A measurable difference

Sometimes we wonder if the prevention sessions facilitated in our community make desired change. The following story illustrates the direct benefits of two of our school-based prevention groups – Raising Gentle’men, a program the helps boys evolve beyond macho stereotypes to develop self-respect and respect for others; and Healthy Friendships, a program for girls, designed to develop self-esteem, boundaries, communication skills and personal goals.

Shelter advocates held weekly sessions with fifth graders at Bonita Springs Elementary School throughout the 2014-15 school year. A Raising Gentle’men advocate worked with the boys and a youth advocate facilitated Healthy Friendships for the girls. The school’s guidance counselor created a data report to identify if behavior had improved after attending the groups.  Data showed a 90% decrease in behavioral referrals after attending the groups.

On the final day of the sessions, the advocates were asked to stay a little longer and were escorted into the school yard. All of the children who participated over the year were gathered to present the advocates with hand-made cards signed by the children. A representative of the boys and the girls groups gave small speeches about what the programs had done for them and what they learned. The advocates were enthusiastically thanked by both personnel and children, providing a clear message of how valuable the sessions are to the community and how they clearly create change.

During the 2014-15 school year, Raising Gentlemen advocates conducted 202 presentations for 3,422 youth. Our new Healthy Friendships program conducted 23 presentations for 248 youth.

In May, Raising Gentle’men sessions were facilitated at:

• Bonita Springs Elementary
• New Beginnings Alternative School
• Beacon Alternative School
• Manatee Middle
• Pine Ridge Middle

Program expansion is proposed for:

• Max Hasse Community Park
• Ami Kids Big Cypress juvenile facility
• Project Help
• East Naples Middle School