Fitting it Together
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Nat Sound
"Lot's of times the root conflict is the breakdown of communications."
Chuck Denney
We all get mad sometimes - at our family, friends, the world in general and ourselves. It’s unrealistic to say we should never experience anger. Instead the key is answering a pointed question.
Nat Sound
"How did you deal with it?"
Chuck Denney
Anger management is one topic talked about in “Fitting it together.” It’s a UT Extension program for juvenile offenders taught in Crossville and other Tennessee towns. “Fitting” teaches life skills like dating etiquette, communication and conflict resolution. The kids learn from Extension agents and other counselors, but also each other. UT Extension Agent Kelli Moore leads this group.
Kelli Moore
“A lot of times when they come into the class, they’re very intimidated, they’re very quiet. What we’ve seen through these classes is they kind of group together, and it gives them the sense that ‘I’m not the only one that’s been in this kind of situation.’ So they open up to each other.”
Chuck Denney
"Fitting it Together” got its start in Hardeman County. There a juvenile judge asked UT Extension for help in dealing with certain kids. 80 young people went to that first session, and only two got in trouble with the courts after the classes.
Lelia Myers
"Most of the time it's not major offenses that are getting them into trouble. It's bullying. It's skipping class."
Chuck Denney
Leila Myers teaches this curriculum in Union County. “Fitting” isn’t designed to take the place of serious therapy, but it does give troubled teens a new outlook on how to handle their lives.
Lelia Myers
“Really the purpose of ‘Fitting it together’ is to let these juveniles or youth know that ‘Hey, maybe you do come from a rough background, a rough home life, but with skills that you can learn and develop and adopt yourself - then you can empower yourself. We can help you.”
Nat Sound
"Does anyone see the silhouette of the woman?"
Chuck Denney
Here the topic is how we see things differently. Perceptions can sometimes cloud good judgement. For teens, that’s especially an issue when it comes to dealing with parents – a major component of this program. Taunee Whittenbarger is a UT Extension Agent in Cumberland county.
Taunee Whittenbarger
“The goal is to make things at home run smoother and to break down some of those conflicts there and the flare-ups and the anger that takes place in the home - just by building stronger communication skills.”
Chuck Denney
These kids in Crossville will go through a few more sessions, and it’s hoped each one will be helpful. Like the name says, when it all fits together, there’s reason for hope.
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NOTE: UT Extension agents do a follow-up with parents in the months after the program to see if the child’s behavior has improved. More than 300 teens have gone through the program statewide.
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