 Prevention Equals Solution
Often the solution to family conflict that leads to teenagers becoming runaways or even homeless is prevention. That’s the goal of a STARRY curriculum targeting young people in Round Rock and Georgetown.
The STARRY S.A.F.E. Program (Shelter Alternatives and Family Empowerment) has been meeting young people on their own turf through its “Success” program, aimed at giving young adults a ray of hope for their futures.
“Our goal is to give kids the skills they need so they can avoid becoming a runaway or homeless,” said Martha Pasiminio, STARRY S.A.F.E. Program Supervisor.
SAFE’s classes were initially targeted to students in the coincidentally named Success High School, an alternative program in the Round Rock Independent School District. Classes are also being taught at the Georgetown Juvenile Detention Center. Success classes are entirely voluntary, with the only incentive being self improvement.
“We are teaching classes in self sufficiency,” said Pasiminio, with a goal of helping young people ready themselves for independent living.
The bilingual courses were taught twice a week to give students plenty of opportunity to take part. Each week between six and 10 students participated and feedback was positive, says Pasiminio, with the students asking for more classes like these.
Mark Gesch, Director of Dropout Prevention/Recovery and Alternative Education at RRISD, sees the courses, often called Life Skills classes, as a way of filling a niche for the students.
"Most of the students we deal with have experienced life, but they have difficulty with their social skills," he said. "These classes help them in ways other classes do not."
Success covers everything from how to manage finances to how to sharpen resumes. Lately the courses have been dealing with looking at the fine print.
“A lot of these students believe what they hear on advertisements,” Marthasaid. “We want them to look at all the hidden fees, charges and interest rates that are tagged onto bank accounts and credit cards. We want them to learn how to make well informed decisions.”
As far as relying on organizations like STARRY to provide this type of education, Mark said he feels the more, the better.
"There are lots of things we need to do as a community to enhance our kids' lives," he said. "As many community-based programs that are able to or want to get involved are welcome and encouraged to do just that. We are all responsible for the future of our children."
Plans for the program include expansion into other school districts as well as offering the classes in middle schools.
“We love to help students succeed in their lives,” said Martha. “We want to do as much as we can to help any and all who can use some support.”
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