RESCUE YOUTH

SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Rescue Youth Program aims to prevent youth involvement in drugs, alcohol, gangs, and other self-destructive/unhealthy activities. The Rescue Youth Program is delivered in schools, local shelters and community centers, after school and summer programs. The community-based program utilizes evidence-based curriculum for youth ranging from 6 to 18 years old and delivers youth and adult presentations that range from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your organization's schedule. Our staff is able to provide customized presentations on a variety of topics according to your needs, as well as offer your youth program workshops, presentations or training on specific topics. Youth Presentation topics offered: Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug prevention and awareness information, self-esteem building, decision making skills, social skills building, effective communication skills, anti-bullying information, and stress management skills.

Adult Presentation topics offered: Current drug trends and ways to identify potential drug use, Opioid Crisis info, Communication with your child, and Stress management.

Events are planned throughout the school year and summer months to engage communities, collaborate with community partners, and promote the "no-use" message. Our team also participates in planned community events as an opportunity to share information about the Rescue Youth Program. Events include Kick Butts Day, Red Ribbon Weeks, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, Parent Nights, Health Fairs and other community events.

We make a difference through:

Character Education Groups

Skill Building Methods
Peer Bonding Activities
Trusted Adult Support
Community Engagement Events

If you are interested in scheduling the Rescue Youth Program at your site or next event please email us at rescueyouth@changehappenstx.org.

Afterschool Program:

Change Happens! welcomes youth ages 6 to 16 years old to participate in the After-School Program. The After School Program promotes character education groups as a committed strategy to reinforcing our students’ growing self-efficacy, social development, and sense of commitment to their community. The program’s goal is to proactively enhance protective factors and reduce the impact of negative influences that place youth at risk. Youth who attend schools zoned within a two mile radius of our agency, may use Change Happens transportation to attend the program daily Monday-Thursday 3pm-6pm & Friday 3pm-5pm. Transportation is based on route availability and is only provided to pick youth up from schools. Participants receive the following:

“Monthly Parent Linkage” to Resource Meetings
Homework assistance
Character education presentations
Peer Bonding Opportunities
Supper & Snack
Daily Enrichment activities such as: Gardening, Computer practice, Dance, Entrepreneurship activities, Cooking, STEM learning, and outdoor fun

If interested in the Afterschool program, complete the online enrollment application during Fall or Spring semesters. Please email afterschool@changehappenstx.org if you have questions about enrollment or program activities.

Summer Program:

Change Happens welcome youth ages 6-16 to participate in the Rescue Youth Summer Program. The program was designed to provide youth enrichment activities during the summer months to deter involvement in drugs, alcohol, gangs, and other self-destructive/unhealthy activities. The program open Monday-Friday at 7am to offer the following:

Breakfast, lunch, & Snack
College Experiences for all ages (U of H, TSU, Lone Star College, & Houston Community College Partnership)
Kid’s University at University of Houston
Weekly Careers At A Glance: visiting and learning about local businesses
Overnight Camping at a Campsite
Weekly Field Trips
Monthly Community Service Projects
“Monthly Parent Linkage” to Resource Meetings
Youth Prevention Education Sessions
Weekly Activities: Dance, Crafts, Cooking, STEM activities, Computer Programs, Gardening, & various outside games
Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics

Participants are expected to attend at least three days per week.

If interested in the Summer Program, please complete an online application. Program participants are selected on a first come first serve basis. For all questions, please contact summer@changehappenstx.org

Kelva Clay

Program Coordinator

Haley Canada

Lead Prevention Specialist

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