With a few ways to tackle the mess left from winter debris and vandalism, the A&R/SEL program chose to focus on the Foote Avenue Viaduct with their most recent participants. The A&R/SEL participants spent some time picking up debris between the support columns and surrounding area while also painting over the tagged areas on the wall and columns. The community service piece of the program allows participants to use their voluntary commitment as work experience on their resume. The participants also received a community service certificate for their work.

The program has a contracted commitment with the state Transportation Department for an Adopt-A-Highway Program that the A&R Program implements three times over the summer which covers almost all of East Second Street in Jamestown.

The A&R/SEL Program through Lutheran at GA Family Services focuses on empowering youth through various activities and community service projects. The A&R Program is funded by Chautauqua County Department of Mental Health and Social Services and includes life skills development, community service projects, workforce and college tours, anger management training, personal hygiene, sports/physical education and incentive trips to local attractions. The program also travels out-of-town, on occasion, for activities in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Erie and surrounding areas. The program provides meals throughout the session for participants using local restaurants. With the Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling Series participants can learn about positive changes to their lives with the guidance of staff members. The program aims to increase self-esteem and school attendance while encouraging good behavior at home and school with high school graduation as a primary goal.

GA Family Services Programs are housed at the old Gustavus Adolphus Learning Center where the participants can utilize a Teen Lounge area with numerous activities including a PlayStation donated by Winning Tree of Jamestown along with a fully equipped gymnasium and kitchen for basic cooking projects.

GA Family Services Accountability and Responsibility/Social Emotional Learning Program participants are pictured working under the underpass of the Foote Avenue bridge.

For more information about GA Family Services Programs, call 1-716-708-6161 or email btorres@lutheran-jamestown.org.