The 7 Cs of Resilience

Resilience helps kids navigate stressful situations. When kids have the skills and the confidence to confront and work through their problems, they learn that they have what it takes to confront difficult issues. The more they bounce back on their own, the more they internalize the message that they are strong and capable.

Check out the 7 Cs of Resilience that our programs foster in children:

1. Competence: When we notice what young people are doing right and give them opportunities to develop important skills, they feel competent. We undermine competence when we don't allow young people to recover themselves after a fall. Free to Grow offers young people the opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence in their own competence.   
2. Confidence: Young people need confidence to be able to navigate the world, think outside the box, and recover from challenges. Scholarships give young people the confidence in their skills and accomplishments to pursue their goals.      
3. Connection: Connections with other people, schools, and communities offer young people the security that allows them to stand on their own and develop creative solutions. Adopt-A-Family fosters family and community connections that support young people to stand on their own.  
4. Character: Young people need a clear sense of right and wrong and a commitment to integrity. Free to Grow funded programs, like Leadership Training, teach young people about integrity and how to stick to your morals in the face of adversity.    
5. Contribution: Young people who contribute to the well-being of others will receive gratitude rather than condemnation. They will learn that contributing feels good and may therefore more easily turn to others, and do so without shame. Food & Friends gives students the opportunity to volunteer and help prepare meals for their classmates, learn healthy eating habits and fosters a sense of community. 
6. Coping: Young people who possess a variety of healthy coping strategies will be less likely to turn to dangerous quick fixes when stressed. Adopt-A-Family gives young people hope and brightens their lives when they may be experiencing dark times. It shows them that no matter how grim things might look, their community cares about them and will help them cope with life’s trials.
7. Control: Young people who understand privileges and respect are earned through demonstrated responsibility will learn to make wise choices and feel a sense of control. Scholarships are awarded to young people who have overcome adversity to graduate high school. Through their struggles, they have learned responsibility for themselves.