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Applied Life Skills Program

Applied Life Skills training seeks to illustrate the subculture the individual has created and teach the skills necessary to integrate themselves back into the mainstream of society.  The sessions will breakdown values, norms, idols, language and symbols, dress and expressions learned in the subculture and show how they

are opposite and in conflict with community mores or norms.

Our trainings focus on 12 curriculum topics and will be supported with various learning activities.  The programs educational components have been taught in public and private schools, alternative schools, churches, and

governmental and community agencies.  The objective of the training is for participants to be able to comprehend and apply the principles of prevention education and intervention strategies.

The following provides the outline of the program:

Character/ Employment	Session 1a Knows and understand the meaning of character	a. Identifying, managing and expressing feelings b. Describe gratification modification c. Illustrate reading social and emotional cues d. Explain delinquent versus acceptable behavior
	Session 1b Develop an understanding of career interest and how to prepare for a job interview	a. Illustrate understanding and completing a job application  b. Illustrate or model the appropriate attire for an interview c. Illustrate the verbal and nonverbal skills in an interview d. Illustrate the do’s and don’ts of interviewing e. Explain follow up contact.  Illustrate what to say. f. Describe the right attitudes and behaviors for seeking employment. g. Develop a glossary of employment terminology h. Role play interview skills
Self-Esteem / Home Management	Session 2a Knows and understands the concept of  self-esteem, personal strengths and needs.	a. Define the term “self-esteem.” b. Explain how self-esteem is related to self-awareness and self-image. c. Define strengths and needs. d. Identify three personal strengths and needs. e. Recognize how one’s strengths can be used to meet one’s needs f. Define caring, respectful, responsible, and honest behavior. g. Give examples of situations where caring, respectful, responsible, and honest behavior affected a relationship.
	Session 2b Developing the skills for home administration (shopping, cleaning)	a. Explain the value of a shopping list. b. Explain one strategy to keep from going over budget when shopping c. Explain the benefits of using coupons and buying store brands. d. Describe the signs of spoilage in two or more foods e. Respond appropriately to the compliments of guests f. Explain why a thorough cleaning of all cooking equipment and surfaces is important. g. Explain the four qualities of a home h. Illustrate what or how often various cleaning should take place (e.g., changing linens, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, clean toilet). i. Describe different methods for cleaning clothes (e.g., dry clean, hand wash, machine wash). l. Explain two ways to prevent breaking and entering in one’s home. k. Explain three strategies for child proofing a house (e.g., outlet plugs, cabinet locks, gates on stairways).
Responsibility/ Finance	Session 3a Knows and understands the concept of  personal responsibility	a. Define the term “personal responsibility.” b. Explain benefits of a personal inventory. c. Understand the idea of acceptance and letting go d. Illustrates the differences between choices and chances
	Session 3b Develop the skills and know the concept of financial responsibility	a. Learn the benefits of proper money management b. Understand the concept of budgeting c. Illustrate correct spending practices d. Learn about banking e. Learn about saving and saving accounts f. Learn about check writing and check accounts g. Learn about the use of credit cards h. Explore the dynamics of needs vs. wants
Communication / Time Management	Session 4a Knows and understands the necessity to communicate effectively in the home, school, workplace and other walks of life.	a. Illustrate the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication and be able to recognize different forms. b. Explain how to listen effectively to clarify what has been said and defines the correct way to answer a question. c. Describe how feedback helps and/or hinders communication.  d. Identify two strategies for giving feedback (e.g., using “I” statements, focus on the behavior not the person). e. Demonstrate how to introduce oneself and greet others (e.g., handshake, eye contact, standard v. slang language, appropriate touching).  f. Conduct a conversation using appropriate verbal and non-verbal language. g. Demonstrate giving and receiving feedback in two situations with family and friends, school personnel and in the workplace.
	Session 4b Knows and understands the importance of Time Management skills.	a. Know what task you have to accomplish (priorities) b. Know when to accomplish task c. Illustrate how procrastination is the enemy of good time management d. Demonstrate where all the time goes when it is mismanaged. e. Distinguish the difference between real time and mental time.
Conflict Resolution / Relationships	Session 5a Knows how to properly communicate, understand anti- social behavior, resolve conflicts and manage anger to achieve positive relations with others.	a. Understand the meaning of anti-social behavior b. Values trust of self and others c. Identify situations that may produce feelings of anger within oneself and others. d. Describe the signs and feelings of anger within oneself and others. e. Demonstrate or role play ways to reduce anger in hostile situations. f. Demonstrate two anger management techniques that could be used at home, school, or work.
	Session 5b Knows and understands the differences between various types of relationships. Recognizes the impact of unhealthy relationships. Develop a personal support system	a. Describe different types of relationships (e.g., family, friends, business, professional, marital, and dating) and maintaining more than one type  b. Explain the rules, boundaries, and codes of behavior that relate to each type of relationship and the different roles. c. Identify three characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships d. Describe two ways to develop a new relationship with family, friends, co-workers, and romantic interests and manage unhealthy relationships e. Explain how to talk to your mate, family or friends about such issues as dating, sexual activity, prevention from STDs and pregnancy, marriage, and parenting. f. Recognize the benefit of having more than one person to help with problems.
Substance Abuse/ Getting A License	Session 6a Learn the nature and use of chemicals and its effect on the family and community.   Develop an understanding of the legalities of operating a motor vehicle under the influence ant the types of help available for alcohol, tobacco  and other drugs use and abuse.	a. Define substance abuse and addiction. b. Illustrate the Public Health Classification System prevention model. c. Describe how using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can cause harm to you and your family. d. Identify self help programs, treatment centers, or  substance abuse assistance     •    Alcoholic Anonymous     •    Narcotics Anonymous     •    Haymarket     •    South Suburban Council on Addictions e. Support groups that provides assistance to family members     •    Alanon     •    Alateen
	Session 6b.  Develop an understanding how to obtain a drivers license and legal drinking age and consequences of drinking and driving.	a. Explain the legal requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in ones state. b. Identify the forms of identification necessary to apply for a driver’s license. c. Describe the costs associated with obtaining a license. d. Explain where to go to apply for the license. e. Describe the laws regarding alcohol use in the State of Illinois.     •     legal drinking age     •     legal limit of alcohol consumption     •     legal consequences of drinking and driving f. Describe two strategies for  responsible drinking (e.g., limit consumption, have a designated driver).