TUESDAY, NOV. 2 (ELECTION DAY) - NO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM. Irving Recreation Center is a polling place.

THURSDAY, NOV. 11 (VETERANS DAY) - Irving Recreation Center will be CLOSED in observance of Veterans Day.

Supportive, healthy relationships make a big difference

Many studies over the years confirm that caring, supportive relationships with adults are critical for raising young people who are healthy and resilient. Support means freely giving young people love, affirmation, and acceptance; surrounding young people with caring families, guardians, friends, teachers, neighbors, and other adults; and helping young people know they belong, are not alone, and are both loved and lovable. Support is one of eight asset categories that make up Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

Here are the facts

Research shows that the more loving, supportive, and caring adults a young person knows, the more likely he or she is to grow up healthy. Search Institute has identified six assets in the Support category crucial for helping young people grow up healthy: Family Support, Positive Family Communication, Other Adult Relationships, Caring Neighborhood, Caring School Climate, and Parent Involvement in Schooling.

Developing bonds with young people takes listening and giving of yourself as needed. Be patient. Different kids and situations call for different kinds of support. Comfort, encourage, and help young people. Or simply be there for them. Remember that support doesn't have to be big or loud to be meaningful.

What youth say about support at Irving Rec. Center

Of the 196 young people who completed participant surveys during 2009-2010, 95% reported getting along with at least one adult at the rec. center, and 92% reported feeling adults at the rec. center care about them (Source: 2009-2010 Youth Outcome Assessment).