People Empowering People Questions
What is
PEP?
The People Empowering People (PEP) program is an innovative program designed
to build on strengths of adults and teens. PEP recognizes the unique strengths,
life experiences and capacities of each person. It emphasizes the connection
between individual and community action.
Who participates
in PEP?
People with limited financial resources, parents and single adults, teen
parents, incarcerated men, women and teens and individuals with mental
health and substance abuse issues
How does
PEP work?
Participants attend ten weekly two-hour training sessions followed by
bi-monthly or weekly training and support meetings. The ten training sessions
include values clarification, communication skills, problem solving, the
helping role, parenting, action planning, community assessment and community
issues. They also conduct two or more individual or group projects that
benefit their community.
Trained facilitators,
who are educators and social service providers, conduct the training sessions
and bi-monthly or weekly followup meetings and support the participants
in projects. The training sessions can be conducted in English or Spanish.
Where
is PEP?
The program is adaptable to a variety of settings including family resource
centers, community based agencies, agencies funded through the Connecticut
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and correctional institutions.
Who benefits?
PEP participants have improved communication, problem solving and parenting
skills, increased knowledge of community resources, increased ability
to share new skills or knowledge, increased empowerment in taking steps
toward economic self-sufficiency, etc.
PEP facilitators
learn more about their community and experience enhanced skills in working
with groups.
Communities
benefit from adults and teens who believe in their individual and collective
ability to achieve their dreams and use their ability to change or enhance
their community.
For further
information see other PEP links and contact Cherry Czuba, UCONN CES Educator,
Community Development, Families, 1066 Saybrook Rd. Box 70, Haddam, CT
06438, Tel. (860)345-4511, Facsimile:860-345-3357,
E mail:cheryl.czuba@uconn.edu
