The last session of the seven-week Strengthening Families program at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School was held April 11. The Strengthening Families program is a research- and evidence-based program. It involves goal-oriented interactions that not only bring families together, but also teach each individual member the four needs of humans - belonging, joining, power and independence.

During the last week of the program, parents were able to recap on topics they’ve learned throughout the previous weeks and prepare for the upcoming years of their children transitioning to high school. This is the fourth year the Strengthening Families program came to Whitehall.

Valley Youth House coordinates this seven-week program throughout different school districts in order to teach the ultimate theme of love and limits.

Margie Kelly, an employee of Valley Youth House, said, “It’s important to note that this program is for average families looking to spend time together, to learn about what it’s like being a teenager and to learn about a variety of family values and interactions.”

During the first session that families came together, they were asked to fill out a survey based on their current parent/child interaction. Then, during this last week’s session, they were asked to fill out another survey in order to see how they’ve progressed.

Each week of the Strengthening Families program consisted of a different theme. The first session allowed families to get acquainted, as well as participate in a treasure map activity that led parents to their child’s dreams and goals. This activity not only taught the children how to work toward achieving their individual dreams and goals, but also allowed parents to learn more about their children and share with them what their dreams and goals were like as a child.

During the second session, parents learned the importance of using “I” statements and talked with their children about the strengths within their family through a family tree activity.

The third session taught parents how to utilize point charts - so that their kids learned privileges - while the children learned how to manage stress.

This program taught parents about consequences that are usable and reasonable in certain situations during the fourth session, and their children learned how to follow rules and the importance of doing so. This session also involved families creating a shield together that represented their values that they have.

The fifth session allowed the kids to learn steps to avoid peer pressure and taught parents how to listen to their children during problematic times and ways in which they can protect their child against drugs and alcohol.

In association, the sixth session taught the kids how to properly turn down peer pressure in order to avoid trouble, while still keeping their friends close. This session gave parents the opportunity to interact with their child on a different level by writing meaningful letters to their children in regard to wanting the best for them.

Lastly, during session seven, kids were able to interact with some of the high-schoolers and ask them any questions they had in order to become more prepared for their next step in life.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, also attended the last week’s session and handed out certificates and awards to the families upon their completion of the program.

“Anything that brings families closer together is worth praise,” Mako said.

Following the last session, one of the mothers who completed the program happily said, “This program really helps with how my family responds to one another and treats each other on a daily basis.”