Family Circle Project

A researched based prevention program targeted at 4^th and 5^th graders and tailored to reinforce the use of the Towa language, which integrates traditional values and way of life of the Hemish people in order to support healthier children and families, and to prevent alcohol and substance abuse.

                                                                                                           

                      

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March 2009 - June 2009 Program:

·  Family participation: 7 families started and completed program

·  Overall attendance percentage was 75%

- 6 families present at each of the 14 sessions

- Intergenerational participation:

     - Grandparents (2 female), parents (6 female, 1 male), & children (3 female, 4 male)

·  28.5% of the children stated that Towa was the language they most often spoke at home.

·  86% of the children stated Towa is the language their parents often spoke at home.

·  Participating students attend:

     - Jemez Valley Elementary School, Jemez Day School, & San Diego Riverside Charter School

·  Institutional Partner:  University of New Mexico-Masters in Public Health Program

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·  Support & promote programs that:

   - Utilize cultural traditions and elder knowledge

   - Honor Hemish of Walatowa & Traditional Native values

   - Promote healthy behaviors & improve prevention skills in children

   - Strengthen family communication

   - Blend health and educational goals to foster collaboration

·  Develop and Fund innovative community based research programs like the Family Circle Project

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Janice Tosa

Office: 575.834.9102

Fax: 575.834.7900

P.O. Box 100

Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024