Youth Services
Our Youth Programs provide educational, recreational and socialization opportunities for school-aged youth. Programming provides positive services to youth that enhance self-esteem, improves conflict resolution skills, offers alternatives to violence, gangs, substance abuse, encourages the process of education, and provides opportunities for youth leadership development.
The Summer Youth Program of Catholic Social Services of Summit County provides a structured environment in which parents can be assured that their children are safe, exposed to positive values, receive instruction in problem solving, good citizenship and are encouraged to grow in personal responsibility. This program will address a target population of youth who are at risk for violence/gang membership, drug/alcohol use, early sexual activity, along with other high risk behaviors. The topics addressed in the Summer Youth Program include peer relations; relationships with authority figures in the community as well as parents; taking responsibility; good citizenship, problem solving and decision making; use of leisure time; developing and maintaining positive values; communication/articulation skills; other basic life skills.
The goals of the T.A.C.K.L.E. (Teaching Accountability Changes Kids' Lives Everyday) Program are to prevent pregnancy among at risk youth; to reduce at risk attitudes and behaviors and increase protective factors and assets among at risk youth. Sessions offer life education on preventing pregnancies, making appropriate choices and increasing self-esteem. Curriculum is used that is recognized as best practice and is based on proven theoretical approaches to modify behavior. In addition to the weekly sessions, the group participates in at least one volunteer activity during the year, four enrichment activities, and four activities that include parents and siblings.