Self Reliance Programs

These programs are offered to our community through the local school systems, daycare centers, and special programs. Each year, approximately 3000 children and youth participate in Self Reliance Courses.

“A Gift of Giving” Kindergarten - 6th Grade

Service-learning programs that will help students learn and develop through active participation in a community service project.  The age-appropriate curriculum centers on generating ideas, gathering information, and planning and organizing a project that meets the needs of their community.  This course consists of six 45-minute sessions.

“I’m Safe and Sure” Preschool and 1st Grade

This program focuses on personal safety and responsible citizenship through good decision making.  Activities are designed to teach children to avoid being victims of crimes and other potentially harmful situations.  This course consists of six 45-minute sessions.

“Hold on to Health” K-9th Grade

This program encourages activities and ideas that will motivate young people to get up, move around, and eat more nutritious foods. It also encourages them to make positive decisions and take other steps to enhance their health and avoid risky behaviors that could jeopardize their well-being.  This course is meant for out of school time and encourages family involvement. Each session is 1-2 hours.

“I Can Do It” 3rd Grade

Children learn self-help skills such as choosing healthy foods, becoming weather ready, being safe in public, escaping a fire, handling conflict, and being safe and responsible.  This course is made up of six 45-minutes sessions.

 “I'm Peer Proof” 6th Grade

Teaches how to resist negative peer pressure and maintain positive friendships.  Role-playing makes this a fun way to learn important lessons about making good friends as well as being one.  This course consists of five 45-minute sessions.

“Portable Challenge Course” 6th– 12th Grades

This course teaches through a series of “challenges” designed to promote trust, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership.  Elements in this “challenge” are created to challenge mental, emotional, and social capabilities rather than just physical capabilities. 

“I’m Taking Care” 6th – 8th Grades

To be a good babysitter takes dedication, a willingness to learn, and the ability to take on responsibility.  This course includes information and skills that young people need to know in order to be responsible for younger children; such as safety, strategies for handling behavior, diapering and feeding infants, as well as ideas for entertaining children.  This course is open to boys and girls and consists of 1-day training.

“Money Smart for Young Adults” 9th-12th Grade

This program is targeted toward high school students and young adults. This program is offered because of a partnership with Camp Fire USA and the FDIC. Following educational standards, youth are taught the basics of managing their own money, differences between credit and debit, shopping for a credit card, and creating relationships with financial institutions. This course consists of eight 1-hour sessions.