The Barometer Online

Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed Kimberly Sprecher and Meaghan Josh are each involved Teen Life Skills, a new program that works with at-risk teens.

A dozen people are crowded into one kitchen, laughing and milling among meatloaf, pasta, broccoli, cornbread and brownies. One student, observing a particularly fierce splatter of hot grease, turns around and shouts to the room, "FYI, people - do not cook naked!"

This is Teen Life Skills, a new term-long program that will be holding its first graduation on March 19.

The class aims to teach at-risk youth the skills they need to transition into adult life. It is operated by the Oregon Family Support Network, and its teachers and mentors include seven students from OSU.

The cooking class Monday night was just one of numerous hands-on activities the group has done this term. The variety of classes has ranged from how to change a tire to how to apply for a job - including a trip to Goodwill for interview clothes.

The group has discussed communication, financial planning and personal health. They also received a visit from Male Advocates for Responsible Sexuality. A few weeks ago the group even took a private tour of the local police station.

The program is designed for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who have behavioral or emotional issues, who suffer from mental illness, or who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Brandi Steiner, regional director of the Oregon Family Support Network and supervisor of the program, said that they often work with "kids from stable families who just don't have the skills to teach them what they need."

Many of the youth involved in the Oregon Family Support Network are spend time at places like youth shelters, the Juvenile Department or the Mental Health Department. Those who work with one of the students from the Teen Life Skills program have been pleased with the effect it's had so far.

"They're pretty committed to seeing something positive happen for that child," Steiner said.

Because the class is so new, there are only three students enrolled. The program is currently funded by a year-long grant from the Accountable Behavioral Health Alliance, with plans to renew it each year.

"I will do my best to keep this program going as long as kids want to come," Steiner said.

Continued...

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