The Garland ISD Living Intervention and Guidance for Healthier Teens (LIGHT) Program invites all parents and students to the Power of Parents forum Feb. 17 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center. This community forum will feature a panel discussing teen dating and domestic violence.
“The panel includes representatives from two local agencies that provide services to victims of domestic violence, as well as the Garland Police Department,” said South Garland High School lead LIGHT counselor Jolynn Briggs. “The panelists will define teen dating and domestic violence, discuss the prevalence of these types of incidents in our community, pinpoint the attributes of a healthy relationship, and provide resources to those in need of services.”
The New Beginning Center of Garland and the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support of Dallas will be the participating counseling agencies.
The district’s LIGHT program created this important event to help students and parents establish a foundation for a successful, healthy future.
“One in three teenagers who have been in a relationship has experienced serious forms of dating violence and abuse, and some of our students encounter domestic violence,” explained Naaman Forest High School LIGHT counselor Gaye Ledford. “We know that awareness and education will help our families, which in turn helps our community and schools.”
In addition to having experts talk about this sensitive topic, the event also has allotted time for an audience-driven Q&A session.
For more information about the LIGHT program or this event, visit the Guidance and Counseling Department’s website.