WHAT IS SER?

SER is a six-week, family-oriented group counseling program created and led by On the Margins. This bilingual (English/Spanish) initiative supports middle and high school students and their families from English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, Migrant Education Programs, English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) members, and non-traditional high schools.

The program focuses on fostering healthy identity development by exploring the impacts of trauma. Through experiential exercises, small group reflections, didactic learning, and role-playing, participants gain knowledge of collective and intergenerational healing strategies. SER also aims to equip youth and families with tools for healthy transitions and cultivate love, joy, hope, and understanding across generations. Participants will also have opportunities to connect with professionals and learn about resources that can increase socio-economic mobility.

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • SER is a six-week program, with weekly 2.5-hour sessions held in community settings like community centers or community-based organizations, depending on the city. The curriculum is structured across six interconnected sessions, each building upon the previous one for a comprehensive and transformative experience. Session duration may be adjusted to meet the group's needs.

  • -Youth (ages 11-18): The primary focus of the program, youth actively participate in all sessions, engaging in discussions, activities, and reflections.

    -Adult Allies: Each youth participant selects an adult ally of their choosing (parent, family member, mentor, etc.) to participate alongside them. This intergenerational approach recognizes the importance of family support in the healing process.

    -Bilingual/Bicultural Facilitators: These trained professionals lead the sessions, providing guidance, support, and a culturally sensitive approach. Their lived experience and deep roots in the community are essential for building trust and rapport with participants.

    -Guest Speakers: Individuals from the community may be invited to share their lived experiences related to healing, resilience, and navigating life transitions.

  • Program Session Descriptions:

    • Session 1: Building Community and Connection:

      • This introductory retreat focuses on establishing trust and rapport among participants and facilitators.

      • Through guided art and cultural activities, participants engage in reflective exercises to strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and connection to peers and families.

      • The goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment that promotes open communication and a sense of belonging.

    • Session 2: Exploring Identity and Values:

      • Participants explore their personal and sociocultural identities, core values, and communication styles through interactive activities and discussions.

      • They reflect on the factors that shape their identities and how these influence their interactions.

      • This session aims to enhance self-understanding and equip participants with tools for meaningful communication.

    • Session 3: Communication Styles and Influences:

      • This session expands on communication skills by examining different communication styles and exploring how personal experiences (e.g., stress, trauma, power dynamics) can influence communication.

      • The “Mask We Wear” activity facilitates reflection on identity, power dynamics, and interpersonal roles.

      • The session emphasizes recognizing and respecting personal boundaries.

    • Session 4: Family Dynamics and Personal History:

      • Participants explore culture, rituals, and family dynamics to foster mutual respect and clarify boundaries.

      • They reflect on intergenerational trauma and its impact on identity and communication.

      • The “Tree of Life” activity helps participants visualize their personal and family histories, connecting them to their communication styles and values.

    • Sessions 5 & 6: Intergenerational Trauma and Future Visions:

      • These sessions delve further into intergenerational trauma and family patterns, integrating the “Tree of Life” activity with a genogram.

      • Participants reflect on inherited strengths and challenges.

      • They collaboratively create 3D houses symbolizing their desired family structures, encouraging a deeper understanding of core values and future aspirations.

  • The SER program anticipates achieving significant positive outcomes for Latine youth and their families. Specifically, the program is expected to enhance family communication and foster a stronger sense of belonging, particularly among youth who demonstrate increased comfort in expressing emotions. Participants, both family members and youth, are projected to gain a deeper understanding of intergenerational trauma, leading to improved coping mechanisms and resilience. SER is designed to reduce mental health stigmas, resulting in a greater willingness among youth to seek support, while reinforcing the already strong inclination of family members to prioritize their socioemotional well-being.