Date:  2/16/04
Contact/Writer: Deborah J. Thomason (864) 656-5721; dthmsn@clemson.edu 
Editor: Susan Bedingfield (864) 656-3876; sbeding@clemson.edu

Extension program helps
build strong families 

	CLEMSON -Helping families cope with life's adversities is more 
important than ever, especially since research shows that strong 
families help prevent children from engaging in at-risk behaviors.
	"Families need to capitalize on their individual family 
strengths as they cope during times of crisis - such as job loss," 
according to Deborah Thomason, Extension specialist in the Department 
of Family and Youth Development.
	Building Family Strengths is a Clemson Extension program that 
addresses family strengths, utilizing a developmentally appropriate 
curriculum. 
	The curriculum was developed from ethnographic research that 
identified 10 common strengths in South Carolina families. Components 
in self-esteem and communications are utilized in anger management and 
conflict resolution programs delivered by Extension agents in a wide 
variety of educational settings. Participants collaborated with others 
from their local areas and planned projects that focus on their 
individual community needs. 
	"Strong communities are made up of strong families," said 
Stephanie Felks, program coordinator for South Carolina State 
University's Extension Service, a partner with Clemson in this effort. 
	"This program makes us all more aware of how people and 
organizations can work together to help the people of South Carolina 
forge strong families and consequently strong communities and a better 
state in which to live." 
	For more information on the curriculum or training 
opportunities contact Deborah J. Thomason at dthmsn@clemson.edu or call
864-656-5721.
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