Prevention Services

The Boys & Girls Club of Watertown employs Cora Sorensen, BSW as our Youth Prevention Coordinator. Cora is responsible for leading BGCA national programs and other diversion programs.

Prevention Program Calendar  June

Smart Moves Program:
This is a prevention program which focuses on saying “NO” to peer pressure and helps build self-esteem. This program provides current, age appropriate information on puberty and drug/alcohol issues. We also include information on communication and making healthy decisions. There is a curriculum “Start Smart” for 9 – 12 year old youth and another curriculum, “Smart Leaders” for ages 13 -18 years.

More than simply emphasizing a “Say No” message, the program teaches young people ages 6 to 15 how to say no by involving them in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence. The ultimate goal: to promote abstinence from substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement through the practice of responsible behavior.

Y.E.S. Youth Educational Shoplifting Program:
For ages 13 – 18, this program covers a wide range of topics within a well-designed curriculum. Students will learn the feelings, stresses and reason within their life that causes them to shoplift. Students will cover making choices, risk-taking versus reward, and the consequences of further shoplifting charges. The program offers youth a chance to learn about their shoplifting experience through self-exploration, peer group discussions and individual activities. Youth will be tested over homework material, attend a 4 hour workshop and will participate in a follow-up session.

Parent Programs:
Parent Issues – Available to parents/guardians of the Y.E.S. Program. This program offers insight and tips regarding building rapport with youth and disciplining them.
Smart Parents – Begins with Parent Issues information and summarizes the Smart Leaders program.
Common Sense Parenting – These sessions are based on The Boys Town model. The curriculum will help you understand your child’s behavior and gives you a framework for correcting and teaching your child. The class involves 12 hours of class with a trained facilitator.

For more information and to inquire about fees for any programs, please contact Cora Sorensen, BSW, Youth Prevention Coordinator, at 886-6666 or sorensenc@bgcofwatertown.com