A group educational program focusing on:

• personal development
• interpersonal skills and relationships
• family dynamics and parenting
• gender relationships and abuse prevention
• domestic violence education

Many factors contribute to situations where women experience economic and family instability, homelessness, and/or domestic violence. R.O.W.'s Family Strengths Program, a five week program meeting four days a week, helps women begin to develop the skills and abilities to begin to take control of their lives.

The curriculum focuses on understanding the roots and causes of violence and dysfunction, ranging from one's own self-awareness and self-esteem to family relationships, and learning how to be better parents. During the first two weeks, the focus of the curriculum is on personal development and interpersonal skills. The third week focuses on family relationships and parenting. The fourth week focuses on male-female relationships and intimate partner violence. The final week provides opportunities for reflection, peer teaching and self-evaluation. In addition to the classes, all participants have the opportunity to meet with the counselors individually for on-going advocacy and case management.

This program is offered at two sites, one in the city and one in the county.

R.O.W.'s Family Strengths Programs serves an average of 500 families each year.