New youth program in Charleston promotes healthy relationships

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Youth in the Charleston R-1 School District now have access to a new program that provides after school and mentoring services to help them understand and develop healthy relationships with others and help them succeed in school.

“Over the last three years, the Department of Social Services has learned that programming must reach beyond school hours so that youth can continue to receive critical support,” said Lester Gillespie, Director of Fresh Start Self Improvement Center. “Our after-school program provides students continued learning opportunities in a small group setting.”

Designed for students aged 12 to 19, “Future Leaders of Today and Tomorrow” (FLTT), is presented through the Fresh Start Self Improvement Center. The program is funded through TANF block grant funds obtained by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

FLTT aims to increase youth understanding of the financial, legal and emotional responsibilities of parenthood. The program promotes the positive development of young adults through curriculum-guided, interactive group discussions; positive adult guidance and support; and peer-to-peer learning. The program focuses on key topics related to young adult development, including building social, emotional, goal setting, and life skills; developing a positive sense of self; connecting with others, understanding financial literacy; and provides tutoring services for school coursework, ACT prep and standardized testing.

“We have recently had several leaders speak to youth at our leadership day events, including Paul Page of Charleston Housing Authority, Glenn Fennell of Shining Light and Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell,” Gillespie said. “It’s important for our young people — our future leaders — to meet current leaders in our community.”

This program is an extension of the Charting the Course grant programs that have been made available to participating school districts. Charting the Course grant programs were designed as a three-year demonstration to educate and motivate teens and young adults to complete their education, start a career, and establish healthy relationships.

“The children of Missouri are the future of the state,” said John Ginwright, deputy director of Family Support Division, Child Support program. “These grant programs help put this generation on the path to reach their highest potential, have healthy relationships, make positive life choices, and be responsible adults.”