AHM Programs

Intervention

Family Resource Center

Intervention

Youth, Marriage, and Family Counseling

AHM counseling provides assessments, individual and family therapy, and referral sources to clients in need of specialized services.  A staff of family therapists and social workers is professionally trained to provide a multitude of clinical and social support services.

Student Support Services

This program is an extension of the Youth and Family Therapy Program.  It is school-based, and  is designed to assist students in grades K-12 and their families with a comprehensive network of mental health services.

Bereavement Support Group

The loss of a loved one is not well understood or always supported by our society . Bereavement Support Group Meetings provide a safe place to share the stories of our loved ones as well as learn about the process of bereavement with others from the community.

The AHM Group can provide you with information and support in your grief. Each person’s grief is unique, however, and the journey you make is unlike any other. Our mission together, is to provide company in the journey; sometimes as a guide; most often, as caring friends. The Bereavement Support Group is facilitated by grief educators, Mike Glazier and Elise Strickland. Please call the AHM office at 228-9488. We hope you will join us for one meeting or for your entire journey.

2008 Schedule: Starts on January 16th at 7:00 p.m.

• Sessions will be held at the AHM Building, 25 Pendleton Dr., Hebron, CT
• General information sessions will be held to discuss grief issues and the healing process as well as the benefits of a support group.
• Advance registration is not required.

Juvenile Review Board

This service provides an opportunity for children and adolescents arrested for a misdemeanor to be diverted from the juvenile court system.  This program is also available to parents, guardians, and the school system for students who are habitually truant from school, defiant of school rules, or beyond the control of parental authority. In order for a juvenile to avoid a police record, he or she must follow the recommended decision of the Juvenile Review Board. Representatives on the Juvenile Review Board includes police officers, social workers, school administrators, community members, and representatives of the juvenile court system.

Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention Education

In the local elementary school systems, AHM plays a role in the State of Connecticut's mandate to educate children about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  This is accomplished through a coordinated network of professionals including teachers, parents, state police officers, and AHM staff.  AHM's role is to support the implementation of Drug and Violence Prevention Education Programs in kindergarten through fifth grade, in addition to sponsoring the Connecticut State Police D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in sixth grade. Each year AHM sponsors and pays for school assemblies on a range of topics that focus either substance abuse prevention, violence prevention or both.

Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Task Force

Since 1986, a network of dedicated professionals, consumers, and youth have worked together.   Their  concerted effort has resulted in a regional community endeavor to mobilize resources that are aimed at reducing or eliminating student substance abuse.  The task force is responsible for monitoring state and federal substance abuse prevention grants.  The group also coordinates a wide range of school-based and community activities, such as school assemblies and parent workshops.  New volunteers are always being sought for this committee.

Positive Youth Development

"Lanterns" -  An AHM Mentoring Program

The "Lanterns" Mentoring Program provides a wonderful opportunity for an adult in the community to volunteer their time to make a difference in the life of a young person.  Mentors meet with 4th and 5th grade students one hour per week during school hours at Andover Elementary, Hebron Elementary, or Elmer Thienes Elementary School in Marlborough.  During this time, the mentor and student can eat lunch, talk, play games, and do crafts or other activities.  Additional supervised events, such as a kick-off party and holiday celebration, are offered several times throughout the year.

Adult applicants to the program are required to go through a personal interview and background check.  Once accepted as a mentor, volunteers are trained in areas such as communication, session strategies, and confidentiality.  Additional support is provided throughout the school year.

Mentoring has been shown to be extremely effective in helping children to stay out of trouble and have positive life outcomes.  Studies have shown that youth who are matched with a mentor demonstrate improved academic performance, improved peer/family relationships, increased communication skills, decreased drug abuse, and improved school attendance.

For more information about the Lanterns Mentoring program, or to find out how you can become involved, please contact program coordinator

Sara Cimbaro at 228-9488, or e-mail ata:

lanternsmentoring@yahoo.com

AHM Teen Center

Did you know that the towns of Andover, Hebron, and Marlborough now have a beautiful new regional Teen Center?

This wonderful new center is located on 25 Pendleton Drive in Hebron, less than a mile from RHAM. The Teen Center features games, including two pool tables, fooz ball, air hockey, computer stations with internet, three video game systems (X-Box 360 - Game Cube - Play Station 2), music, board games, television, snack Shop and an area to relax with friends or do homework. It is free of cost and available to all youth of middle and high school age from the three towns. Once a signed registration sheet is on file, teens may come as often or as little as they like.

This program is designed to provide a safe environment for young people to have fun with their peers. Teen Center Coordinator, Lindsey Karsmarski, plans daily and weekend youth enrichment activities.  Throughout the year the teen center features events for youth and families, such as parties, movie nights, game competitions, open mike nights, a student art gallery showcase, and so much more.

The Teen Center is open throughout the school year, Mondays through Friday from 2:30 to 6:00 PM.  Laidlaw Bus #10 is available, on a sign-up basis, to drop off RHAM students after school and parents are responsible for transportation home by 6:00 PM. 

Youth Commission

A Youth Commission also suggests, plans, and helps carry out special activities through the Teen Center. This group develops members' sense of leadership and contribution to their peers and community. If you are interested in becoming a part of this group, helping out at the center, or would like more information about the Teen Center, please contact Lindsey Karsmarski at

228-9488 or email her at LindseyK@ahmyouth.org

Peer Youth Corps

A partnership with RHAM High School and AHM Youth Services has made it possible to fund and staff the newly created Peer Youth Corps.  Under the umbrella of the Youth Corps, the Peer Helpers and Peer Mediation programs have flourished.  Peer Helpers provides an opportunity for adolescents to participate in community service projects and learn how to be effective listeners and communicators.  Peer Mediators provides students with the skills to effectively reduce conflicts between their peers.  This nationwide movement of involving high school students in the mediation process has been proven to effectively reduce or eliminate potential acts of violence.

Youth Employment

Since 1984, the Youth Service Bureau has served as a link between homeowners, local businesses, and young people seeking employment.  Youths are encouraged to maintain responsible work habits.  Potential employers are always sought.  The history of the program has helped fulfill voids in the local labor market for both consumers and businesses seeking assistance.

Project Graduation

Throughout the past decade, communities across America have joined forces to help assure a safe and fun environment that is free of alcohol and drugs on graduation night.  In our three communities, AHM volunteers coordinate a safe graduation party for RHAM High School seniors.  Activities are planned by students, teachers, and parents for this annual AHM-sponsored tradition.

Project Graduation coordinators, Pete and Joleen Yorio, along with all of the parents involved in this project extend a special thanks to the Hebron Lions Club for generously supported this years event in 2006.

Arts and Culture

Summer Youth Theater

One of the goals of the Youth Services Bureau is to provide positive opportunities for young people to explore the creative abilities within themselves.  Each year, the AHM Summer Youth Theater comes alive with the exciting sounds of a Broadway musical.  These sold-out performances require the talents of a theatrical staff, volunteers, young cast, and stage crew.

More about Summer Youth Theater

Family Resource Center

The AHM Family Resource Center welcomes, respects, and encourages all children and families, regardless of race, age, economic or marital status.  Programs are designed to enhance the unique strengths of each individual child, parent, and family. In addition to the Family Resource Center site at Gilead Hill Elementary School, AHM is most appreciative to the Administration and Board of Education to have a satellite program site now in the Marlborough Elementary School.

Parenting Education and Workshops

Organized to present relevant parenting information, workshops include positive discipline, communicating with your children, strengthening families, and various other topics.  Parenting workshops, which use a video-based curriculum, are offered annually in all three towns

Personalized Home Visits

According to the philosophy of this FREE national program, you as parents are your child's first and most influential teachers.  A trained Parent Educator will visit your home once each month to talk to you about your child's development, do an activity, and bring handouts or other requested materials.  All families living in Andover, Hebron and Marlborough, with children ages Birth - Age 5 are eligible for this service. For more information, call Becky Murray at 228-9488 or Laurie Larsen at 228-0871.

Referrals

Referrals to AHM Youth Services', Birth to 3, or other appropriate agencies can be made for various concerns.  These may include issues directly affecting a child's emotional, social, and physical development (for example: divorce, substance abuse, mental health issues, ADHD, special needs).  Specific screenings with Birth to 3 can be arranged to assess any potential developmental delays.

Parent and Child Play & Learn Groups

Play and Learn Groups start the week of September 18th. Play & Learn groups offer readiness activities to help children and families for children ages Birth-5 to prepare for entry into public school. Groups are held at the AHM Family Resource Center at Gilead Hill School on various mornings. Opportunities exist to play interactively with your child, meet other parents, and learn more about child development, in an atmosphere of fun and discovery. There are still some openings, if you are interested, please call Laurie Larsen at 228-0871.  ahmfrc@hotmail.com

Parenting Books, Tapes and Videos

Parenting books, children's books, tapes, and videos can be borrowed for home use during the play & learn sessions, or call 228-0871 to arrange a visit.

Preschool Program  

AHM Youth Services and Hebron Parks & Recreation runs a Preschool program,  KinderRHAMa Preschool will begin for the school year on September 11th. This program is a collaborative between AHM Youth Services, Hebron Parks and Recreation, and RHAM High School and serves children ages 3 and 4 from the towns of Andover, Hebron, and Marlborough. For more information, please call 228-9488.

Training for Childcare Providers

Free workshops are provided to family daycare providers on a quarterly basis.  Technical assistance is also available as needed.  CPR, first aid, and meds classes are also offered annually in late spring at a discounted rate.  If you would like to receive announcements of workshops, and you are a local family daycare provider, please call Becky Murray at AHM at 228-9488.

Resource and Referral

The AHM Family Resource Center has compiled a directory of agencies and organizations that can offer a wide variety of support and services when needed.  A local resources handbook is available upon request.  For more information, AHM FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Positive Youth Program

Designed to support children in grades 4-6, positive youth activities help children understand themselves and others better.  A higher level of self-awareness promotes better decision-making when confronted with pressures.  Workshops are held according to each elementary school's needs, including such topics as conflict resolution, coping with peer pressure, self-esteem building, and decision-making skills.

Parent and Infant Group

For parents and babies ages Birth to one year. Parents can bring their baby, meet other parents, and talk about whatever issues they are facing. Developmental and parenting information will be available in an informal, friendly atmosphere. This group is free and is held at the AHM Family Resource Room at Marlborough Elementary School, on Mondays, from 1:15-2:30, starting on September 25^th for residents from Andover, Hebron and Marlborough. Please call 228-9488 to register.

Adult Education

The Family Resource Center collaborates with the Vernon Adult Education Program, which teaches classes for ESL, GED, and Adult Basic Education.  Contact RHAM High School Guidance Department at 228-9446 or Vernon Adult Education at 870-6048 for more information.

Local Resources Handbook

This handbook includes descriptions of AHM Youth Services and Family Resource Center programs, as well as a list of contacts for schools, local organizations, places of worship, and other sources of service and referral.  If you would like a copy of this free handbook, call AHM at 228-9488.

Family Resource Center Quarterly Newsletter