Generational Leadership

Why do youth need social and emotional learning?

Youth are dealing with many things between the ages of 11-17. They are dealing with internal battles to fit in with their peers, social norms, society, etc., and if they are a child with an incarcerated parent or a parent dealing with addiction the stresses are doubled for them. Often times, youth don't know how to vocalize their emotions and they may act out behaviorally causing them to get in trouble at school, at home, or in society. For some youth, the only option they see is suicide and for others they themselves turn to drugs, alcohol, and/or sex to escape their painful reality.

What it is?

Unlocking Futures utilizes a evidenced-based curriculum called Creating Lasting Family Connections to provide youth with a safe space to talk about issues they are dealing with in their lives. In the process, youth are also taught how to apply feeling words to their thoughts. By doing so, youth learn that by identifying how they feel the emotions come and go quicker than when they were unable to express how or what they were feeling. Youth are also taught healthy and unhealthy forms of communication. This part of the curriculum is enjoyable for youth due to them being given different scenarios in which they are able to role play out . In addition, youth are given education on drugs and alcohol, which always is helpful to them and our facilitators as youth often times educate the facilitators on the latest drugs on the streets and the ways in which they are being used. Due to our program being non-bias and non-judgemental youth feel free to listen and discuss their views and opinions of drugs and alcohol as it relates to their lives. 

How it works?

The program consists of three program modules and takes a total of 16 one hour sessions to complete. Sessions can be done once a week or twice a week. If completed once a week, it would take 16 weeks to complete the program, if the program is taken twice a week it would take 8 weeks to complete the program. All participants receive a certificate of completion after finishing the program. The program can be offered in person or virtually. Participants need to live in either Ohio or Charlotte, NC to participate.  

Who is this program Ideal for?

This program has the best outcomes if it is taken in groups no smaller than 6 people. We welcome partnerships from schools, churches, group homes, juvenile institutions, as well as parents who may be struggling with a child who has an incarcerated parent and may be exhibiting behavior changes as a result.

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in obtaining more information about this program, please feel free to call our agency at 614-385-0771 or send an email to unlockingfutures2014@gmail.com with Social & Emotional learning in the subject line.