This summer, Lexi Tebeau, a Child & Family Safety Advocate at the Crisis Center, had the privilege of participating in the Adventure program  

facilitated by Just Elementary in Tampa.  The program is for kids that require extra schooling before the next school year or simply have nowhere to go during the summer. At the beginning of the program, many of the children had anger issues and acted out in class. The kids worked on how to identify their feelings and found other healthy, more positive ways to express them.

Over the course of 4 months, the children participated in workshops geared around building self-esteem,  learning to accept one another, and empowering each other to feel good about who they are.  Every class started and ended with the kids saying "I'm kind, I'm important, and I love myself".  The kids also received safety training where they learned what to do when a stranger approaches them, and how to identify safe, healthy relationships.

The children saw that once they started to act kind and thoughtful toward one another, they would receive a reward and praise. They were soon trying their best to be mindful of other's feelings. By the end of the program, they were showing great respect for one another.

Lexi recalls the change she saw in one student this summer:  "When I first met Molly all the boys and girls were scared of her. She ruled the class. She intimidated and scared other children by her aggressive behavior. Molly was one of the last to warm up to me. Usually Molly never wanted to participate in group activities or help in any way. When I made the children understand that I wanted to do good things with them, her attitude began to change. By mid-summer I noticed a transformation in her. She just needed someone to take the time to listen to how and what she was feeling. I gave Molly a choice to participate and be included.  Once she realized she had a choice and a voice in the matter, she wanted to be a part of it. By the end of the summer she was my class helper, and started to set an example for others to follow."

Lexi was so impressed by the progress of the kids at Just Elementary she wanted to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.  "I thought it would be nice to throw a party for them in honor of their immense progress and participation over the summer.  Each child received a certificate. They also received a toy prize if they had demonstrated an act of kindness and compassion."

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is committed to improving the lives of kids in our community through an assortment of programs including the Child & Family Safety program. You can make a difference in the lives of kids in the Tampa Bay area by making a donation today. Just click HERE