Strengthening Families Program Helps Kids and Parents Bond

Posted by Katie Ehrlich, Mi Casa Intern

Mi Casa’s Youth & Family Development department just launched a new program called “Strengthening Families” in partnership with the Denver Office of Drug Strategy. Each Thursday evening (6-8:30 p.m.) through March 24 parents and children ages 10 to 14 can come to Mi Casa for workshops on cultivating and maintaining strong family bonds.

Through Strengthening Families, Mi Casa aims to help prevent teen substance abuse and other behavioral problems, strengthen parenting skills, and build strength in families. In the past, this program has helped with typical adolescent problems like aggression, substance abuse, and peer pressure, while it has helped parents and legal guardians to create and maintain healthy relationships with youth under their care.

The program is limited to 13 families and consists of two parts. For the first hour, youth and parents meet separately to discuss themes and learn skills specific to their role. During the second hour, families practice the skills they learned, play games, and do collaborative projects.

Mi Casa’s first Strengthening Families event went great, and several families of children from our afterschool program participated. The kids made cardboard posters mapping out what they want to be when they grow up and what is important to them for a successful life. The kids also learned what their parents wanted to be when they were young. Mi Casa is excited to be a part of strengthening family connections over the next six weeks.

Call the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center for more information on the Strengthening Families program – 303-571-1881.