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Big Training Opportunities
All
of our volunteers are required to have training before and after
they are matched with their Little. We also provide ongoing training
and support for our volunteers. Pre-match and Post-match training
are offered throughout each month, as well as ongoing support
group for volunteers. Please
RSVP for training dates so that we know how many people to
expect. Thank you!

Pre-Match Training
Pre-match
training is part of our application process. Before you can be
matched to your new "Little," you must attend a 2 hour
training. This training concentrates on expectations and boundaries
for the match. Snacks provided. For questions, please contact
Elaine Metz.
Upcoming
training:
April 12th - Saturday - 10-noon
April 29th - Tuesday - 6-8pm

Post-Match Training
Post-match
training takes place approximately 2 months after you have been
matched with your "Little." At this time, you will know
more about the individual you are matched to, their family circumstances
and any challenges that you may be facing. This required training
will provide more detailed information tailored to your match
situation. Snacks provided. For questions about post-match training,
please contact Elaine Metz.
Upcoming
training:
to be determined

"Big Interactions"
Big
Interactions is a monthly mentor support group held the last Thursday
of each month. It is an opportunity for mentors to get to know
one another and to share and ask questions regarding their matches.
Each month there is a specific topic addressed, along with time
for open discussion and questions. Snacks provided. For questions
about Big Interactions, contact Elaine
Metz.
Upcoming
Big Interactions:
April 24th - 6-8pm. Organizing an Activities Calendar for Bigs
and Littles
May Money Issues - Featuring a List of FREE Activities
June What To Do and Say When You Don't Have the Answers
July Parent Involvement
August Expectations and Boundaries Revisited
September Handling Difficult Issues
October How to Build a Mentoring Relationship
November The YMCA Connection
January 2009.Age Appropriate Activities with your Little

Available Training Resources
"Understanding
Difficult Issues"
Training packet and DVD available for volunteers and/or parents.
this training centers around discussing difficult issues with
youth. You will learn about three categories of difficult issues:
Delicate topics, Issues of concern and Crises requiring intervention.
Contact the office or your Match Support Specialist to get these
training materials.

Available Training for Families and Mentors
Tues.
April 22
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Understanding
& Preventing Substance Abuse in Teens
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Cocoon
House
Located at Housing Hope
5908 Evergreen Way. Everett. 98201 |
| 6:30-8pm
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"Just
say no" doesn't work. Conventional wisdom says teensuse
substances for pleasure, but research shows us those who
become abusers are most often battling feelings of emptiness
and helplessness. In this training, you will explore what
makes teens particularly vulnerable to seeking drugs to
cope with adolescence. Participants will be in a better
position to assist their teen in safely navigating the difficult
teen years.Dinner profided at 6pm. Free child care available.Call
425-317-9898 to hold your spot! Limited space available.
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Sat,
April 26
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Blended
Families and Step-Parenting Issues: What Was I Thinking?
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Family
Tree Apartments Community Room
10110 19th Ave. SE, Everett 98208 |
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10am-noon
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Parenting
in a blended family is as common an occupation as parenting
your own kids these days, but most folks are poorly prepared
for the task, no matter whose kids they are. This discussion
begins with the personal experiences of four participants,
then moves to some of the questions we should have asked
ourselves and our partners before we got started. We will
look at the many different dynamics active in a blended
family and conclude with an open discussion based on questions
from the audience. We don't have all the answers but we'll
present some perspectives that might help both sides of
a blended family understand their partner's fears and frustrations.
Presented by Tim Cowan, a long-tim member of Changes Parent
Support Network. There is no charge for this seminar. For
more information, contact Virginia at 425-881-6738
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Tues
May 27
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What's
Going on in my Teen's Brain?
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Cocoon
House
Located at Housing Hope
5908 Evergreen Way. Everett 98201
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| 6:30-8pm
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Do
you feel like your teen is ignoring you, doing exactly what
you have asked them not to do, unconcerned for her future
or the consequences of her actions? Guess what?? Your teen
isn't necessarily doing any of this on purpose. In training,
discussion will focus on research explaining teen brain
development. You will learn what you can reasonably expect
your teen to comprehend with tips devoted to increasing
the brain capacity necessary to master the developmental
challenges of adolescence. You will also review understanding
of the Age of Consent laws in Washington State, to avoid
unnecessarily involving the courts when securing help for
your teen.Dinner will be provided at 6pm. Child care provided
as well. Contact 425-317-9898 to hold your spot.
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Tues
June 24
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Talking
to Teens about Sex
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Cocoon
House
Located at Housing Hope
5908 Evergreen Way. Everett 98201 |
| 6:30-8pm
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The
Age of Information has many parents fearing what they have
to tell their child about sex is no longer relevant. What
can you tell them that they don't already know? A LOT. Despite
today's teens' apparent instant access to the mechanics
of sex, the vast majority of youth report that they want
to talk about the uncool side of sex with the people who
love them the most - their parents. You will explore why
your two cents is vital to your child's developing sexuality.
Knowing where you stand regarding sexual matters is the
first step in increasing communication with teens about
sex. Kids who talk with their parents about sex are less
likely to engage in premature sexual behavior. Dinner provided
at 6pm. Child care provided. Call 425-317-9898 to save your
spot. Space is limited.
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