PPWNM proudly presents the Safer Choices Project, a teen pregnancy prevention initiative! The Safer Choices Project provides young people with the information, skills, and support they need to develop healthy relationships; prevent early, unprotected intercourse and unintended pregnancy, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV; and increase communication with their parents.
What's New
APPLY NOW FOR FALL SESSIONS!
The Safer Choices Project is now accepting applications for Fall 2010 sessions!
Are you, or do you know, a teen in Kent County who may be interested in joining what just may be the best after-school program around? You get fed, get paid, and get to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about relationships and dealing with S-E-X! Numerous studies show that comprehensive sex education is effective at promoting both delays in sexual activity and protective behaviors for teens who do become sexually active.
Classes meet after school at our Cherry St. offices. Times/days for the 15-hour program to be determined. Students are responsible for their own transportation; often friends will join together and parents can car pool. Parents/guardians agree to attend a two-hour Parent Night.
To apply, print off the application on this webpage, fill it out and mail it or drop it off to: 425 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids MI, 49503.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE SAFER CHOICES PROJECT
In a survey, 100% of parents from the Winter 2010 session at PPWNM said they would recommend the Safer Choices Project!
Parent Comments (Winter 2010):
- "I would recommend the program because it gives teens the information they need to prevent pregnancy and STDs."
- "My child is no longer afraid to speak up after taking the class."
- "I can trust her more to make safe choices about sex after this class."
- "My teen is more open and is talking to me more often."
Teens in the Winter 2010 session at PPWNM rated the Safer Choices Project a 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being excellent!
Teen Comments (Winter 2010):
- “Fun and informative."
- "I don’t want the class to end."
- "It was real fun!"
- "It was fun – thanks for providing the opportunity."
- "Make it longer - I'm gonna miss you!"
SAFER CHOICES PROJECT FEATURED ON MICHIGAN PUBLIC RADIO
The reviews are in! The Safer Choices Project, featuring teen Peer Leaders who help teach other teens in the program, ROCKS!
Why is it Needed?
Studies, national and state data, and adolescents themselves document the need for accurate sexual health information, skill practice, safe learning environments, and consistent access to caring adults and community services. Numerous studies show that comprehensive sex education is effective at promoting both delays in sexual activity and protective behaviors for teens who do become sexually active.
Rising teen pregnancy numbers and dramatic STI rates among teens illustrate the need for an intervention project:
- More than 40 percent of Michigan high school students report having had sexual intercourse.
- The teen pregnancy rate has increased in Michigan and nationwide for the past two consecutive years after 14 years of declines.
- 82 percent of teen pregnancies nationwide are unplanned.
- 218,000 teen births in Michigan cost taxpayers an estimated $5.8 billion from 1991–2004.
- It is estimated that half of sexually active individuals will contract an STI by age 25.
- The rates of teen pregnancies and STIs in Kent and Muskegon Counties are consistently higher than the rates for the State of Michigan as a whole.
(Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guttmacher Institute, Michigan Department of Community Health, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy)
What are the Details?
PPWNM’s Safer Choices Project is a 15-hour educational program for young people ages 12–18, focused on:
- Anatomy, physiology, and body changes at puberty
- Communication and relationship skills
- Parent/teen interaction
- Abstinence, birth control, and STIs
Students receive a gift card and a sexual health-related book when they successfully complete all program requirements.
The Project includes a two-hour program for parents/guardians of enrolled students, aimed at improving communication between adults and their kids on the topic of sexual health. Parents/guardians who complete this program receive a Parent Toolkit featuring information, games, and tips to help further parent/child communication at home.
Who Can Participate?
PPWNM’s Safer Choices Project is open to young people ages 12–18.
Students must apply and be accepted into the program, and must agree to meet all requirements. Parents/guardians of students must sign the application, and agree to participate in the adult component of the program.
How do I Apply?
There are several ways to apply. You can download the application below, print it, fill it out, and mail it to the address at the top of the form. You may also call (616) 774-7005 to request that an application be mailed to you. Or, stop in to our Administrative Office at 425 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, to fill out an application.
Click here to download the Safer Choices Project application
More Information for Parents
PPWNM has many resources to aid parents in talking with their kids about sex and sexual health. We have learning tools available for purchase or rent, and expert advice on our website from a variety of sources. Please visit “The Resource Center” and “For Parents” pages of our website to learn more.
Click here for “The Resource Center”
Click here for the “For Parents” page
More Information for Teens
PPWNM has many resources for teens looking for answers to their questions about sexual health including:
- Healthy relationships
- Peer pressure
- Talking with parents
- Refusal and negotiation skills
- Birth control and STIs
Whether it’s a personal question, or information for a friend or school project, we can help. Please visit the “For Teens” page of our website to learn more.
Click here for the “For Teens” page
Project Funding
The Safer Choices Project is supported by the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and PPWNM donors.