Managing anger is something everyone needs to do in a healthy and productive manner. For over 12 years the Township has offered an six session educational program for youth ages 12 to 17 and their parents. The program focuses on helping youth identify anger triggers, signs of anger, how stress effects their anger management and developing a variety of coping skills. Parents not only learn this information but also learn more about adolescent brain development and social and emotional intelligence. The class is offered three times per year and students must complete a phone screening with the program director before admission into the class. The next class begins Tuesday, February 9. To find out more about the program or to register your child, contact Lori Wrzesinski.

Lori Wrzesinski
Director
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6670
Email: lori.wrzesinski@dgtownship.com

What is the M.A.SK. Program?
The Township’s Managing Anger Skills is a six week prevention/intervention program for youth ages 12 to 17 and their parent or guardian and is held three times per year. It has been designed to meet the needs of youth and families who have anger related difficulties by providing an opportunity for youth who have experienced problems due to inappropriate management of anger or aggression to learn healthier ways to manage their feelings. The youth program focuses on increasing emotional self-awareness, recognizing triggers to anger and learning tools for managing anger or aggression in a healthy way. Learning to effectively manage stress, respect for self and others as well as personal responsibility are also emphasized during this program. This course also involves the family in developing the social and emotional intelligence of their youth while enhancing their ability to develop effective strategies to employ healthy anger management skills. Youth referred to the program must complete a phone screening by the program director. The screening will be used to determine the appropriateness of the program for the youth as well as any need for further intervention. If the program director feels that the youth may need counseling, this will be discussed with the parent or guardian. This would not preclude participation from the class but the needs of the youth and benefits of the class would be discussed first with the parent and if necessary, the referral source.

If the youth is accepted into the program, the parent will receive confirmation of the registration. Classes are held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove and occur on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For further questions about the M.A.SK. program or to have your child screened for registration, you may contact Lori Wrzesinski.

M.A.SK. Flier 2010
M.A.SK. Brochure 2010

Lori Wrzesinski
Director
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6670
Email: lori.wrzesinski@dgtownship.com

Our Peer Jury program is having a swearing in ceremony on August 27th, 2009 from 7 to 9 pm at Downers Grove Village Hall.  Our next M.A.SK. (Managing Anger Skills) class begins September 15th, 2009 and the Fall Fest in the Willowbrook Corners Community will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 2009 from 11 am to 2 pm.