Ser Familia Inc

Programs: Couples programs - includes a one day workshop in spanish that teaches communication skills and problem solving techniques. Examines the level of commitment of the couple and helps them recognize patterns and traits that they received in their upbringing and how they affect their relationship. Clarifies ideas and misconceptions about their sexuality. Outcomes for this program were 95% reported improved communication skills, 88% reported increased commitment to the relationship, 92% reported improved skills for managing anger and frustration. These outcomes were measured by pre-evaluations, post-evaluations and follow-up interviews. On 2014, we prepared 10 of these workshops with a total of 342 participants. After every workshop support groups were established and led by a couple of trained volunteers. Each of these support groups meets at least eight (8) times. The "plenitud matrimonial" workshop is prepared for couples that had already attended the "taller de parejas" workshop and had completed the support group. This program teaches specific communication techniques, works one-on-one with participants on problem-solving techniques and helps build intimacy. On 2014, we completed two (2) sessions of "plenitud matrimonial" and served 58 participants. Our couples' programs received $4,200 in in-kind use of of facilities and 3,711 donated volunteer hours.

we have several parenting and family strengthening programs. The first one is "escuela para padres". This program consists of a series of classes that provide latino parents with the necessary skills to make their job as parents easier and give ideas on how to better fulfill their role. The program discusses the role of their native culture and upbringing in how they perceive their kids and their parenting style. Stresses the importance of recognizing kids as people that deserve respect and attention. Program explains ways to help kids to see themselves as valuable, promoting the development of a positive self-image. Establishes the importance of having clearly defined values and the most effective way to implementing discipline and control without verbal or physical violence. The second initiative is the "strengthening families" program. This is a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strengthening program. This evidence-based family skills training program has been found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children and to improve social competencies and school performance. Child maltreatment also decreases as parents strengthen bonds with their children and learn more effective parenting skills. It is offered to kids ages 10 to 14 and their parents. It consists of parenting skills, children's life skills, and family skills training courses taught together in seven (7) sessions. The third initiative is the "taller de padres e hijos". This program consists of a one day workshop specially designed to open more, new and better channels of communication between parents and their kids, offering them the opportunity to learn better ways to communicate and understand each other. The workshop is aimed at parents and their children from 13 to 18 years of age. A group of volunteer multi-disciplinary professionals present the program. In 2013 they donated 8,406 volunteer in-kind hours to make the programs possible. On 2014, 3 parenting workshops were presented through public schools and churches. We also provided 22 individual parenting seminars. These seminars are separate from the regular parenting classes program. The goal is to expand the information provided during the regular curriculum, include additional topics and further parenting education. Eight (8) sessions of the strengthening families were conducted. No sessions of the "taller de padres e hijos" were prepared. 1,312 parents and 282 kids and teens received services through our different parenting and family strengthening efforts. Measured outcomes were 81% of parents were using the "i" message" to communicate with their kids, 87% of parents were showing affection to their kids and giving them unconditional positive strokes, 88% parents could view their kids as an individual person that deserve respect, 79% of parents reported that they were using new techniques to discipline their kids using physical or verbal and to manage anger and frustration when dealing with their kids. We received $4,800 in in-kind use of facilities.

our teenagers' program (renovacion juvenil) is targeted to teens 13 to 18 years of age. The objective of the workshop is to provide them with tools that will prevent in this group drug and alcohol abuse, low self-esteem, participation in gangs, teen pregnancy. The program also helps them adapt to the reality of living in a dual-culture. They receive skills to improve their communication with their parents and develop positive leadership traits. A session is prepared for the teens' parents so that they are prepared to establish a better communication with their teens and they know where to look for help if they need assistance with family relationship issues. All activities are prepared and presented by latino teens and young adults. Peer mentorship opportunities and counseling referrals are available. On 2014, we prepared 4 workshops with 288 teens in attendance. 603 people participated from the parents' program. We also prepared leadership seminars so that the teens that we interested could gain new skills and leadership abilities. We supported the kids that attended the leadership seminars so that they could start volunteering in our program, their school, church and or community. By making sure that they put to work their newly gain talents, we encourage the formation and development of new positive young leaders for our latino community. Our measured outcomes were, 78% of teens reported having a better relationship with their parents, 65% were showing new leadership skills by volunteering at their church, school or community, 68% of kids report improved skills for managing anger and frustration and 81% of teens report the ability to better resist peer pressure to use drugs or alcohol. 88% of kids that complete the program are enrolled and attending school. Outcomes were measured by pre and post assessments. Volunteers donated 9,201 in-kind hours to make this program possible. We received $3,900 in in-kind use of facilities.