Services - Community

Our commitment to building strong, healthy communities is demonstrated through the services and programs we provide in the Greater Saint John area. One program presently underway is FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS TOGETHER. A description of this program follows. We also offer LEARNING SOLUTIONS for children and adults who are concerned that learning and/or behavioral challenges are preventing success.

FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS TOGETHER (F&ST)
Family Plus/Life Solutions Inc. partners with the community!

F&ST is an innovative and collaborative, prevention and parent involvement program. Families gather and participate in specific, fun, research-based activities designed to strengthen bonds within the family, school and community. Schools, parents and non-profit agencies come together to address and prevent major problems that have had a negative impact on families such as:

  • alcohol and other abuse;
  • youth crime;
  • poor school performance or drop-out.

F&ST was developed in 1988, in Wisconsin USA, to help at-risk preschool and elementary school age children and their families. The program involves eight weekly, multi- family meetings during which positive, interactive experiences are structured and facilitated by a leadership team made up of:

  • Parents;
  • School Staff;
  • Staff of Family Plus/Life Solutions;
  • Substance abuse professionals; and
  • Volunteers.

Families graduate from the program and participate in monthly follow-up meetings called F&STWORKS - a powerful leadership and community-based program.

The eight-week program involves key elements such as sharing a meal as a family unit; communication games; children's peer group; time for couples; quality play; and community building.

The results after only the initial eight weeks show statistically significant improvements in:

  • classroom and home behavior of students;
  • self-esteem;
  • family closeness; and
  • parent involvement in school and community.

Over the coming year Family Plus / Life Solutions will be working with St. Patrick’s and Centennial Schools to provide the F&ST program.

This program is supported by funding from the New Brunswick Children’s Foundation, United Way of Greater Saint John and The Sisters of Charity.

Read more about F&ST.