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

Understanding & Preventing Substance Abuse in Teens

Cocoon House
Located at Housing Hope
5908 Evergreen Way. Everett. 98201

6:30-8pm

"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.

Sat, April 26

Blended Families and Step-Parenting Issues: What Was I Thinking?

Family Tree Apartments Community Room
10110 19th Ave. SE, Everett 98208

10am-noon

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

Tues May 27

What's Going on in my Teen's Brain?

Cocoon House
Located at Housing Hope
5908 Evergreen Way. Everett 98201

6:30-8pm

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.

Tues June 24

Talking to Teens about Sex

Cocoon House
Located at Housing Hope
5908 Evergreen Way. Everett 98201

6:30-8pm

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.