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CHAT programs are evidence-based, effective, and free. All instructors are extensively trained through a Cornell University partnership, allowing our team to implement programs with expertise and fidelity. Programming provides youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to make responsible choices for their health.

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CHAT offers evidence-based programs designed to educate youth at an age-appropriate level. These programs have shown evidence of significantly reducing adolescent risk-taking behavior. All curricula align with the NYS Sex Education Standards.

Once an evidence-based program has been completed, additional sessions can be provided in relation to adolescent development, peer pressure, stress reduction, internet safety, self-esteem, healthy relationships, healthy communication, and personal values.

OUR PROGRAMS

Be Proud! Be Responsible!

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Be Proud! Be Responsible! is a 6-module curriculum intended for high school age youth ages 13-18. This program provides adolescents with the knowledge, motivation, and skills necessary to change their behaviors in a way that will reduce their risk of pregnancy or contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The goal of this program is to increase perception of personal vulnerability, as well as to develop positive attitudes toward abstinence and/or safer sex. The curriculum develops the skills and confidence needed to abstain successfully from sex, as well as to use safer sex practices willingly and effectively should they choose to be sexually active.

Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships is a flexible program that teaches youth to recognize the signs of toxic and abusive relationships and the steps to take if they or someone they know is in an abusive relationship. Employing discussion and fun activities, the curriculum provides youth with the knowledge and skills to foster positive communication and connections.

Project AIM (Adult Identity Mentoring)

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Project AIM (Adult Identity Mentoring) is a youth development-focused, 13-module intervention designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors among youth ages 11-14. The program engages young adolescents in thinking about their possible futures, sparking the motivation to make safe choices.

Rights, Respect, and Responsibility

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Rights, Respect, and Responsibility features a number of flexible curriculums designed to provide all students K-12 with age-appropriate information related to their body, health, and safety, as well as the skills to adopt responsible behaviors.

**Rights, Respect, and Responsibility is not an evidence-based program.

Condoms and Consent

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Condoms and Consent is an 80-minute course (often delivered in two 40-minute sessions) designed to educate youth on the meaning, practice, and value of consent, as well as the legal repercussions of failing to obtain consent. The program additionally provides instruction on the logistics of effective condom use through discussion and demonstration.

Be Proud! Be Responsible! Be Protective!

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Be Proud! Be Responsible! Be Protective! is an 8-module adaptation of Be Proud! Be Responsible for pregnant and parenting teens. The curriculum emphasizes maternal protectiveness as well as sexual responsibility and accountability, increasing awareness of the effects of HIV/AIDS on communities and children.

Girls Circle

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Girls Circle is an evidence-based, structured support group for girls ages 11 to 18. The model integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to build positive connection, develop personal and collective strengths, and empower participants.

Youth Performing Arts Program

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YWCA Jamestown's Youth Performing Arts Program provides youth with the opportunity to learn a variety of performance and storytelling techniques through participation in theater games and activities. Participants build self-esteem, empathy toward others and awareness around social issues through the art of storytelling.

Q & A

Q: What is CHAT?

A: CHAT (Community Health Awareness Team) is a department of YWCA Jamestown. CHAT is dedicated to the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and the promotion of sexual health among adolescents 11 to 21 years of age. As part of the comprehensive approach, we offer a variety of programs that provide opportunities for youth to develop skills and knowledge which support their transition into a healthy adulthood.

The CHAT program was established in October 2011, and is funded primarily through grants from the New York State Department of Health under the Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP) initiative.

CHAT partners with agencies in Chautauqua County to provide a variety of youth development programs. This collaboration is part of a comprehensive community effort to promote the physical, mental, and sexual health of local youth.

Q: What programs does CHAT offer? Are there programs for different age groups? What is the duration of a program?

A: We offer a variety of programs. View the chart below for an overview of our programs, including their descriptions and durations.

Q: What is the cost of a program?

A: All programs are free!

Q: What are the CHAT program goals?

A: All CHAT programs are designed to reduce teen pregnancy and HIV/STI rates, expand access to reproductive healthcare and family planning services, and empower youth to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.

Q: What are the benefits of providing sexual health education through CHAT? Isn’t this information already covered in health class or Project KNOW?

A: Project KNOW and the programs provided by CHAT do share some common themes and topics. For instance, both programs promote sexual abstinence as the only 100% effective protection from unplanned pregnancy and STI contraction. However, CHAT programs also equip youth with the information and skillbuilding needed to navigate these experiences, featuring additional education in contraceptives, consent, and healthy communication.

Furthermore, Project KNOW is implemented at the cost to the school district, whereas CHAT programming is FREE!

Q: Does CHAT only provide in-school services?

A: Nope! CHAT also provides programming outside of schools, with plans to provide additional programming at the YWCA Jamestown, YWCA Westfield and The Chautauqua Center in Dunkirk and Fredonia in the near future

Q: Where has CHAT previously facilitated programs?

A: CHAT has facilitated programs in many schools throughout Chautauqua County including Jamestown, Brocton, Westfield, Southwestern, Maple Grove, Dunkirk, and Fredonia. We have also implemented programs in locations outside of these schools, such as the GA Children’s Home and Cassadaga Job Corps.

Q: Are the educators certified to teach this kind of curriculum?

A: Yes! All of our educators have been trained and certified through a Cornell University partnership as a prerequisite to facilitating these programs. Educators continue to attend program-specific trainings throughout the year as per program developer and NYS DOH funding guidelines.

Q: How can I get CHAT into my classroom/school/etc?

A: If you would like to have CHAT in your school, classroom, community center, or anywhere else, you can contact us via email (kternullo@ywcajamestown.com) or by phone (716-488-2237)-- just ask for the CHAT team!