SRSLY to offer free parenting workshop in Stockbridge to improve family bonding, reduce risk of teenage drug use

In a workshop series called Guiding Good Choices being offered in Stockbridge, parents will learn how to improve family bonding and reduce the risk of drug use among their children.  From September 25 to October 23, this five-week program will be offered every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Stockbridge Activity Center, located at 305 W Elizabeth Street in Stockbridge.

Guiding Good Choices is an interactive program for parents of children in grades 4 through 8. In a lively and open atmosphere, parents will learn specific strategies to help their children avoid drug use and other adolescent problem behaviors, and develop into healthy adults.  Parents will learn to set clear family guidelines on drugs, learn and practice skills to increase their children’s family involvement, and strengthen family bonds.

Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano of the University of Washington developed the Guiding Good Choices program. Their research has shown that when children are bonded to parents, school and non-drug using peers, they are less likely to become involved in drug use or other behavior problems.

SRSLY and St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea are sponsors of the workshop.  This series is free to attend, however, registration is required.  Childcare is available upon request.  Parents that attend all five sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card.

To register for the workshop or for more information, please visit www.srslystockbridge.org/ggc/ or contact Emily Griswold at 734-593-6806 or Emily.griswold@stjoeshealth.org.

About SRSLY
SRSLY’s mission is to empower and equip youth to achieve their potential by remaining substance-free. SRSLY coalition members include the schools, law enforcement, faith communities, the library, businesses, parents, and youth. SRSLY focuses on primary prevention and is open to anyone interested in preventing youth substance use by promoting a more positive and healthy Stockbridge. SRSLY promotes positive school and community involvement; works to limit youth access to alcohol and other drugs; and aims to reduce parental and peer approval of youth substance use. SRSLY receives support from the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug Free Communities Support Program, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, Stockbridge Community Schools and the Coghlan Family Foundation. For more information, visit www.srslystockbridge.org.