Youth Workshops: Empowering Young Hearts Through Connection & Creativity

Trauma-sensitive, developmentally appropriate workshops that create safe spaces for children and teens to heal, grow, and thrive.

OUR MISSION

Creating Safe Spaces for Young People

Our Workshops for Children and Teens provide nurturing environments where young people can process their experiences, build coping skills, and develop meaningful connections with peers who understand their journey.

Each program is carefully designed to meet developmental needs while honoring the unique experiences of children and teens who have faced trauma, loss, and family transitions.

Through creative expression, collaborative activities, and skilled facilitation, participants discover their strengths, build resilience, and develop tools for navigating life's challenges. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that every child feels safe, seen, and valued throughout their workshop experience.

Our Youth-Centered Approach

✔ Trauma-Informed Framework

Every aspect of our workshops is designed with trauma sensitivity, creating predictable, safe environments where healing can occur naturally.

✔ Peer Connection

Carefully facilitated group experiences help children and teens realize they're not alone in their struggles and can learn from each other.

✔ Developmental Appropriateness

Programs are tailored to specific age groups and developmental stages, ensuring content and activities are meaningful and accessible.

✔ Creative Expression

We use art, music, movement, storytelling, and other creative modalities to help young people express and process their experiences.

✔ Strength-Based Focus

We emphasize each child's unique strengths and capabilities, building confidence and self-efficacy through positive experiences.

✔ Family Integration

Workshops include components that help families understand and support their child's ongoing growth and healing.

OUR PROGRAMS

Age-Appropriate Workshop Themes

Our workshop programs are thoughtfully designed around developmental stages and the unique needs of children and teens who have experienced trauma, loss, and family transitions. While specific programming is continuously evolving, here are the types of experiences we create:

Little Hearts Programs (Ages 5-8)

Emotional Understanding and Expression Helping young children identify and express feelings through play and creativity

Young children often lack the vocabulary and skills to express complex emotions. Our Little Hearts programs use age-appropriate activities to help children understand their feelings, learn healthy ways to express them, and build emotional vocabulary. Through stories, games, art, and play, children discover that all feelings are okay and learn tools for managing big emotions.

Safety and Trust Building Creating foundations of security and personal empowerment

Children who have experienced early trauma need safe spaces to rebuild their sense of security. These programs focus on helping children understand what safety feels like, identify trusted adults, and develop confidence in their ability to make good choices. Activities are designed to be fun and engaging while building crucial foundation skills.

Connection and Friendship Skills Developing social skills and healthy relationship patterns

Many children from hard places struggle with peer relationships due to their early experiences. Our connection-focused programs help children learn friendship skills, practice kindness and empathy, and understand healthy boundaries in relationships. Children leave feeling more confident in social situations.

Growing Strong Programs (Ages 9-12)

Advanced Emotional Intelligence Building sophisticated understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

As children mature, they're ready for more complex understanding of their emotional world. These programs explore the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, teaching practical regulation strategies and problem-solving skills. Children develop their personal "toolkit" of coping strategies.

Identity and Story Development Supporting healthy identity formation and narrative building

Pre-teens are naturally beginning to ask deeper questions about themselves and their place in the world. Our identity-focused programs provide safe spaces to explore personal history, celebrate uniqueness, and build coherent, positive self-narratives. Family involvement helps support this crucial developmental process.

Social Navigation and Peer Relationships Advanced social skills for complex peer situations

The pre-teen years bring increased social complexity. These programs help children navigate friendship challenges, understand peer pressure, build conflict resolution skills, and develop authentic, healthy relationships. Children gain confidence in social situations and learn to be good friends to others.

Teen Empowerment Programs (Ages 13-17)

Authentic Self-Discovery Supporting identity formation and future visioning

Adolescence is a crucial time for identity development. Our teen programs provide supportive environments for exploring values, interests, and goals while building authentic self-expression. Teens learn to separate their identity from their trauma history and develop confidence in who they're becoming.

Mind-Body Wellness Understanding trauma's impact and developing healing strategies

Teens are ready for deeper understanding of how trauma affects the body and brain. These programs combine education about adolescent development with practical wellness strategies, mindfulness practices, and body-based healing approaches. Teens develop lifelong self-care habits and healing tools.

Future Planning and Life Skills Building practical skills for successful transitions to adulthood

Our future-focused programs help teens develop goals, build practical life skills, and prepare for increasing independence. Topics may include educational planning, relationship skills, financial basics, and leadership development. Teens leave feeling more prepared and confident about their future.

Creative Expression and Healing Using arts and creativity for processing and growth

Creative expression provides powerful pathways for healing and self-discovery. These programs offer various artistic mediums for teens to explore their experiences, express their authentic selves, and connect with peers through collaborative projects. Many teens discover new talents and interests.

SPECIALIZED & INTENSIVE PROGRAMMING

While our core age-based programs form the foundation of our youth offerings, we also develop specialized workshops to meet emerging needs in our community:

  • When children and teens face acute challenges or major life transitions, specialized intensive workshops provide concentrated support, coping strategy development, and peer connection during difficult times.

  • Recognizing that family relationships can be complex in adoptive families, we offer programming that focuses specifically on sibling relationships, family communication, and building healthy family connections across different ages and experiences.

  • During longer school breaks, we develop extended programs that combine therapeutic growth with fun activities, outdoor experiences, and deeper community building opportunities.

  • For teens ready to give back, we create opportunities for peer mentorship, community service, and leadership development, helping young people discover their capacity to make a positive difference.

What Makes Our Approach Unique

✔ Trauma-Informed Throughout

Every aspect of our programming prioritizes emotional and physical safety, creating predictable environments where natural healing can occur. Our staff understand how trauma affects development and adjust approaches accordingly.

✔ Peer Connection Emphasis

We recognize the powerful healing potential of connecting with others who share similar experiences. Carefully facilitated peer interactions help children realize they're not alone and can learn from each other.

✔ Strength-Based Focus

Rather than focusing on problems or deficits, we emphasize each child's unique strengths, capabilities, and potential. Children leave our programs feeling proud of who they are and confident in their abilities.

✔ Family Integration

Families are essential partners in children's healing. Our programs include family components that help parents understand and support their child's continued growth at home.

✔ Developmentally Responsive

All activities and content are carefully matched to children's developmental stages and individual needs, ensuring meaningful engagement and appropriate challenge levels.

THE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

Creating Safe & Welcoming Environments

  • All workshop locations are chosen and arranged with trauma sensitivity in mind. Spaces feel welcoming and safe, with clear sight lines, multiple exits, and calming sensory elements. Children always know what to expect and feel secure in their environment.

  • Our facilitators combine professional training in trauma-informed care with genuine warmth and care for children. Staff maintain appropriate boundaries while creating authentic connections that help children feel seen and valued.

  • While workshops follow consistent structures that help children feel secure, we maintain flexibility to meet individual needs and respond to group dynamics. Children know what's coming next while having their unique needs honored.

  • Understanding that children learn and express themselves in different ways, our programs incorporate various modalities including creative arts, movement, discussion, hands-on activities, and quiet reflection time.

Enhanced Safety & Support

  • Even in group settings, each child receives individual attention and support. Staff are trained to recognize when children need additional help and provide appropriate interventions.

  • All staff are trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. We maintain comprehensive safety protocols while ensuring children feel supported rather than controlled.

  • While workshops follow consistent structures that help children feel secure, we maintain flexibility to meet individual needs and respond to group dynamics. Children know what's coming next while having their unique needs honored.

  • We continuously observe how children are doing and adjust programming as needed. If a child needs different support or is ready for new challenges, we respond accordingly.

REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

How Families Can Get Involved

  • Workshop offerings vary throughout the year based on community needs and seasonal scheduling. Families can join our notification list to receive updates about new programs as they're announced.

  • We believe in ensuring good matches between children and programs. Our intake process includes discussion about your child's specific needs, interests, and readiness for group experiences.

  • Understanding that every family's situation is unique, we work to create accessible options including various scheduling formats, financial assistance when available, and accommodation for special needs.

  • Workshop fees vary based on program length, materials, and specialized services included. We believe in making programs accessible while ensuring quality and sustainability.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

  • We work to ensure that financial barriers don't prevent children from accessing healing and growth opportunities. Sliding scale options and scholarships may be available based on need and funding.

  • Children with various learning differences, physical needs, or behavioral challenges are welcome. We work with families to provide appropriate supports and accommodations.

  • Our programming honors diverse backgrounds, family structures, and cultural experiences. We work to ensure all children feel seen, valued, and included.

  • When needed, we can provide translation services or adapted communication methods to ensure all children and families can fully participate.

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP & INTEGRATION

Supporting the Whole Family System

  • Families receive preparation materials and guidance to help children feel ready and excited about their workshop experience. We discuss what to expect and how to support children through any anxiety or concerns.

  • Families receive regular updates about their child's experience, including highlights, breakthroughs, and any areas where additional support might be helpful at home.

  • We provide families with resources, activities, and strategies to continue supporting their child's growth after the workshop ends. This includes specific tools related to what their child learned and practiced.

  • When appropriate, we help families connect with additional resources, services, or ongoing support that might benefit their child's continued development and healing.

Take-Home Benefits

  • Children learn to apply workshop skills in their daily lives through practice activities, family games, and real-world application opportunities.

  • Families receive ongoing resources and check-in opportunities to support their child's continued development and address any new challenges that arise.

  • Many families develop lasting connections with other workshop families, creating extended support networks and friendships.

Safety & Inclusion Commitment

✔ Comprehensive Background Checks

All staff undergo thorough screening and qualification verification.

✔ Accessibility Accommodations

Full accommodation for children with physical, learning, or developmental differences.

✔ Trauma-Informed Training

Ongoing professional development in trauma-sensitive approaches and interventions.

✔ Anti-Bullying Environment

Clear policies and proactive strategies to ensure all children feel safe and included.

✔ Cultural Responsiveness

Programming that honors diverse backgrounds, family structures, and cultural experiences.

✔ Mental Health Support

Licensed mental health professionals available for crisis support and additional interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • We welcome children with various needs and challenges. Our pre-consultation helps us prepare appropriate supports and accommodations.

  • Absolutely not. All sharing is voluntary, and children are supported in participating at their comfort level.

  • Our staff are trained in trauma-informed de-escalation and regulation support. Individual attention and comfort measures are always available.

  • Depending on ages and needs, siblings may attend the same workshop or age-appropriate separate workshops. We discuss the best approach during consultation.

  • We provide resources, referrals, and limited follow-up consultation. Extended support services are available for additional fees.

Give Your Child the Gift of Healing & Connection

Help your child discover their strength, build resilience, and connect with others who understand their journey.