D.A.N.N.Y. CENTER
Developing And Nurturing Needy Youth
12-SESSION PROGRAM FOR GIRLS, Ages 12+
A skills-building support circle that can be used with at-risk or court- involved girls. Examines thoughts, beliefs, and actions about friendships, trust, authority figures, mother/daughter relationships, sexuality, dating violence, HIV, drug abuse, stress and goal setting. Opens up girls to important exploration regarding their choices and behaviors and examines ways to promote self-care and healthy decision-making through lively, prepared discussions and activities. Creative activities include assertiveness role-plays, collage, progressive relaxation, writing, creating "Lifemaps" and more.
Week Theme Activity/Description
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Week1. Friendships and Bonding Creating Group Guidelines Poster and Dyad Interviews
Week 2. Communication Skills and Dealing with Authority Figures Continuum of Behaviors Activity, Role-Plays, and Discussion
Week 3. Mother/Daughter Relationships Collage, Group Discussion, and Letter Writing
Week 4. Being the "Queen of Your Own Body" - Sexuality Writing Exercise, Discussion, and Role-Play
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Week 5. Dating Violence/Abusive Relationships Discussion and Journal Writing
Week 6. HIV Prevention - Staying Safe, Staying HIV-Free HIV Transmission Game, Discussion and Tug-of-War Game or Tug-of-War Poster
Week 7. Teen Drug Use and Abuse Group Discussion and Life Maps
Week 8.Body Image Discussion, Magazine Collage, and Characteristics List
Week 9. Stress and Stress Management Discussion, "Symphony of Stress" Role-Play Improvisation, Breathing Relaxation and Coping Cards
Week 10. Goal Setting – Part One Discussion and Path/Bridge Activity
Week 11. Goal Setting - Part Two/ Action Plan for Support Climbing the Mountain Art Activity, Drawing a Circle of Support
Week 12. Wrap up and Closure/Appreciation Ceremony Sharing of Circle Experiences, Frame Making to include Group Picture or Poem, Decorating Bookmarks, Appreciation Ceremony
Appendix Bonus Optional Unit on: Shoplifting Discussion
Betsy Martinez
Life Coach/Mentor (Girls)