Founded in 1987, Children Have Options In Choosing Experiences (C.H.O.I.C.E). a comprehensive non-profit prevention/early intervention program, designed to guide non-chemically-dependent students facing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). C.H.O.I.C.E. has partnered with Jefferson County Public School to serve mixed social-economic and ethnic backgrounds students (4th through 12th grade) not yet chemically dependent and facing childhood trauma. The C.H.O.I.C.E. program delivers a detailed research-based curriculum for 28 weeks during school hours centered on the valuing of self, decision making, goal setting, communication, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. C.H.O.I.C.E provides group counseling, mentoring services, and individual services facilitated by certified and licensed professionals to reach program goals.
C.H.O.I.C.E. is seeking donations to expand the "Dare to Dream" Sports Leadership and Mentoring program. The "Dare to Dream" program is a unique school-based cross-age peer mentoring (matches high school athletes with elementary students) that exposing students to positive youth development with an emphasis on social-emotional learning and resilience skills. All C.H.O.I.C.E. services are at no charge to participants and their families. JCPS sanctions the C.H.O.I.C.E. program; however, grants and fundraising fund our services. Annually, the cost per child for 28 weeks is $1,820 ($65.00/week) per child for the school year.
Given the trauma experienced by all during the global pandemic, more students have become at-risk for the risk factors associated with childhood trauma. C.H.O.I.C.E. plans to use the funds to increase group services in existing schools (Fern Creek HS, Iroquois HS, Watterson Elem, and Young Elem) to reach more students. "Dare to Dream" participants gain wisdom via an empowered sense of self-worth, in addition to effective communication skills, empathy, and healthy coping skills. By developing healthy coping skills to make positive choices in dealing with life stressors, young people build self-worth and resilience to thrive into adulthood. Donations support our efforts in lifting any financial barrier for students seeking guidance in dealing with childhood trauma.
Why is a program like C.H.O.I.C.E. needed?
The C.H.O.I.C.E. "Dare to Dream" program helps students to understand they have control over their behavioral responses and they are valuable resources in our community. On the journey to adulthood, young people need guidance “to understand the dynamics behind their choices, communications, motivators, behaviors, and
consequences” to maximize their potential into adulthood.
ACEs are traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, which include all types of abuse and neglect, as well as parenteral mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, and domestic violence. More recently, young people living in high poverty and high crime areas are exposed to childhood trauma. Chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood have been are linked to exposure to ACEs.
Moreover, lack of intervention for young people facing ACEs can negatively impact academic motivation, job opportunities, and relationship building. Facing trauma can lead to a lack of interpersonal skills, coping skills, and resilience skills. According to the CDC, 21 million cases of depression could have been potentially avoided by preventing ACEs. Nonetheless, the negative impact of ACEs can be preventable with the intervention, such as C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc.
Learn more on C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc.'s by visiting our Website or check us out on Facebook!
Who We Are
C.H.O.I.C.E., a comprehensive non-profit prevention/early intervention program, designed to guide non-chemically-dependent students facing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, which include all types of abuse and neglect, as well as parenteral mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, and domestic violence. More recently, ACEs have become inclusive of young people living in high poverty and high crime areas. Chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood are linked to ACEs. Moreover, ACEs can harm education and job opportunities. Nonetheless, the negative impact of ACEs can be preventable with the intervention, such as C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc.
Since 1987, C.H.O.I.C.E. has partnered with Jefferson County Public School students’ grades 4th through 12th during school hours. The C.H.O.I.C.E. program delivers a detailed research-based curriculum for 28 weeks centered on the valuing of self, decision making, goal setting, communication, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. C.H.O.I.C.E provides group counseling, mentoring services, and individual services facilitated by certified and licensed professionals.
The C.H.O.I.C.E...