 TEEN UP and Upward Connection are weekly groups
that offer information, activities and support to youths, ages 9-17, to encourage
responsible decisions about adolescent issues including sexuality, handling emotions,
dealing with pressure and making career choices. Our staff also provides support and
counseling through our therapeutic group structure on grief issues, teen suicide,
self-destructive behavior, sexual harassment, rape issues, alcohol and drug education, and
abuse and neglect. Further, Teen Up focuses on teaching team work, effective conflict
resolution, problem-solving, and career development skills. When indicated, referrals are
made to other appropriate resources through established guidelines. Small group settings
of up to 13 youths are used.
TEEN UP groups meet weekly during the school day at
area middle schools. TEEN UP groups are led by professionals in group work and are
co-facilitated by school counselors or other school designees.
TEEN UP After-School meets weekly in several neighborhood sites. Community
volunteers assist the TEEN UP After-School staff with these programs.
TEEN UP Summer Programs meet in various community sites throughout the county to
provide youth with exciting and constructive activities during the summer months.
UPWARD CONNECTION is the follow-up program to participants moving from the
middle to high school and is offered in several area high schools.
HOW ARE TEENS RECRUITED?
Teens are recruited for Teen Up through self-referral, parents, school personnel, or
friends. There is an intentional mix of cultures, personalities, strengths and needs to
balance the dynamics of groups. At least 140 of the 400 youths reached annually come from
families living at 100% below federal poverty guidelines. All youths must have signed
parental permission to attend Teen Up/Upward Connection.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TEEN UP/ UPWARD CONNECTION? Teen Up/Upward Connection aims to reduce the
incidence of early pregnancies, school drop out, and drug abuse among youth ages 9-17
years in Catawba County. Teen Up/Upward Connection provides youth with accurate
information and skills in order to make good decisions.
In 1987, Catawba County Social Services created one of the first teen pregnancy
prevention programs in North Carolina that offers sustained targeted services to youths at
greatest risk of early sexual activity. Teen Up/Upward Connection has evolved to meet the
everchanging needs of youth; the program now incorporates a wholistic youth development
focus to achieve the ultimate goal of reduced early pregnancies in Catawba County.
 TEEN UP and Upward Connection groups provide teens the forum to discuss their feelings
and concerns with other teens and caring adults. Ongoing programs offer reinforcement and
support for teens as they set personal goals. Teens have the opportunity to serve as role
models for their peers.
TEEN UP participants are challenged through attendance and academic incentives. Teens
in the after-school program may be eligible for pre-employability training, an intensive
eight hour course on getting and keeping a job. Special summer programs that promote
self-esteem and enhance relationship skills such as swimming, bowling, hiking, skating,
horseback riding, wilderness backpacking, rock climbing, and educational trips are offered
when funds are available.
Because TEEN UP is a sustained therapeutic intervention, leaders recognize these small
groups as more than an "educational presentation." They adapt curricula to meet
the needs of teens as they emerge.
TEEN UP/UPWARD CONNECTION PROGRAMS OFFER SUPPORT IN:
- growing up
- not giving up
- speaking up for what you believe
- reaching up to meet your full potential
HOW IS THE COMMUNITY INVOLVED?
Schools, businesses, civic and church groups support TEEN UP/Upward Connection through donations of support group needs, including funds for academic achievement awards and fees for cultural and recreational events. Several community organizations also donate space and resources. Individuals and other professionals volunteer time and skills to assist with special events for TEEN UP/Upward Connection.
 DID YOU KNOW?
Each teen birth in North Carolina costs taxpayers
approximately $18,000.
Teens who are academically behind are three to five times more likely than their peers
to become pregnant while teenagers.
Fifty percent of all teen mothers drop out of school and never return.
Teen fathers are 40% less likely to graduate than their peers who do not father
children.
Families headed by teen mothers are seven times more likely than other families to
live below the poverty level.
RATIONAL FOR ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Reduction of early pregnancy in and of itself is
desirable. Teen parents are less likely to finish high school and thus are more likely to
remain in low paying jobs and have difficulty supporting their families. Teen moms
frequently do not marry the father of the baby. The poverty rate for families headed by a
female is consistently higher compared to the poverty rate among married couple families.
High school drop outs are three times more likely than college graduates to be unemployed.
The costs in terms of child abuse and child neglect as well as cost for public assistance
programs such as Medicaid, WIC and Food Stamps are also greatly affected. Births to young
teens translate into higher medical costs due to health related problems, short and long
term, for themselves and for their babies. Studies also indicate there is a higher
incidence of birth defects, learning and behavior disorders among babies born to teens.
"TEEN UP allows teens to ask questions and receive answers they may not
otherwise receive. It gives teens something positive to do...If TEEN UP helps educate one
teen, then it is worth it to me."
-Sandra Ferguson, Parent
"My daughter has enjoyed being in TEEN UP and for
me that says a lot about the program and the 'staff' working with them, because you need
good leaders to make any program a success, and then extending it into the summer location
meeting at a local church meaning no drugs, no violence, no cursing, and only positive
attitudes."
-Mary Lyerly, Parent TEEN UP and Upward Connection programs are committed to strengthening and developing family ties, communication, and family interaction. We also strengthen community ties by participating in regular community service projects. Some of the projects have included participation in the March of Dimes walkathon, gardening projects, and projects at churches, schools and housing areas. We are proud of our programs and achievements and thank you for your interest.
AWARDS AND HONORS
- 2002 - Winner of regional William "Sonny"
Walker Self-Sufficiency Award from the Southeastern Association of Community Action
Agencies
- 2000 and 1996 - Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention of North Carolina June Stallings Award
- 2 staff<
li>1997 - TEEN UP-UPWARD CONNECTION is recognized in the National Policy Publication
Governing Magazine as an outstanding and innovative Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
Program.
- 1993 - Special Projects Award, North Carolina Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy
- 1990 - Award for Excellence, university of North Carolina School of Social Work, N.C.
Division of Social Services and DSS Directors Association
- 1990, 1989 - NACO Outstanding Achievement Award
- 1988 - Honorable Mention for Youth Involvement, N.C. Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy
For more information, contact:
Prevention Unit Supervisor
Trudy
Logan, MS (828)695-4418
Catawba County Social Services
P.O. Box 669
Newton, NC 28658
828-695-4427
828-695-5700 Fax
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