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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 01 24 Regular A Grove Counseling Center COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM A Consent Informational Public Hearing Regular X January 24,2000 Regular Meeting ~ 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: , cJU- ~Jb- CITY CL ORIDA ATTACHMENT "B" COUNSELING CENTER, INC. j [ U I .111. I i 1 t , , , Annual Report for the Fiscallear 1998 to 1999 COUNSELING CENTER, INC. .111111111111111 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 1-4 /-r2~"",-",,, * Indad S Bush Blvd. ;; . Pl'Ogram...",.t (/,,""'1\). 'v"'/' Pl~/1."r^." I" rev~ntJ.on5 ') Pro~msv' ~'V-V Lake Mary Long;wood 434 N '" ,.:.. ~ I Winter Springs Ad-;;2. scent.,,, ,r'I ~ .rl 1,' t- ( at~ u~.-"-' ;> Resi<Ienti~~l GyYS ) <::/,Pr<!gt;a111 * * Propr-:.~; <?'9 Old Sanford/Oviedo Rd. Ad,r~,./;>/\.v"'''' mnustratlve u5? Offices /7 C 0/Y-VvV g* 434 m1ajor Funding Sources (. 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. ~, ..~~I ~" ~ ",,). . ~ , . ~j , r "'.i . ----.-- --<- ~1;"-' ~.~---- - _._.\2~_~.__.~ --- $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 j.. '.. $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. , " ~~"11.~7; 4: .":' {"'.~ '-:'_ .' ,.i ~. - 'o'\. , ~ )W~ " . / ' ~ Il ; !'::4'~. '\ ' . . ,. ~. .tG' ~;,~ _': if " " ,. ,J'!.' , .~ , \l ~.~ 'l1l\ .( .. 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 ,J \" \" ,\ ~^-. '-:"'/ II~' 0.' - - 2':)'. '---' U \ ~ 'J / \ J '\..~ 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. ~ COUNSELING CENTER, INC. ,.- ....,........" ,..,.....,...,.-".,.q.. " "i~~~L 1~('F ".". -.. ..."'. '.,'."-, ....'.,.... (..'D1}:[3@riJ:.2A'Ij@;~' 1.0/ ~ I rtiJ~ IE: I![) 1]; (IJ] I!'IE:~ fE@ $ <eirtiJ C@ [I)] I![) $ ~ 0 lll![) g ~ ...L;J. U[}v@ [~JDfP[E~ COiJ@DDcefrD~ce; 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- ~ . 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. I ? I. .- - j 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 ~ '" 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 ~.. ~-.-.:_. (.'., '. . :.::.:."~'" - . , . . - 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 ., , i I ~. ,,_._....... .'-.._e. _ ___....... .-.----.......-- 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- .' -L... , , I 1,,1 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. " ~...... .- ._~~~-~'~- ~"":'.':~~'::' f.'. . ".~- .~;.:/ 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. [[@ m CQyft, B FriJ g $ (QJ f~ If}) fJ={j eE; (QJ Oft hie Ei C;@ M rifiHUJ flIJ it B ce ~ T ftu If@ fllJ g fh p [fee; W (E; ffD ft ll@ [(fJ 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- -, " {. :.f") t. '..[ ~ -,~7'-'- --- I -.;.. '- ,.1 ~--:-;:... j ,...... 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.