One concern often comes up when families first hear about HF Care’s CHOICES Youth Program:
“My child is shy. I’m not sure they’ll participate.”
It’s a concern that CHOICES coach Oliver understands well.
During one recent six-week program, he met a young participant who barely spoke during the first few sessions. The youth often stayed close to Oliver and rarely joined group discussions.
At first, Oliver explained that communication was difficult.
“I wasn’t sure if he understood me. He wouldn’t really respond, and he rarely spoke.”
Instead of pushing him to participate, Oliver focused on building trust.
The two gradually found their own way of communicating. Sometimes Oliver would write things down. Sometimes the youth would respond with a nod, a gesture, or by pointing to something. Slowly, a connection began to form.
By the final weeks of the program, the same youth had started speaking with coaches and interacting with other participants.
For Oliver, this experience captures what makes CHOICES different.
Rather than expecting every young person to learn in the same way, the program creates space for youth to participate at their own pace. Through games, activities, discussions, and group projects, participants explore topics such as communication, relationships, peer pressure, self-respect, mental health, and decision-making.
“It’s not about getting the right answer… Youth can take what resonates with them and apply it to their own lives.”
The program is designed as a peer-learning environment, where coaches act less like teachers and more like supportive mentors.
Throughout the six weeks, Oliver watched youth become more comfortable sharing their ideas, leading activities, and supporting one another. Participants took turns facilitating discussions, recording group ideas, and reflecting on topics that mattered to them.
One topic that sparked meaningful conversations was healthy boundaries.
“Many youth entered the program believing there was only one way to respond to difficult situations. Through discussion and reflection, they began exploring how boundaries can look different depending on the relationship, situation, and personal comfort level.“
The goal wasn’t to tell youth what choices to make, but rather to help them understand their options and make informed decisions for themselves.
Because every young person arrives with their own personality and strengths, CHOICES is designed to meet them where they are.
Registration for the next CHOICES Youth Program is now open.
