2020 Programs
Link After School Programs
Youth and Family Link offers after school and before school programs at various schools in Cowlitz County. Depending on the school, programs include STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), homework assistance, physical fitness, nutrition and social development. Goals are focused on helping kids participate positively in school, increase school attendance, improve grades, have positive friends and activities.
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Teen MentoringThroughout all our years of helping youth in Cowlitz County, we have found that there is an untapped and strong potential in the youth themselves. To this end, the Link Teen Mentoring Program matches High School students as mentors to Elementary School mentees. The mentors work with mentees on areas such as homework help, companionship, activity involvement and getting along with others.
Link staff and School staff provide oversight, supervision and training to ensure that mentors are well-trained and that mentees receive optimal help from their mentors. |
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Social NormsAs with Teen Mentoring, Social Norms provides programs and services conducted by youth in our community. Activities include the Prevention Club that is comprised of local youth who develop and carry out positive activities to discourage drug use, bullying and other negative behaviors.
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Outreach and EngagementWe understand families and children are faced with barriers preventing them from accessing the help they need. Through a structured program of outreach and engagement, Care Coordinators help clients through the barriers they face. Care Coordinators help children and families keep track of goals, access services, meet basic needs, and work towards long-term health and wellness. Whether you need a little help, or a lot – we are just one phone call away.
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Dental Care Connections
Dental Care Connections at Youth and Family Link focuses on educating families and individuals on the importance of dental care and helps connect people to dental homes.We work together with community partners and dental professionals by providing outreach and education to the public in order to promote improvements in oral healthcare.
ABCD (Access to Baby and Child Dentistry) |
Oral Health Connections |
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- Helps you find a dentist for children 0-6
- Gives your child a great start in life by making sure baby teeth are healthy. - Provides an easy exam with child in parent’s arms, not in a dental chair. - Provides family education, tips, and resources for oral health and dental visits. |
-Improves access to care
- Provides help finding dental homes for individuals who are pregnant or diabetic. - Works with state insurance - Provides education regarding the relationship of oral and systemic health. |
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Open GymLink offers free Open Gym every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Youth and families can either attend to use the gym for their own activities or participate in structured activities led by staff.
Activities include basketball, table tennis, volleyball, foosball, table activities and games. |
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Beyond the AlphabetBeyond the Alphabet is a free open gym program designed for parents and children ages 0-7 years old. The purpose of the program is to get children playing and interacting with others, making friends, building social skills, and getting involved in positive activities. Parents get the opportunity to share their experiences with other parents along with learning new techniques and skills. Beyond the Alphabet is held every Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-5pm in the LINK gym.
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Community EventsYouth and Family Link hosts several community events each year. The purpose of these events are to help youth and families engage services, connect to positive activities, and build social skills. All of these events are free for children and families. We do Summer Resource Carnivals, Back to School Fair, Science Nights, and much more.
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South Kelso Community Health Advocate Team
South Kelso CHAs are trusted members of the community who have an unusually close relationship and share a common vision around identified, needed changes in the community. They partner with neighbors to build trust and advocate for others. The CHA team is tasked with identifying the needs of the community as a starting point and the underpinning of their work. The South Kelso team vision is: to live in a safe and united multicultural community that communicates a message of no racism. The team recognizes the barriers to achieving this vision include the lack of opportunity to connect with decision makers, lack of trust, racism, fear, and community cohesion.