The Value Every Kid Initiative funded by the Healthy Communities Fund is a two-year project that began in March 2011 that layers the Girls Inc. Friendly PEERsuasion program, within a broader asset development framework. The project, in its entirety, increases awareness of the value of building Developmental Assets in children and youth and equips youth and adult mentors with the skills and tools necessary to incorporate Developmental Assets into their everyday lives. This Initiative has four central organizational partners: Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada, The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, Every Kid in our Communities of Leeds and Grenville and Country Roads Community Health Centre.

A Leeds Grenville wide media campaign will aim to raise awareness and educate parents about the Developmental Asset framework and how assets relate to children’s success. A youth driven social media campaign will spread the word among youth and a teacher resource that will enable educators to incorporate Developmental Assets into the school environment. In addition to these activities, Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada is delivering the Girls Inc. Friendly PEERsuasion Program throughout Leeds and Grenville. The curriculum-based program combines developmental asset building with interactive and experiential learning aimed at helping girls (ages 11-14) acquire knowledge, skills, and support systems to avoid substance use and abuse. The Girls Inc. Friendly PEERsuasion Program delivers key messages about drug use, while building resiliency, developmental assets and decision-making skills Friendly PEERsuasion has been an effective program in reducing drug use among girls.

For more information contact Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada at: ed@uppercanada.girls-inc.org or visit: http://www.girlsinc-uppercanada.org/.