Many of you have expressed curiosity about what exactly goes on in the after school support groups we run here at the Kids First Center.  Parents frequently share with us how much their children looked forward to coming each week (after their initial reticence, which is common), and kids tell us how much we've helped them "get things out."  Read on to hear a first-hand account of this group experience from one of our wonderful group facilitators, Amy Reynolds. (Amy works at Day One as an Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor and also with Cumberland County Crisis Response.  Her parents divorced when she was a young adult).

Many of the kids report being nervous and not wanting to come to the group. They often are very quiet and eager to learn what the group is going to be like. They warm up rather quickly when they can relate to a few of their peers and participate in some ice breakers. Usually by the end of the class they are much more outgoing and future planning for the next session.