Page 65 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2019
P. 65

Their programs use “group initiatives and coop-
                          erative games to bring in topics of conversation
                          and tools that help support the kids in develop-
                          ing their own consciousness  and confidence.”
                          They learn “how to communicate clearly, how to
                          give and receive feedback, and we supportively           Closing loans and
                          question their assumptions about the world,” says
                          Tom. He feels that these sessions are unique and   opening doors since 1960.
                          as varied as the person. “This isn’t a replacement
                          for therapy. It’s not a therapy program, yet  it’s
                          highly therapeutic.” He goes on to add, “There   Medford Branch             Ashland Branch
                          are kids who are well on their way, and they’re   401 Crater Lake Ave, #4 & #5
                          understanding themselves  in confidence.  They   Medford, OR 97504          90 N Main St
                                                                                                      Ashland, OR 97520
                          just want to keep it up. There are also kids who
                          are having some challenges in some way and we         Let's get started!
                          help provide tools to assist them.” The program
                          provides “safe circles” where the youth check in      541.842.5600
                          about what’s going on in their lives, and confiden-
                          tiality agreements are set in place. “Kids can drop   Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender; NMLS
                                                                          #3274 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org); ML-176.
                          pretty deep.”

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