New program focuses on skills

Newton — Building practical life skills for families is the focus of a 14-week, educational course called Strengthening Families, a program of the Center for Prevention and Counseling. The idea is to bring together groups of parents, along with children ages 7 to 12 and adolescents 12 to 17 years old, for family fun and education. The free program is designed to help improve communication skills between family members, while helping them to learn how to express feelings and concerns. The course is offered free to any family in Sussex County. Pizza, beverages and on-site child care, for children under age 7, are also available for free. Groups are forming now and will begin meeting in February, at locations throughout the Montague, Newton and Sussex-Wantage areas. For more information or to register, contact Kristy Lavin at The Center for Prevention and Counseling, at 973-383-4787.