Free Parent-Child Workshops Come to 6 Locations in Licking County

Parents are always on alert for potential threats to their children and yet so many are taken by surprise when they learn that those children have been experimenting with drugs, alcohol and other at-risk behaviors. Waiting until the children are teenagers before confronting these issues is often too late. Research has shown that starting with the children when they are small can reduce the risk that they will make bad choices as they grow. Mental Health America of Licking County is presenting a free program to help families confront this issue.

“What Successful Kids Have That Others Don’t” is a workshop to be offered in six locations around Licking County that will teach parents and children how to reduce the young person’s risk for addiction, criminal behavior, inappropriate sexual activity, and dropping out of school. Led by Judith Allee, Parent Support Coordinator for Mental Health America, the program focuses on small but important steps that help parents develop a better relationship with their children. In addition, teens and younger children will develop responsibility and resilience.

To make it easier for families to participate, a meal is provided and childcare for pre-schoolers will be available at most of the locations and meeting times. Parents can attend without their children, but children cannot attend without an adult. The workshop is also open to grandparents, childcare providers, teachers, members of churches and service clubs, and others concerned about the future of the youth of the community.

Program content is geared to the child’s grade level with specific activities for teens and their parents. It is based on national research that was conducted by the Search Institute in 1997 and which included three Licking County school systems. More information on this approach to preventing risky behavior in youth is available at http://www.search-institute.org/.

Advance registration is required. Sessions may be cancelled if fewer than 5 people register. Those interested in attending can call Ms. Allee at 740-522-2277, or e-mail her at judithallee@mhalc.org.

Sessions will be offered in

• Newark at Mental Health America, 65 Messimer Dr.
  Mon., June 2
  9 – 11 am (all ages)
  6 – 8 pm (all ages)


• Pataskala at Pataskala Nazarene Church, 8100 Hazelton-Etna Rd. (Rt. 310)
  Tues., June 3
  9 – 11 am (all ages)
  6 – 8 pm (all ages)


• Johnstown at Johnstown Presbyterian Church, 81 S. Main St.
  Fri., June 6
  9 – 11 am (all ages)
  6 – 8 pm (all ages)


• Utica at Ye Olde Mill, 11324 St. Rt. 13 (just south of Utica)
  A Velvet ice cream cone is included for all participants
  Wed., June 11
  9 – 11 am (adults only)
  6 – 8 pm (all ages)


• Hebron at Hebron United Methodist Church, 502 E. Main St. (Rt. 40)
  Mon., June 16
  9 – 11 am (all ages)
  6 – 8 pm (all ages)

Mental Health America of Licking County provides programs for parents throughout the county and welcomes opportunities to work with churches, schools and other organizations. Information about other workshops and events is available at their website, http://www.mhalc.org/.

Mental Health America of Licking County, an affiliate of Mental Health America, is a partner agency of the United Way, the Community Mental Health & Recovery Board and NAMI. Partial funding for the programs comes from the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund via the local Children and Families First Council.