Oftentimes, it is hard for a child to cope with a parents' illness. Like the parent, they too struggle with questions, like will I get the same illness and who will take care of me? They are faced with very adult responsibilities. We understand and acknowledge that kids need to be kids. They need support and guidance in dealing with the complex emotions that arise, and sometimes, they just need someone to listen.

1. The Buddy Program: The Buddy Program is one of our most-loved and successful programs. It is an important component of the agency, matching children ages 6 to 17 with adult volunteers who provide friendship, outings, activities, support and positive role models. Volunteers spend 6-10 hours a month, one-on-one with children. The Family Center arranges and subsidizes group activities throughout the year for volunteers and children.

2. Hoop Group: Hoop Group gives teenage girls and boys from TFC a chance to get outside and play basketball together. Participants in the Hoop Group get to meet other children while improving their basketball skills. Teamwork, trust, sharing and friendly competition are a big part of the learning experience for Hoop Group participants.

3. Summer and Weekend Camping: Children deserve the chance to explore the world outside of the city. Fully funded by TFC, we send children to sleepaway camps each summer. We buy camping gear, orient the kids to what it's like to be away from home, and give the parents and children an opportunity to be apart.

4. TeenSHARE: Teens for Safety, Health, Awareness and Responsibility is a program for teens to come together to talk about how they and other teens can lead healthy lives and make responsible choices. The summer kickoff of the program included 12 teens who met to discuss issues related to teen health. The teens also attended a health conference and are now training to be peer educators. TeenSHARE is an ongoing program at TFC which provides teens the opportunity to get involved in their community.

5. Teen Scene: Teen Scene is a monthly, Saturday drop-in group that consists of approximately 20 Family Center teens. Teenagers often do not have many chances to express themselves and to connect with other teens in a setting outside of school or their families. This program gives teenagers an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about a range of pressing topics including: sex, drugs, independence, illness, violence, communication, and loss.

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