A program intended to foster self-esteem, counter self-doubt and assist students in maintaining authentic connections with adults and peers has made its way to the Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts.
Taylor Hager, coordinator for the multidisciplinary team with Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, said Kewanee schools were an ideal place to introduce its program, One Circle Group. Braveheart CAC operates in five counties as a child-focused model that coordinates the investigation and treatment services for children involved in allegations of sexual or serious physical abuse. Kewanee, she said, has higher numbers for children at risk.
One Circle Group utilizes curriculum offered through the One Circle Foundation, and group meetings are now held at both Kewanee High School and Wethersfield Jr. High. For the past eight years, sixth and seventh graders at Cambridge have participated in the program.
The meetings are usually one 45-minute period or a lunch period, but are conducted at different times for different schools, Hager said.
“Most of the time we are just talking to each other, but we do integrate activities,” she said. “It’s kind of like a little mental health break for the kids.”
The curriculum offered through One Circle Foundation is intended to help prevent substance abuse and truancy, as well as juvenile probation, and seeks to strengthen peer leadership.
“Our mission is prevention, intervention and advocacy,” Hager said.
Activities are designed for listening and sharing interests but there are also creative-focused activities such as role playing, journaling, movement, poetry and drawing.
Joining the group does require parental consent, she said. Students wishing to join are still being sought, and recommendations for the group many times come from school counselors, who suggest students who may need extra help.
But the program has grown. “It’s grown from one group to six groups over three different schools,” Hager said. The goal is to continue to get the word out about the program to reach students who have the desire and commitment to attend the meetings.
The agency is currently trying to raise funds for snacks, lunch, and art and activity supplies. Anyone wishing to donate can send a check to Braveheart CAC, 292 Southeast Rd. Cambridge, IL 61238.
More information about the One Circle Group can be obtained by contacting Hager at (309) 945-5281.
