Personal Development Center's SHORE Program

The summer session of SHORE (Sharing Healthy Options for Respect and Esteem) consists of eleven sessions with seventeen teens through the Youth Net summer school program. The sessions are a balance of curriculum time (Save the Date) and art expression time using an altered book method. Healthy relationships and violence prevention is the main focus. Other topics such as self-esteem, bullying, uniqueness, positive choices, and family violence have been discussed.

During the past 6 sessions, 6 teens have pulled me aside after class and disclosed that they are currently being abused by a dating partner, their parents are in an abusive relationship, or they are being bullied. I was surprised to see how many teens came forward and asked for my help. I feel there are more teens in the group that are experiencing a similar situation as well, but are not ready to talk about it.

Because of the youth programing PDC provides these individuals are now able to get help to break the cycle of abuse and live free from harm. The summer SHORE sessions have been very successful and the dialog regarding abuse has led to honest and open conversations between staff and the teens.

   

Personal Development Center's SHORE (Sharing Healthy Options for Respect and Esteem) program helps youth learn: skills to gain more control over their response to unsafe situations, safety planning and protective behaviors, identifying healthy relationships and to cope with bullying, and the importance of making positive choices.

Food For Thought...Things Like This Happen To Our Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-Workers

I spent years after college determined to define myself through my career. I was on the fast track of a new, growing company and I was sure my future was destined for great success. Only a few years later, that company went “belly-up” and I found myself applying for unemployment in the midst of the economic crisis. That was a life-changing event for me. All I had worked so hard for, all the blood, sweat, tears, time and personal sacrifices I made…and here I was back at square one. 

I tell you this not for sympathy but rather to exemplify that things like this can happen to people, everywhere, all the time and through no fault of their own. Recently, I had a young woman stop in to use the job center services provided in our office. (Last January, the Marshfield Job Center moved into our office to avoid closing and to keep our residents from having to travel to Wisconsin Rapids for services.) I chatted with her briefly and she began to cry. Her position was eliminated with her employer in town and she was not sure where to turn for help. My heart broke for her. I could relate to what she was going through. 

Thankfully, in my situation, my family was able to help me financially through that difficult time. Not everyone, though, is as fortunate as I was in that situation. Life-altering events happen every single day to our friends, family members and neighbors. And unfortunately, most times people are left wondering how they’re going to pick up the pieces and move on. People are faced with difficult questions like: How am I going to keep food on the table for my family? How am I going to pay my rent? My utility bill? How and where do I start searching for employment opportunities? 

Your annual donation to Marshfield Area United Way supports programs and services that help people in crisis meet their basic needs. Additionally, other United Way programs and services are helping area youth achieve their full potential, and are also working to keep our most vulnerable of populations living independently in their home. Together, we are making a difference in creating long-lasting change in our community. Please contribute to the 2013 Marshfield Area United Way campaign. Visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 715-384-9992 to make your donation today.

Making An Impact...

Below is part of a letter written by someone who stayed in the Genesis Room at Mary's Place Boarding House...

A recent tenant writes, “I was homeless staying in a laundromat on a bathroom floor and was struggling.  Now I’m getting a chance at a better life.”  This tenant was able to secure a job in the Chicago area while staying at Mary’s Place.  The letter continues, “I really appreciate the train ticket and giving me a ride to Milwaukee.  You went above and beyond to help me.  I really appreciate this.” … “I wanna (sic) thank you guys for being a better family then (sic) my actual family.  You guys are great. Thanks.”

The Genesis Room at Mary's Place Boarding House (funded by Marshfield Area United Way) houses homeless, unemployed individuals while they search for employment. Individuals can stay in the Genesis room for free for up to six weeks.