WHAT WILL A TEEN GAIN?Invaluable knowledge on how to live successfully as an independent adult. Our instruction includes verbal, written and visual exercises, discussion groups, role playing, speaker presentations and field trips. Each class has a specific theme. Topics include:
WHOM DOES THE COMMUNITY LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM SERVE?L.I.S.A.’s Community Life Skills Program serves youth 16 to 18 years of age, that are considered by the State of Connecticut to be abused, neglected, and/or abandoned. All of our youths are state-committed and live in foster homes in the Greater Waterbury Area. These teens are facing the transition into adulthood and independence with great difficulty, and are in need of training to enable them to go out on their own and live independently. WHAT IS OUR GOAL?The goal of L.I.S.A.'s CLS Program is to assist teens in their journey towards adulthood and independence. By equipping them with "survival skills" necessary for successful independent living, we strive to provide each with the knowledge and motivation needed to become a contributing member of the community. More specifically, the CLS Program aims to:
HOW DOES L.I.S.A.'S COMMUNITY LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM WORK?The CLS Program offers comprehensive classroom training that covers material which is vital for successful independent living. The curriculum is geared towards improving each youth's ability to maximize his or her potential in school, at work, and in the community. The classroom environment is structured, yet relaxed. Course content focuses on the mastery of skills necessary for independent living. Guest speakers, videos, games, and discussions stimulate participants' thinking about practical skills such as dealing with landlords, formulating budgets, and conducting a successful job search. Through exercises which foster group process and identity, we also focus on improving the interpersonal and communication skills needed for success. In addition, at the beginning of each session and as the course progresses, we strive to adapt the curriculum to reflect the needs and interests of each group of students. When a youth is referred to our program, the Program Coordinator meets with the teen, the teen's caseworker, and the foster parent. Upon acceptance, the youth receives an assessment to ascertain current abilities, strengths, and deficits. At the end of the course, each teen assessed again to ascertain gains made during the 16-week session. L.I.S.A.'s follow-up assessments show that approximately 90% of enrolled teens have demonstrated improvement in the life skill areas covered by the course. The Coordinator's role is multi-faceted: she is teacher, counselor, and advocate. During each session, she maintains regular contact with other adults who live and work with each teen, both to apprise them of the teen's progress and to enlist their support, if necessary, in helping the teen accomplish his or her goals. She is also available for individual and family counseling upon request. L.I.S.A.'s CLS CLASSROOML.I.S.A. offers two 16-week sessions each year. Upon successfully completing the course, each teen receives a Certificate of Completion and a cash stipend of $300. The monetary incentive reflects the fact that the intensive time commitment required for the program often precludes part-time employment while the course is in progress. Typically, only 7 to 8 teens are enrolled per session, allowing for personalized instruction. Since each teen is facing the same transition, and many share a common background, lasting friendships are made. Classes also include:
WHOM DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?Georgann Leclerc |