Strengthening Families program begins Feb. 24

LONG BRANCH — The Institute for Prevention, an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, will launch a free program Thursday, Feb. 24, aimed at strengthening families.

Strengthening Families, a free 14-week education program for parents, grandparents, guardians and their children ages 6-9 will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Monmouth Medical Center Outpatient Behavioral Health Center, located on the corner of North Bath and 2nd Avenue, at 75 North Bath Ave. in Long Branch. A complimentary dinner will be served. Registration is required.

The Saint Barnabas Institute for Prevention’s Strengthening Families education program will teach participants how to improve communication skills, develop effective conflict resolution techniques and learn to identify and express feelings.

According to a press release, the program has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a model parenting program. Gifts will be awarded to families with regular attendance. Upon completion of the program, a graduation ceremony will be held where all participants receive a certificate.

The Monmouth County Board of Alcohol and DrugAbuse Services funds Strengthening Families. For more information, or to register to attend, contact Helene Long, Saint Barnabas Institute for Prevention, at 732-886-4149 or [email protected].

The mission of the Saint Barnabas Institute for Prevention is to reduce the factors that place individuals, families and communities at risk, and to promote healthy lifestyles. For more information about the institute’s programs, visit www.instituteforprevention.com or call 732-914-3815.