DARE forming skills groups for families

DARE To Be You -- Rappahannock Area, a program of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board for families with children ages 2 to 5, is forming groups in Fredericksburg and Stafford County.

DARE To Be You offers free interactive workshops in which families learn communication, relationship and problem-solving skills. The workshops, led by parent educators, include games and other activities. A family meal is provided at every session to enhance quality family time, and there are incentives for attending and completing the 12-week program.

Participating in the DARE To Be You program helps families communicate more effectively and learn discipline strategies while boosting the child's development, said Anne Jalis, program specialist.

In Stafford County, meetings will be from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 14, 2009, through April 1, 2009. The group will meet at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 161 Embrey Mill Road. Lunch will be provided. The deadline to register is Jan. 8.

Meetings will be held at the Fredericksburg Regional Head Start from 6 to 8:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through April 7. The program is at 200 Gunnery Road. The deadline to register is Jan. 15.

A refresher mini-group will be Tuesdays beginning Jan. 20 and ending Feb. 10 at the Fredericksburg Regional Head Start from 6 to 8:15 p.m. This four-week session is open to former DARE To Be You participants. The deadline to register is Jan. 15.

To learn more or to register, contact Jalis at (540) 373-3223, ext. 3015, or .

To learn more about RACSB and its services, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.