Series offered on building strong families

Success By 6, University Outreach and Extension and Family Resource Center will offer a series titled "Building Strong Families."

Cape Girardeau area families will have a chance to discover their own strengths and learn new skills to build on them. A series of Building Strong Families sessions will be offered at the Family Resource Center.

"Our program is built on the philosophy that every family has strengths to build on," said Mary Gosche, human development specialist. "During their first session, participants will explore their own family's strengths. They will then attend skill-building sessions to learn how to help their families become even stronger."

Participants will learn by doing hands-on activities. Because they are the best experts on their own families, they will be encouraged to share their experiences.

"Building families is a lot like building a house," said Jim Watkins, Success By 6 coordinator. "The more you know about what goes into it -- materials, tools, and time -- the more likely a solidly constructed house will last the test of time. The earlier parents are involved in their child's lives, the more powerful the effects."

Success By 6, a United Way initiative, is sponsored by a Bank of America and United Way grant.

The first session, Family Strengths, will be Monday at the Family Resource Center, 1202 S. Sprigg, Cape Girardeau. Sessions will cover the subjects of communicating on March 3, and positive discipline on March 10. All sessions will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Registration is requested by today for those requesting child care. Call Cape Area Family Resource Center at 334-8170 with the number of adults and children attending. There is no cost to attend. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided.

For additional information about Building Strong Families, contact Gosche at 243-3581. For information on Success By 6, call Watkins at 334-9634. For more information about the Family Resource Center, call director Pat Brey at 334-8170.