Fort Myers, FL – (August 14, 2018) Families seeking support for children with disruptive behavior problems will benefit from access to Stop Now and Plan (SNAP), a leading children’s mental health program, thanks to funding and legislative approval from the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services.

“We are excited to have additional funding support to keep kids in the classroom and out of the courtroom,” said Shareet Pennino, Executive Director of Southwest Region for Lutheran Services Florida (LSF). “Implementing prevention programs like this give us the opportunity to reduce juvenile delinquency, strengthen families and keep families together These efforts will bring dramatic social change to the Fort Myers area creating safer children, stronger families and more vibrant communities.”

SNAP is a proven, evidence-based, gender-sensitive program that teaches school-aged children with behavioral problems, and their parents or caregivers, how to make better choices “in the moment” by increasing emotion regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills. Children who have completed the 13-week SNAP program demonstrate reduced aggressive, antisocial and rule-breaking behavior, in addition to a reduction in future criminal activity. Parents also participate in concurrent SNAP sessions and report less stress in their interactions with their children and increased confidence in managing their behavior.

The program will be added to Lutheran Services Florida’s portfolio in the Southwest region beginning this fall. LSF has been serving Fort Myers since 1992 when it opened the doors to Oasis Youth Shelter. LSF has continued to add programs with residential and nonresidential counseling for at risk youth and their families and in 2004 began work in child welfare with case management services in Lee county.
In addition, LSF also helps refugee and immigrant families in Fort Myers and Naples find employment.

LSF is planning an open house and will invite the community to learn more about SNAP as well as reintroduce them to the many other programs LSF offers throughout Southwest Florida.

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Media Contact:
Terri Durdaller, LSF Associate VP of Communications
August 14, 2018

Terri.durdaller@lsfnet.org
813-802-8790

About Lutheran Services Florida: (LSF) is a non-profit organization transforming lives by ensuring safe children, strong families and vibrant communities. Founded in 1982, LSF currently touches the lives of 1 in 50 Floridians every year through various programs, including early education, youth shelters, foster care, refugee and resettlement services, substance abuse mental health services, and adult guardianship. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, LSF has more than 60 programs throughout Florida and approximately 1,200 dedicated employees.