Summer youth class will cover life lessons, from bullying to car care
Jun. 2—FARRELL — The wide-ranging topics will cover from bullying and suicide prevention to nutrition and basic car care at a special summertime youth program that starts Monday at the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell.
"These are topics that you're not going to find in a classroom setting in school," said Natalie Higbee, family supportive services director.
A limited number of spots are still available for the youth classes.
Jennifer Wallace, chief executive officer of the Prince of Peace Center, said the classes are geared toward youths in all socioeconomic platforms.
"We are not looking for economically-challenged youths," Wallace said. "This is open to anyone in Mercer County and even Trumbull County, Ohio."
Session one covers the topics of bullying, suicide prevention, Narcan, and vaping and tobacco. Session two covers internet safety and basic self-defense, resiliency, adaptability to stress, nutrition and communication skills and basic car care.
Wallace said the topics are intense, but that facilitators and Prince of Peace staff are trained to recognize the needs of the children.
"I think the education we're providing is evidence-based," Wallace said. "Our facilitators all have a knowledge base on what they are speaking."
The classes are split into two age groups. Ages 10 to 13 classes will be from 10 to 11 a.m. and for ages 14 to 18 from 11 a.m. to noon through Aug 1. The center is accepting 10 people for each group. For students still in school next week, a video will be available to make up for the class missed.
Instructors include Farrell fire Chief Mike Renner, who is also a Mercer County deputy coroner; deacon Owen Wagner; and representatives from Community Counseling Center; White Deer Run, a treatment facility; Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission; Sharon Police Department; and a retired nutritionist from Sharon Regional Health Center.
Higbee said they are hoping for a waiting list because the center would like to run the classes as much as they are needed.
"Last year we did a four-week series, and we had great attendance," Higbee said. "We had questions that were answered."
Prince of Peace is also offering incentives to attendees. If the child completes four hours of classes, they will receive $100 toward educational needs, including items such as school clothing or even musical instruments.
The youth classes, dubbed "Mindful Mondays" are sponsored by the Zekelman Foundation through the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.
"If we can help one kid, I'm happy," Wallace said.
To register for the classes, call the Prince of Peace at 724-346-5777 extension 160. Classes will be held at the Prince of Peace Center, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell.
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
