Support Groups Program The therapeutic Support Groups began in 2004 with the Tuesday Night Group for at-risk teens, which to this day serves as the primary laboratory for refining the MEN group model. A second group, also for at-risk boys, has begun at Vista Grande High School. The distinguishing feature of the MEN group model for at-risk youth is to maintain a 1:1 ratio between group leaders and participants. There are typically 5-6 trained leaders (volunteers with one licensed counselor) who make a serious two-year commitment to the group. This not only ensures continuity, but it models a level of commitment never before experienced by most youthful participants. |
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A youth entering a MEN group finds himself in a circle of elders who consistently model respect, emotional awareness, and nonviolent communication, and who expect that he and the other participants will do the same. These men create and maintain boundaries, provide empathy, and offer guidance on issues including anger, gang affiliation, substance abuse, relationship and family difficulties, and sexual responsibility. Emotional awareness is a key component. A key proviso is that boys must remain in the group until the leaders agree that they are ready to “graduate.” As a consequence, many boys remain in the group for two years or more, with excellent results: the 2008-2009 groups displayed an 85% improvement rate in anger management, academic performance, communication skills, decision-making, and self-esteem. Through 2010, support groups will be piloted in Middle School and High School. We expect to begin a group specifically for teens referred by the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office, as well as a group for adult men who, while not offenders, are struggling with violence and its related issues. Serving as a group mentor is challenging, exciting, and extremely rewarding for any man concerned with the wellbeing of our young men. We encourage you to step up and volunteer!
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