RAVEN, an organization dedicated to ending violence in the St Louis metropolitan area, has partnered with Riverbend Family Ministries to provide psycho-social educational groups for boys (12-17) to prevent violence. The RAVEN Youth Program will provide weekly violence prevention groups for youth. Groups will meet weekly at Riverbend Family Ministries and will be preceded by an assessment to ensure the youth are appropriate for the program. The target audience for the RAVEN Youth Violence Prevention group includes youth who have been exposed to domestic violence, youth who resort to violence during conflict, or youth who live in environments that tolerate violence or abuse. "The main focus of the program is to reach youth before they begin acting out feelings of frustration, fear, or anxiety in an unhealthy way. We see many youth who are unable to recognize their triggers or warning signs, and don't have the tools to choose non-abusive options," says Christopher Watson, the Youth/Adult Program Manager. "RAVEN wants youth to always have choices and not have to resort to violence or abuse when in conflict."

Many of you have been in the planning stages of this program, and we are pleased to announce that the time has come to get this program started.. We are very excited to join with our Madison County officials, truancy department, RAVEN and their very qualified staff...This program could not have come at a better time.. We have seen the increase of violence not only in our schools, but in our homes and on the street. RAVEN offers young men the chance to learn valuable skill when dealing with conflict in a non violent way.. Below you will find our schedule for assessments and group sessions. For more information or to set up an assessment, please call RAVEN at (314) 289-8000 or Riverbend Family Ministries at (618) 251-9790.