Our Program
Evidence-Based Program Model
Finish Strong programs are designed around five evidence-based resilience-building practices that support the holistic development of all youth, and specifically those affected by trauma: exposing participants to healthy relationships with peers and adults, promoting self-esteem and self-efficacy, creating safe spaces that reduce risk of harm, offering exposure to new learning opportunities, and presenting opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking.
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Research on youth resilience suggests risk factors of poverty, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma, including historical and racial trauma, can be mitigated by the following experiences because they help build youths’ resilience. These experiences include:
• a consistent relationship with at least one safe, caring, reliable, and competent adult who promotes high expectations and encourages self-improvement;• opportunities for constructive engagement in family, community, school, and other social institutions and productive decision-making;• adolescent voice, choice, and personal responsibility; and,• the development of self-regulation, self-reflection, self-confidence, self-compassion, and character.
Finish Strong strives to provide these experiences in all our programs and activities to inspire positive youth development.
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PK REACH!
PK REACH! is Finish Strong’s signature program. PK REACH! is a trauma-informed, strength-based program that utilizes evidence-based practices to increase physical, intellectual, emotional, and relational wellness in youth and young adults of color ages 6 – 24 residing in the City of Poughkeepsie. The program is conveniently located in the safe and welcoming Family Partnership building in the heart of the City of Poughkeepsie. Program hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 11 am to 9 pm and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. PK REACH! targets 5 vital areas of youth and young adult psychosocial development to empower participants to reach new heights:
