Five students from New Bedford recently graduated from the True Course program of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.
Over the past 11 months, the students have learned how to better handle anger, behave more appropriately, achieve higher grades, and reduce disciplinary incidents. Thomas M. Hodgson, Bristol County Sheriff, urged these students to return to their schools, communities, and neighborhoods and pass along the lessons they learned to others.
The True Course program is designed to support at-risk youth and prevent any and all kinds of wrongful behavior. The outdoors is used for boosting teamwork, life skills, and self-confidence in these kids. The students may get involved in fishing, canoeing, camping, and other such activities. There is a team component and life skill built into each activity.
Family members, school resource officers, and guidance counselors refer these kids to the Family Resource Development Center (FDRC) of the United Way, which, in turn, refers kids to the program. The FDRC has said this program is a very successful, as one the students now has straight As in school and parents have commented on the improved behavior of their children.
Consequently, the program is slated to expand to Fall River later this year. Brochure printing can be used to inform residents and others in the community of such programs once they are ready to get underway.
