Naples Florida Weekly
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Afterschool social skills program prepares youth for a lifetime of enhanced outcomes

MAKING A DIFFERENCE



Students attending an Inside Out Social Skills 4 Youth class at Parkside Elementary School in East Naples meet with class facilitator and program founder, Pam Huckle Wood, to learn basic table manners. COURTESY PHOTO / INSIDE OUT SOCIAL SKILLS 4 YOUTH (IOSS4Y) PROGRAM

Students attending an Inside Out Social Skills 4 Youth class at Parkside Elementary School in East Naples meet with class facilitator and program founder, Pam Huckle Wood, to learn basic table manners. COURTESY PHOTO / INSIDE OUT SOCIAL SKILLS 4 YOUTH (IOSS4Y) PROGRAM

When I was growing up, dinnertime was family time. We’d gather to share a meal and conversation. Sadly, that’s no longer the case in many homes with everyone either watching TV or using their phones somewhere away from the table during the dinner hour.

Lessons learned at the dinner table back in the day were often focused on the social skills that some of today’s young people may be lacking.

There’s a new nonprofit organization here in Collier County that’s providing much needed social skills training through an afterschool program. Inside Out Social Skills 4 Youth (IOSS4Y) was founded by Pam Huckle Wood, a life coach who recognized a need for the training, especially for youth from economically challenged families.

“From people I met, I learned that a need not being filled was training for students in respect for themselves and others, integrity, kindness, confidence and self-esteem,” according to Ms. Wood. “These positive character traits are on the decline. Conversely, we are seeing growth in negative traits such as bullying, a ‘me first’ attitude, anxiety, and loneliness. The hope is IOSS4Y can reinforce the positive traits and overcome the impact of the negative ones.”

 Joe LANDON

 Joe LANDON

Long-time educator and religious leader, Tom Gemmer, is involved as a board member. He bemoans the fact that “basic social skills such as peer interaction, resolving conflicts, respect for others and self-confidence are pushed to the side under the pressure of other priorities.” Mr. Gemmer, though, is excited about the possibilities IOSS4Y offers. “We hope to bring social skills back into a clearer focus.”

The goal, according to Mr. Gemmer, is to help kids feel powerful from the inside out. “Young people hear many messages today about external beauty, strength and power. We want them to see the beauty, strength and power that come from within through self-confidence, respect, integrity and other positive traits which need to be learned and practiced.”

“Our training helps children think beyond themselves to consider the community around them,” says IOSS4Y board vice president Ann Englert. “In this fast-paced, technology driven, sometimes isolating and divisive culture, social skills training helps youth connect with family, friends and people they meet in a positive way to build healthy relationships,” Ms. Englert emphasizes.

“There needs to be a healthy balance between the use of technology and traditional social skills for students to thrive and navigate their way through the ups and downs of life,” adds Board treasurer Jennifer Figurelli.

So, IOSS4Y is an eight-week class for five- to 12-year-olds. Through a partnership with YMCA of South Collier, 60 students at Parkside Elementary School in East Naples and at the YMCA facility on Marco Island recently took part in the program.

Skills taught included kindness, listening, resolving conflicts, fairness, self-control, integrity, responsibility and even basic table manners. The lessons involve plenty of hands-on practice.

Ms. Wood reports that “it’s clear from personally observing the students that our training is making a difference already. When a second grader writes a thank you note, and addresses the envelope to his mom and dad, I believe he’s gaining lifelong skills. And when a group of students is sad the session is over and asking if they can stay longer, I’m positive we are fulfilling our mission.”

Ms. Wood calls children’s social skills “the gift to last a lifetime” since the skills will be with them into adulthood. To learn more about IOSS4Y and its programs, visit www.socialskills4youth.org. ¦

— Joe Landon is a communications consultant who retired as executive director of communications for Collier County Public Schools in 2014. Contact him at joelandon@outlook.com.

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