THE COMMUNITY NETWORK

FRIENDS FIRST believes that it takes a community effort to decrease high-risk behaviors among teens. Our goal is to develop foundations beneficial to long-term, stable adult marriage relationships through a variety of programs.  The FRIENDS FIRST Community Network begins with any abstinence curriculum established in your local middle schools and high schools.  Once an abstinence curriculum is established, you can pinpoint high school students who are committed to abstinence and becoming mentors - your potential STARS.

STARS participate in supporting one another in their healthy choices, planning alternative school and community activities, and mentoring 5th - 8th grade students.  The 5th - 8th grade students take part in the Mentoring Program during three, 8-week after school mentoring sessions led by the STARS.  The FRIENDS FIRST Mentoring Program is a comprehensive model supported by the community.  It is designed to maintain the positive effects of classroom abstinence curriculum with year-round booster activities.  The FRIENDS FIRST Mentoring Program provides a pre-abstinence foundation for younger students, so the abstinence curriculum will have a more positive effect on students in the mentor program.