Engaging Programs That Help Young People Make Healthy Choices
Children and teens face messages and pressures related to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances. REACH Council partners with schools and community organizations to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy, informed decisions.
We provide evidence-based prevention programs throughout Ellis and Johnson counties.
Prevention Education for Every Community
Our programs help young people develop practical skills, including:
- Making healthy decisions
- Building positive friendships
- Managing emotions and stress
- Setting and achieving goals
- Strengthening self-esteem
- Communicating effectively
- Resisting negative peer pressure
- Understanding the risks and consequences of substance use
Programs are engaging, interactive, developmentally appropriate, and available in several formats, including classroom lessons, small groups, assemblies, workshops, and community events.
To learn which program is the best fit for your school, campus, or organization, contact us today.
Request a Free Program or Presentation
For more information, please contact Tom Kowatch, Director of School Programs
For more information, contact Tom Kowatch, Director of School Programs.
Education Programs
Kids Connection and CBSG® Program
Developed by Rainbow Days (hyperlink to Rainbow Days website)
Kids Connection and the Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG®) Program provide small-group prevention education for elementary-aged students. Lessons help children build protective skills through topics such as healthy decision-making, goal-setting, self-esteem, communication, and managing emotions.
Botvin LifeSkills Training
Learn more about Botvin LifeSkills Training
Botvin LifeSkills Training is delivered in elementary classrooms and teaches age-appropriate prevention, social, and coping skills. Students learn how to manage challenging situations, make healthy choices, and resist negative social influences.
Positive Action
Learn more about Positive Action
Positive Action is a classroom-based program for middle school students. Through interactive lessons, students strengthen decision-making, coping, communication, and other skills that support healthy behaviors and positive development.
Blues Program
Learn more about the Blues Program
The Blues Program is an evidence-based, small-group prevention program for teens ages 14–18. Participants learn how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected while building skills to manage stress, challenge unhelpful thinking, and participate in positive activities.
Guiding Good Choices
Learn more about Guiding Good Choices
Guiding Good Choices is an evidence-based, five-session program for parents and caregivers of children ages 9 and up. Interactive workshops help families strengthen relationships, establish clear expectations, manage conflict, and support healthy decision-making that can reduce the risk of adolescent substance use and other problem behaviors.
Youth Presentations
REACH Council offers presentations that educate young people about the risks and consequences associated with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription medication misuse, and other substances. We also offer presentations on positive behavioral health topics, including healthy coping skills, stress management, peer refusal skills, emotional awareness, healthy relationships, and positive decision-making.
Presentations can be customized for individual classrooms, grade levels, or schoolwide assemblies. Although many are offered during Red Ribbon Week, presentations may be scheduled throughout the school year and summer for schools, scouting organizations, faith-based groups, camps, and other youth-serving programs.
Presentations and Support for Adults
We provide presentations, training, and collaborative planning sessions for parents, caregivers, educators, counselors, administrators, law enforcement and other community members.
Topics may include:
- Current youth substance-use trends
- Recognizing possible warning signs of substance use in youth
- Prevention strategies for families
- Hidden in Plain Sight demonstrations
- Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness and use of Naloxone training
REACH Council staff can also participate in School Health Advisory Council meetings and other school or community planning efforts.
Alternative Activities
REACH Council offers substance-free activities that promote positive connections with peers, families, and the community. These activities introduce healthy recreation, build new skills, and provide positive alternatives to risky or harmful behaviors.
We can bring activities to schools, youth groups, health fairs, pre-prom events, graduation celebrations, summer programs, and other community events.
Bring Prevention Programming to Your School or Community
Whether you need an evidence-based curriculum, student presentation, parent workshop, staff training, or interactive activity, we can help you select an option that meets your group’s needs.
Request a Free Program, Presentation, or Activity
At REACH Council, we offer school-based prevention programs for those throughout Ellis County, including Midlothian, as well as those in Johnson County and Hill County, Texas.