Front row, from left, Gustavus Adolphus (G.A.) Family Services Accountability and Responsibility (AR) Program graduates Kaleb, Bronx, Dominic, Kaelynn, Jazmin, and AR Staff Member Lisa Schmid-Miller, back row from left, Mike Sharp Co-Owner/Operator Russell Roller Rink;,AR Staff Member Billy Torres; Heather, Rodney Anderson and their son Gavin.

RUSSELL – Kids with the Gustavus Adolphus (G.A.) Family Services Accountability and Responsibility (AR) Program were treated to eight-wheels of fun recently at the Russell Roller Rink.

According to Billy Torres , a youth leader with G.A. Family Services, the AR program participants were celebrating the completion and graduation of the program, which runs for an eight-week session, three-days per week, for referred youth, from 13-18 years old, who reside in Chautauqua County, and have met all the program standards.

“The staff focuses on engaging youth in activities that center on developing positive choices, increasing a youth’s self-esteem, promoting and supporting school attendance, and encouraging good behavior at home and school,” Torres said. “Program activities include life skills development, engagement in community service projects, workforce tours, college tours, anger management training, personal hygiene, sports/physical education, and incentives trips to local attractions. The program also provides meals for youth when participating in the session.”

According to gafamilyservices.org, the Accountability and Responsibility program utilizes The Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling Series. This cognitive-behavioral series uses evidence-based strategies to assist youth from becoming involved in or from having further interactions with the criminal justice system. The strategies work to make positive changes to program participants’ thoughts, feelings and behaviors; applying the information presented in the interactive journals to their own lives helps participants achieve their goals of responsible living. The series provides high-risk youth with an opportunity to identify and target risk/need areas. Additionally, program users also maintain a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Group to support youth across the county. This sub-group specializes in working on skills that young people need most when they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood. This includes topics like managing difficult emotions, budgeting, healthy living, safe sex, healthy relationships and housing. This ongoing group allows youth to remain connected to the A&R team and continue to expand on the skills already learned in the A&R Program core sessions.