Community Families Unite for Strengthening Families Program

Taylor County families recently came together at Kingdom Culture Church to participate in the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10–14, a seven-week series designed to help families build stronger communication, trust, and resilience. The program was hosted in partnership with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Taylor County office and Kingdom Culture Church, bringing research-based education and community collaboration under one roof.

About the Strengthening Families 10–14 Program

Developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Strengthening Families 10–14 Program is an evidence-based initiative recognized nationally and internationally for its positive impact on youth and families. Over the course of seven weeks, parents and youth attend separate sessions to learn appropriate age skills and then come together for joint family activities that reinforce what they’ve learned.

Program Benefits and Key Components

Some of the most beneficial components of the program were: strengthening family communication and bonding, teaching youth how to resist peer pressure and make responsible choices, teaching parents’ effective discipline, monitoring, and support strategies, and reducing the likelihood of risky behaviors such as substance use. The program has been implemented in all 50 states and over 25 countries and has been recognized as a model prevention program by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Research shows that for every dollar spent; the program yields an estimated $9.60 return through reduced social costs and improved family outcomes in the community.

Supporting Youth During Critical Developmental Years

Youth between the ages of 10 and 14 are navigating one of the most critical stages of growth. The Strengthening Families Program helps bridge the gap between parents and youth during this time by providing a safe, structured space to talk, listen, and learn together. By combining UF/IFAS Taylor County Extension agents with the supportive environment of Kingdom Culture Church, local families gained both evidence-based tools and community encouragement to apply them.

Community Impact and Family Feedback

“Strong families are the foundation of strong communities,” said organizers. “By empowering parents and youth with the skills to communicate and work together, we’re helping build long-term resilience for our county’s future.” The Kingdom Culture Church fellowship hall was filled each week with laughter, teamwork, and open conversation as families participated in discussions and hands-on activities. Parents reported learning new ways to connect with their children, while youth shared that they felt more confident communicating with their parents.

Acknowledgments and Community Partnerships

Special thanks were given to volunteers like Lemetris McBride, whose leadership helped make the series possible as well as the Taylor County Optimist Club for their generous donation of $250 to support gift cards for the youth participants. The collaboration between Kingdom Culture Church and the University of Florida IFAS Extension Taylor County office highlights the power of community partnerships in addressing family well-being. By combining faith-based outreach with university-backed research, the program delivered both education and encouragement to local families. This program was made possible through a CYFAR grant awarded to local 4-H Agent, Abbey Tharpe.

Future Program Opportunities

Organizers plan to offer future sessions of the Strengthening Families 10–14 Program and encourage families with youth in this age range to participate.

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