Since 1988, Community Development Recreation has helped to organize Teen Topics, an after-school prevention education program for middle school aged children in Fall River schools. Over the years, the series has covered a wide range of topics, including personal safety, cultural diversity, gangs, substance abuse, interpersonal violence, HIV/AIDS prevention, relationships, humor, self-esteem, family violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, conflict resolution skills, eating disorders, and job search skills. Each program is built upon a large group presentation by a local expert followed by a small group activity and discussion session. Volunteer teens recruited from B.M.C. Durfee High School help to guide the group discussion. This year's program runs one afternoon a week in each of the four middle schools for six weeks. Click here to read a description of the program's history. For more information, contact CD-REC Program Director Grace Gerling at 508-679-0522.
 

(Top row, left) The group meets for a presentation on internet safety offered at Morton Middle School by Sarah Pietruszka. (Top row, center) Durfee High School students Ally Shrader, Heather Horlette, Sarah Pietruszka and Dan Comeau each volunteer time on Mondays as part of their community service requirement. (Top row, right) Students listen intently as Community Development staff member Jamison Souza describes the upcoming programs. (Middle row, left) Students work together on a group exercise. (Middle row, center) Program Coordinator Ashley Rego makes some suggestions to the group. (Middle row, right) Students line up to receive small prizes for their participation. (Bottom row, left and center)  Program Coordinator Ashley Rego assists students at Henry Lord Middle School with their small group exercise. (Bottom row, right) A student receives help from Durfee student volunteer Angelo Carreiro.