By Lea Griese, Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator
This month we are focusing on the FAST Programs housed in our Human Services area of Western Community Health Resources (WCHR).
FAST is an internationally-acclaimed program that supports the family bonding necessary for children to thrive. The program is designed to build the relationships between families, schools, and the communities in which you reside. Built on evidence-based practices and rigorously tested, FAST:
- Empowers parents as leaders of their families,
- Builds positive connections and social capital between families and schools, and
- Creates a supportive community engaged in fostering children’s well-being and education.
During FAST, families have an opportunity to spend time together, eat a meal, play games, and get to know other families. There are no requirements, other than having a student within the school where the program is being run.
In short, FAST applies research and evidence-based family therapy practices to promote the full potential of every child. Studies have found after participating in a FAST Cycle, children’s school behavior improves, and emotional problems diminish at home and at school. Parent-child bonding is strengthened and family conflict declines. Academic performance has also improved along with peer relationships
We have two programs that are funded by grant/foundation financial resources.
Our goal is to grow FAST throughout the Panhandle and train teams in each school district so they can hold Middle School and Elementary cycles of their own each year.