counseling Center provides Prevention Programs and
Residential Services from their office at 580 Old Sanford/Oviedo Road,
Winter Springs, Florida 32708.
The Grove Counseling Center's administrative services are done at
perfom1ed at their office located at 585 East State Road 434, Longwood,
Florida 32750.
Outpatient Services are available from the Grove Counseling Center
location at 1550 French Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
REGULAR MEETING - JANUARY 24, 2000
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM E
PAGE 2 OF 2
The approval of this Resolution would be of great assistance to the Grove
Counseling Center in requesting additional funds to further it's Mission,
which is "To enhance the ability of youth and families to succeed in life".
FUNDING:
None Required.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. City of Winter Springs Resolution Number 2000-02.
B. Oopy of the 1998 to 1999 Annual report for the Grove Counseling
Center.
COMMISSION ACTION:
ATTACHMENT
"A"
RESOLUTION
Whereas the' Winter Springs City Commission is always striving toward a
better quality oflife for the youth and residents of Winter Springs; and
Whereas The Grove Counseling Center, Inc. has provided exemplary
rehabilitative servic~s for troubled youth within the City of Winter Springs for
over fifteen years; a~d
Whereas The Grove Counseling Center, Inc. operates the Grove Unique
Youth Service (GUYS) program under contract with the Florida Department of
Juvenile Justice at 5~0 Old Sanford/Oviedo Road in Winter Springs; and
Whereas The Grove Counseling Center, Inc. has applied for funding from
the State of Florida to expand and renovate the GUYS facility which is severely
overcrowded and poorly designed to meet the needs of the GUYS program.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we the members of the Winter
Springs City Commission wish to recognize and support the fine work of The
Grove Counseling Center, Inc. on behalf of troubled youth.
Be it further resolved, that the Winter Springs City Commission urges
the Florida Legislature and the Governor to approve the aforementioned funding
request made by The Grove Counseling Center, Inc.
Be it further resolved, that this Resolution be spread upon the official
Minutes by the Winter Springs City Clerk and this Resolution be presented to
Governor Jeb Bush, ,Senator Anna Cowin, and Representative Tom Feeney with
best wishes for a successful 2000 legislative session.
Adopted this 24th day of January, AD. 2000.
(Submitted for review and approval on January 13,2000 per instructions from
Cindy Gennell, Win~er Springs Deputy Mayor)
RESOLUTION NUMBER 2000-03
WHEREAS, the Winter Springs City Commission is always striving toward a better
quality of life for the youth and residents of Winter Springs; and
WHEREAS, the Grove Counseling Center, Inc. has provided exemplary
rehabilitative services for troubled youth within the City of Winter Springs for over fifteen
years; and
WHEREAS, the Grove Counseling Center, Inc. operates the Grove Unique Youth
Service (GUYS) program under contract with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice at
580 Old Sanford/Oviedo Road in Winter Springs; and
WHEREAS, the Grove Counseling Center, Inc. has applied for funding from the
.....
State of Florida to expand and renovate the GUYS facility which is severely overcrowded
and poorly designed to meet the needs of the GUYS program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE THE
MEMBERS OF THE WINTERSPRlNGS CITY COMMISSION "'ISH
TO RECOGNIZE AND SUPPORT THE FINE WORK OF THE
GROVE COUNSELING CENTER, INC. ON BEHALF OF
TROUBLED YOUTH.
Be it further resolved, that the Winter Springs City Commission urges the Florida
Legislature and the Governor to approve the aforementioned funding request made by The
Grove Counseling Center, Inc.
Be it further resolved, that this Resolution be spread upon the official Minutes by
the Winter Springs City Clerk and this Resolution be presented to Governor Jeb Bush,
Senator Anna Cowin, a.n:d Representative Tom Feeney with best wishes for a successful 2000
legislative session.
Passed and adopted this 24th day of January , 2000.
1\TTEST: ,
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CITY CL
ORIDA
ATTACHMENT
"B"
COUNSELING CENTER, INC.
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Annual Report
for the Fiscallear
1998 to 1999
COUNSELING CENTER, INC.
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Our Mission Statement
ii To enhance the ability of youth
and families to succeed in life. ,~
Residential Services
580 Old Sanford/Oviedo Road
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
(407) 327-1765
Fax (407) 327-2001
Administrative Offices
585 East State Road 434
Longwood, Florida 32750
(407) 339-9600
Fax (407) 339-2129
Hwy 17-92
Hwy 46
Sanford
Prevention Programs
580 Old Sanford/Oviedo Road
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
(407) 327-1765
Fax (407) 327-0105
Outpatient Services
1550 French Avenue
Sanford, Florida 32771
(407) 324-7575
Fax (407) 330-6415
Lake Monroe
Seminole Blvd.
First Street
:OutPati~nt .
. Services *
Prevention Area (shaded)
25th Street
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Indad S Bush Blvd.
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Lake Mary
Long;wood
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m1ajor Funding Sources
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The foll07ving list includes grants, contracts, ttnd contributions paid or awtl1,ded duringfisCtlI1998-99.
$ 500,000 +
Florida Department of Children and Family Services
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
$100,000 - $499,999
Heart of Florida United Way
Seminole County
$50,000 - $99,999
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (subcontract with Emory University)
Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida
$20,000 - $49,999
Florida Drug-Free Communities Program
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (subcontract with Center for Drug-Free Living)
Orlando Sentinel Santa
Strates Shows, Inc.
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$1,000 - $19,999
ulrget
Kmart Family Foundation
The Kimball Foundation, Inc.
Rotary Club of Casselberry
Charity Challenge
American Legion Auxiliary
IBM
Florida Citrus Sports Foundation
City of Altamonte Springs Police Department
City of Casselberry Police Department
City of Lake Mary Police Department
City of Oviedo Police Department
Sue Forem.an
William St. James
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$10 - $999
Rotary Club of Winter Springs
Rotary Club of Longwood
Arthur and Eleanor Hoffman
Liberty National Bank
Rotary Club of Seminole County South
Winter Springs Civic Association
Rich-United Corporation
Sandra C. Jarrett
Lily Armstrong
James R. Saboff
MVB & Assoc., Inc.
Tim Conyers
PRB Design Studio, Inc.
Capital Cargo International
Jacquelyn Wilkerson
Mfordable Homes of Orlando, Inc.
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Dtatement of Activities
1998 - 1999:
~ xpanded Horizons,
1.:1 Sustained Traditions of Excellence
Fonhe rear Ended June 30, 1999
(in thousands of dollars)
The following pages of this Annual Report
provide an overview of The Grove's pro-
grams and activities in the past year. The
following highlights underscore the growth
and sustained quality of these efforts.
. Plans and funding were finalized for
construction of a new 32-bed facility
in Sanford to treat substance abusing
and delinquent youth.
Revenue and Other Support:
Government
Medicaid
Contributions and donations
Gifts-in -kind
Client fees
Other income
$2,336
369
208
123
257
53
.
. The Grove participated in its first
(J major fundraising event. In a unique
Follow-up studies one year post-d~s;-~\ partnership with Strates Shows, Inc.,
charge indicated that 75% of gra3u-::J,~ ~~ The Grove received over $25,000
ates from our treatment progra..-ffi. S'. '. \.. through proceeds from the first annual
reported no new drug use. ~ ~~o Q ';; Seminole County Fair.
These same outco~dies indi6t. red,... .~I /Tlre~Depar:tment of Children and
I , I ~ '\ / r, '-<' <;;:1 u ?J [ . ",'"V v ~'(t. -v- ;;\
that 88% of program gtad~ateS->I:e- "". 0 ..(\ EarllihescaQrdedJ(a Cfiew contract to
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ported no arrests on:::new=Gharges.- L_J_ c'::"!--~he:@Fove-to-p-FOVIGe::-adolescent sub-
rP"'1Jn n~n(Q>rc:;ln~nli'3' r(sra1fccUabuse tteattfnent to foster care
h ' . \87'iS1\..'>> U'\.J~~ UU\'J~ \'d7l'=U \J l'=U \J ~ U U \J ~c
T e Grove s prevention programs Im- youili.
pacted over 8,000 youth. Outcome
studies again showed increased knowl- .
edge and negative attitudes toward
drugs, better grades, and improved
behavior at home and school.
Total revenue and other support
3,340
Expenses:
Program Services:
Residential (Level 2)
Outpatient treatment
Prevention
Residential (Level 6)
.
1,138
465
710
900
.
The Grove was one of 11 organiza-
tions in Florida to be awarded a child
abuse prevention grant funded by the
Ounce of Prevention Fund, Depart-
ment of Children and Families, and the
Community- Based Family Resource
and Support Project.
Supporting Services:
Management and general
116
Total expenses
3,329
Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets Before Extraordinary Gain
11
Revenue Budget
State of Florida
Sheriff's Office
Board of Directors
James McAuliffe
Seminole Community College
Board Chair
Ede Slovin
SCC New Directions
Vice Chair
James R. Saboff
U.S. Docks, Inc.
Treasurer
Paul R. Bertram, Jr.
PRB Design Studio,lnc.
See retary
Tracie Brown
Target Stores
Duncan Butler
Dick Farmer's Harley-Davidson
Dr. Hortense Evans
Seminole County School Board
Charles Fagan
State Attorney's Office
Sue Foreman
Civic Activist
Chief Daniel Kerr
City of'Ninter Springs Police
Ana Leon, Ph.D.
University of Central Florida
Sonja Nicholson
Rose Enterprises
Fred Nassif
U.S. Docks, Inc.
John Richter
Orange County Corrections Dept.
Dawn St. Clair
City of A/tamonte Springs
Della Sarcia
Seminole Community College
Carmen Simeone
M V B & Associates, Inc.
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Originally built to enhance therapeutic ser-
vices to Grove clients, the Adventure Based
Counseling (ABC) program utilizes the
ROPES challenge course in a variety of ways.
\i\fhile the ABC program continues to be an
integral part of all agency initiatives, it has
expanded to serve the needs of the general
population. As community and business
partners became aware of the program, re-
quests for utilization of the course have in-
creased substantially over the last year. Ses-
sions, both half-day and full-day, are de-
signed to improve self-confidence, self-con-
trol, teamwork, and leadership. ABC train-
ing has been utilized for management train-
ing/enhancement by area businesses includ-
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ing ,i\falt Disney, AAA, and Humana, as well
as Leadership Seminole and Seminole
County Government. Church administra-
tors, prenuptial, and youth groups, area
sports teams, and the Seminole Connty Pub-
lic Schools dropout prevention programs
also utilize the ROPES training.
hCJiff'man~~ Mce:~~@geo 0 0
This past year has been both a challenging and exciting
one for The Grove. Certainly those of us familiar with
the substance abuse and delinquency field are well aware
of rampant drug use and related crime, especially among
our youth. The media provide a constant reminder to all
Central Floridians through alarming he<ldlines and sto-
ries that describe the destruction of lives, families, and
communities. As in the past few years, The Grove has
been faced with the need to sustain ~lI1d expand quality
services at a time when state funding has stayed level or
h~lS been reduced. \Vhile this rernains a constant chal-
lenge to The Grove, I am pblsed to report that the agency
has been successful over the last year in expanding both
treatment and prevention programming.
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Through the commitment and creativity of'fhe Grove's
staff, my fellow Board members, and partners in the commlll1ity, we have been able to secure
funding from new sources. One of these successes is the construction of a new residential
facility. In last year's Annual Report, 1 mentioned that The Grove had entered into a unique
community partnership with the Construction Specitlcations Tnstitute (CSI) and the State of
Florida to build a new facility for juveniles in Seminole County. CST members committed one-
third of the labor and supplies costs for the construction of a new 32-bed facility for treatment
of youth with subsunce abuse and behavior problems. This commitment was instrumental in
convincing state legislators to allocate $1.1 million to cover the remaining costs of the project.
Although the search for a site and the related loell approval procedures have delayed the con-
struction, I am delighted to inform you that the building will be completed in early 2000 in
west Sanford. This facility will allow The Grove to serve an average of 85-100 more youth
annuallv.
The Board also took the lead in carrying out the agency's first major fundraising event. Stt-ates
Shows, Tnc., the renowned fair and exhibition company based in Orbndo, agreed to work with
us in putting on the first annual Seminole COllntyFair. The Board and staff created a group of
volunteers to work with Strates in promoting the event and its various activities. Held in bte
Febru~lI-Y, the Fair was a huge success. Strates donated 50% of the proceeds from the event to
assist in The Grove's efforts to promote healthy lifestyles for youth and families. The Fair and
the new residential facility represent two new and creative partnership efforts.
\Vhile we are delighted with the results of these and other projects described in this report,
The Grove must continue to seek new supporters, secure the continued commitmellt of cur-
rent funders and maintain the depth and breadth of our programs. T am convinced that our
staff, Board of Directors, and community partners will continue to ensure that we meet this
challenge successfully.
Jim McAuLif}e
June 30, 1999
66 ...rerqlll.nests for lUItD~07LatDOIT11 of tlh1e
<colUlrse lh1a"e DIT11<crease<dl slUllbstalT11tDa~~y
o"er tlh1e ~ast year. 99
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IiIresident's Message...
bacco education classes for youth who have
received citations for violation of underage
tobacco use. In addition to the four-hour
class, participants are encouraged to attend
the ALA's cessation course.
I am pleased to present this Annual
Report, which provides an overview
of The Grove's programs and services
and the impact that we have had on
youth, families, and communities over
the past year. As the report illustrates,
1998-1999 represented a time of ex-
pansion for both treatment and pre-
vention.
Mark D. Taylor, MA
Development & Marketing Director
~
ther School and
Community-Based Programming
Administration
In addition to Seminole H.O.P.E., The
Grove is an active partner in various com-
munity initiatives. The agency provides drug
awareness workshops in schools and neigh-
borhood centers. As noted above, The
Grove operates several of its own preven-
tion programs at area elementary and middle
schools. The agency also provides assess-
ment, group counseling, and drug education
sessions for other area programs including
the Excel Alternatives school and Operation
Right Track, a one day boot camp operated
by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
The Grove also is one of the area leaders in
coordinating and carrying out annual Red-
Ribbon (drug-free communities) and
White-Ribbon (violence free communities)
campaigns. The Grove also works with the
American Lung Association to provide to-
Larry A.Visser, MSW, LCSW
President
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Brenda Gilliam-Jones, MPA
Executive Vice President
Some of these changes included the
start-up of two new prevention ini-
tiatives. The Seminole Teen Options
Program (S.T.O.P.) began in July
1998. STO.P. is one of only five new
teen pregnancy prevention projects
funded in the Southeastern United States by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. In February 1999, we began the Strengthening Families Program. Supported by the
Florida Ounce of Prevention Fund, the Community-Based Family Resource and Support
Project, and the Florida Department of Children and Families, this child abuse prevention
program was one of 11 funded in the state this year.
Jack Eggars, BA
Chief Financial Officer
Outreach to Central Florida
Businesses, Church Groups,
and More
Pamela Burgess, MS, LMHC
Director of Quality Assurance
C.J. Geotis, BA
Human Resources Director
The Grove plays an increasing role in our
Central Florida corporate community
through drug education seminars conducted
for managers and employee groups, as well
as the provision of EAP, counseling, and
other treatment services for employees and
their dependents. The Grove also offers as-
sistance to businesses that wish to establish
drug-free work place policies.
Another change occurred in the Adolescent Residential Program. Through a new contract
with the Department of Children and Families, the program now provides substance abuse
treatment for foster care youth. We are pleased to be able to provide services to this special
population.
Brian Cederstrom, CAP
Director of Support Services
Agency Programs
Growth and expansion are positive if there is maintenance of high quality in our programs.
Follow-up studies for the past year indicate that our treatment services continue to be success-
ful in reducing the likelihood of drug usage or repeat criminal offenses. Our prevention pro-
grams also have demonstrated that these interventions are successful in preparing our youth to
avoid unhealthy choices that endanger their lives and the lives of those around them. Overall
outcomes met or exceeded the standards set by the Department of Children and Families,
Department of Juvenile Justice, and other major funding sources.
Marjorie Hotaling, EdD, LMHC
Director, Adolescent
Residential Program
Norris Jennings, MS
Director, Prevention Programs
We look forward in the coming year to continuing to serve Seminole County and Central
Florida with the highest quality programs and services.
Lrmy A. ViJ.~
June 30,1999
Gregory Thomas, MS
Director, G.u. Y.S.
Residential Program
Ginery M. Twichell, MA, CAP
Director, Outpatient
and Central Access
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Ld edirecting Lives
Substance Abuse Access Center
The Grove's Sanford office is home to Semi-
nole County's centraJjzed in-take center for
evaluation of substance abuse. The primary
purpose of the center is to define, delineate,
assess, evaluate, and diagnose substance
abuse related problems of each individual
and family. It also is intended to facilitate
placement of the client into the most appro-
Outpatient Services
The Grove offers an array of substance abuse
outpatient treatment services for both ado-
lescents and adults in Seminole County and
surrounding areas. Adolescent services in-
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In-Jail Progral1'l
The Grove also offers a special in-detention
program for both male and female inmates
at the John E. Polk county jail in Sanford.
This initiative is designed to reduce the
number of repeat offenders by providing
inmates with substance abuse treatment ser-
vices that will assist in their transition back
into our communities. In this way, the pro-
gram helps the individual toward a healthier
Drugs, 'Violence, and Safety Progranz
priate treatment setting that will enable in-
dividuals to remain drug free and able to
manage their behavior and emotional re-
sponses to life situations. In addition, a 24-
hour Help Line is available to answer
questions, provide information, assist with
emergency, urgent, and routine requests, and
referral linkage for emergency calls.
The Grove participates in a unique partner-
ship prevention initiative with the Seminole
County Sheriff's Office and the Seminole
County School Board. In the Drugs, Vio-
lence, and Safety (DVS) program, preven-
tion specialists provide education and
training for every child, K-4, in five area el-
ementary schools. The DVS program is a
re!:,rular part of the schools' curriculum. In
the past year, DVS impacted over 8,000 stu-
dents. In post-testing of participants, over
80% of the youth demonstrated refusal skills.
Seminole H.O.P.E.
clude assessment, drug screening, counsel-
ing, and aftercare services through the
Sanford office, as well as in schools. Pro-
gramming includes individual, family, and
group therapies to interrupt the addiction
process in its early stages. Adult services
include individual, group, and family ses-
sions, special group sessions for DUI offend-
ers, women, and probationers, as well as
intensive outpatient alternatives to residen-
tial treatment. These adult services are of-
fered at The Grove's locations in Sanford
and Longwood. Although not every story
will be one of success, follow-up surveys in
the past year demonstrate that over 85 % of
clients completing outpatient programs are
still drug-free 90 days and one year after dis-
charge.
e..
vVith the evolution of the Seminole Chemi-
cal Awareness Network (SCAN) into Semi-
nole T-I.O.P.E. in 1995, a coalition ofleaders
representing law enforcement, education,
government, social service agencies, neigh-
borhood groups, and individuals united to
"enhance the quality of life and safety for
every resident of Seminole County through
empowerment of communities and individu-
als." The Grove plays an integral role in
Seminole I-LO.P.E. by serving as the host
and fiscal agent.
lifestyle while enhancing public safety. Fol-
low-up studies continue to document the
success of this program based on drug usage
and repeat offenses. Funding for the outpa-
tient and in-jail programs comes from the
Department of Children and Families, Semi-
nole County, and the Seminole County
Sheriff's office.
Seminole H.O.P.E. carries out strategies fo-
cusing on coalition building within commu-
nities to affect systemic changes in the
identification and delivery of services. This
has resulted in the organization and
strengthening of neighborhood associations
throughout the county. Although many
neighborhoods and areas are involved in
these activities, a special focus has been on
the high-risk communities of Goldsboro
(\Vest Sanford) and Midway. Grove staff
work with neighborhood leaders, providing
assistance in the development of local lead-
ers and technical support to associations for
planning and problem solving. In addition,
prevention specialists work with local resi-
66 ...IDV~ umpacted ovelr 8,000
stlUldle01lts... mOire than 80% of the
youth demonstrated refusal skills. "
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dents to organize family festivals, anti-drug
and anti-violence marches, and promote
other healthy activities for youth, such as
drug-free dances and talent contests. Each
year thousands of families are impacted by
H.O.P.E. activities.
. . .
. . .
mehabilitating Youthful Offenders
healthy choices. Program components in-
clude life skills enhancement, drug aware-
ness, sexuality, the consequences and
responsibilities associated with teen preg-
nancy and the dangers of sexually-transmit-
ted diseases, ROPES training, and dramatic
arts as a prevention tool. S.T.O.P. is unique
in that it involves several partners in the de-
livery of services. These include Planned
Parenthood, Tajiri Arts, and the Seminole
Healthy Start Coalition.
Adolescent Residential Program
The Grove operates one of only two pub-
licly supported residential treatment pro-
grams for adolescents in Central Florida.
The 2S-bed facility in "Winter Springs houses
both male and female youth with substance
abuse problems. The program builds a foun-
dation for long-term recovery by address-
ing the physical, psychological, social, and
spiritual needs of the adolescent who has a
serious problem with alcohol and other
drugs. Youth stay in the program from 3 = 5
months. Primary funding from the Dept. of
Children and Family Services is comple-
mented by both financial and in-kind sup-
port from corporate and individual friends
in the community, including the Heart of
Florida United Way. This program provides
high quality, comprehensive therapeutic ser-
vices at a fraction of the cost of private insti-
Seminole Teen Options Program (S. T.O.P.)
In the Spring of last year, The Grove was
awarded a grant from the Department of
Health and Human Services through the
Emory University Regional Training Cen-
ter to carry out a teen pregnancy preven-
tion program. S.T.O.P. targets 7th and Sth
grade students who are at risk for seA'Ual ac-
tivity, delinquency, school dropout, sub-
stance abuse, and other related factors. The
program focuses on increasing knowledge,
self esteem, and refusal skills to promote
Grove Unique YOuth Services Program
Grove Unique Youth Services (G.U.Y.S.) is
a Department of Juvenile Justice commit-
ment program for moderate risk male of-
fenders with substance abuse and behavioral
problems. Located at The Grove's Winter
Springs campus, this 22-bed program serves
delinquent male youth ages 13 -17 from
Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Brevard
counties. The therapeutic approach used by
G.U.Y.S. is designed to change the behav-
ior and attitudes that contribute to and per-
petuate juvenile crime, thereby restoring
youth as more functional members of soci-
ety while safeguarding our communities. At
the core of the program is the G.UY.S. Be-
havior Management System. Program com-
ponents include counseling services, family
involvement, academic instruction, ROPES
training, community service, and prepara-
tion for transition back to the community.
Strengthening Families Program (SFP)
The Grove's newest prevention initiative
began in Spring 1999. The Strengthening
Families program works with elementary-
aged youth and their parents with the goal
of reducing the incidence of child abuse in
our communities. Although participants may
come from anywhere in Seminole County,
the program targets the Goldsboro, Midway,
East Altamonte, and Bookertown areas. Par-
ents attend sessions designed to improve
family management and parenting skills, as
well as health and nutrition information. Si-
multaneously, youth attend prevention
classes focusing on life skills enhancement.
The parents and youth then are brought
together in the second part of the class to
share information and ideas. They also par-
ticipate in ROPES and dramatic arts sessions
to promote bonding and communication.
tutions. Each year over SO adolescents are
served, and outcomes continue to exceed
state-mandated standards in program
completion and no future drug use or ar-
rests.
.. The therapeutic approach used by
G.U:V:S. is designed to change the
behavior and attitudes that
contribute to and perpetuate
juvenile crime, thereby restoring
youth as more functional members
of society while safeguarding our
communities. "
With the increasing need for quality resi-
dential programs to address juvenile delin-
quency, The Grove will work closely with
the Department ofJuvenile Justice to serve
a greater number of youth who lead lives that
are damaging to them and their communi-
ties. Thus, in the coming year, The Grove
will open a new 32-bed program in Sanford.
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Family Support Services
Family Support Services (FSS) is a school
and community-based initiative focusing on
drug education and life skills enhancement
training, primarily for elementary and
middle school youth. FSS provides this train-
ing for second and third graders at ~Midway
Elementary School, and after school at the
Boys and Girls Club locations in Midway
and Goldsboro. Regarded as a model pro-
SANKOFO Program
gram in its 7 -year history, FSS is supported
by a diverse group of community partners
including the Heart of Florida United\Vay,
the Orlando Sentinel Santa, Target, the
Florida Citrus Sports Foundation, and the
Seminole County Community Block Grant
Program. Hundreds of youth and their tlmi-
lies were impacted in the past year, with par-
ticipants demonstrating increases in drug
awareness, negative attitudes toward drugs,
enhanced social, organizational, and prob-
lem-solving skills, and a decrease in family
management problems. Tn the coming year,
FSS will be expanded to include the faith
community, working with church youth
groups in the Goldsboro, 1\1idway, and East
Altamonte areas of Seminole County.
A key to quality prevention programming is tailoring
the curriculum to the target population in a way that
promotes healthy lifestyles, raises educational and
long-term aspirations, and involves the fmnily in this
process. The Grove's SANKOFO initiative is a rites-
of-passage program for at-risk African American stu-
dents, ages 11-13, that is designed to prevent substance
abuse and reduce school drop-out rates. The program
provides a culturally specific curriculum that blends
historical perspectives with community involvement
and life skills training. The only program of its kind in Central Florida, SANKOFO has
impacted nearly 400 youth since its inception in 1994. Tn the past year, the program tar-
geted students from Sanford and Millennium middle schools. According to follow-up stud-
ies, participants demonstrated improved behavior at school and increased knowledge of the
dangers of drugs, while parents reported fewer [ullily management problems. In the com-
ing year, programming will be offered at the Sanford Housing Authority in the Goldsboro
area. SANKOFO is supported by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Heart
of Florida United\Vay, The Kimball Foundation, Inc., and the Kmart Family Foundation.
Cycles of Peace
Over the past few years, Central Floridians
have been stunned by reports of violence on
campuses across the country, including our
own communities. One of the ways The
Grove addresses this issue in Seminole
County is through the Cycles of Peace
(COP) program. COP is a violence preven-
tion initiative supported through a grant
from the Florida Drug-Free Communities
Program. It targets at-risk middle school Shl-
dents through a curriculum based on the ac-
claimed Oakland Men's Project. Middle
school is a critical transition point for youth-
when bad decisions may impact them for the
rest of their lives. The program goal is to
create a safer school environment and com-
munity by reducing the likelihood of drug
and alcohol abuse, crime, and disruptive and
violent behavior. COP operates currently at
the Rays of r-Iope Charter School, and is
carried out by two Grove Prevention Spe-
cialists. Each student at Rays of Hope has
ALPHA
Many times, when youth demonstrate mal-
adaptive behavior in the early grades, spe-
cial programming that combines academics
and counseling may help redirect these Shl-
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come there because he/she has shown mal-
adaptive behavior in the traditional school
environment. The COP program is unique
in that it is part of each shldent's regular
curriculum at Rays of I-Tope. According to
follow-up studies conducted for students
who completed the program one year ago,
100% of participants had no drug use or
delinquency <ldjudications. Further, nearly
70% of students had no school suspension.
dents before their lives are adversely affected.
The ALPHA program is a p<lrtnership ef-
fort between The Grove and the Seminole
County School Board that targets fourth and
t1fth grade shldents whose behavior inter-
feres \vith their academic performance and
places them at high risk for drug abuse, de-
linquency, and dropping out of school. Be-
gun in 1991, the ALPT:-TA program operates
at Pinecrest Elementary School. In the past
year, students demonstrated academic gains,
significantly improved attitude toward
school, and increased awareness of drugs and
negative attitudes toward their use. In addi-
tion, over 90% of teachers at Pinecrest in-
dicated that ALPI-IA has helped to improve
students' behavior. ALPHA is funded
through the Florida Department of Children
and Families.