Recognizing the challenges both children and their families face in today's world, Bethel Park welcomed the Auberle SNAP program into its schools this academic year. The program, which stands for Stop Now and Plan, provided support and tools for children aged 6-11 and their families to navigate life's ups and downs. In April, 10 Bethel Park students and their families graduated from the first-year program.
Meeting once a week over 12 weeks, the SNAP program focused on teaching children regulation skills while offering parents a platform to discuss parenting strategies with both peers and professionals. The unique approach combined community building among parents with explicit skill-building for students, setting it apart from other programs.
The initiative was first championed by Bethel Park school board member Mr. James Modrak, who recognized the evidence-based success of the SNAP program. Dr. David Muench, the school district’s Director of Student Support Services, expressed pride and appreciation for bringing the program to Bethel Park, emphasizing the importance of community support in raising children.
“(SNAP) came into our schools, built relationships with students, fed them each session, built their self-esteem, and provided outstanding feedback to parents,” said Muench. “They were extremely professional, prepared, and invested in the program, and we could not have been more pleased with the results.”
Ms. Megan Matejcic, SNAP program manager, highlighted the program's emphasis on empowering children to take responsibility for their actions while providing parents with essential self-care opportunities.
“What I love about SNAP is the fact that it challenges our kids to think deeply about their own behavior and empowers them to take responsibility for their actions” she said. “Just as importantly, parents need — and deserve — an opportunity to prioritize their self-care and speak openly about the joys and struggles of parenthood.”
The program offers continued connection and experiential learning, including a self-care retreat for parent graduates and upcoming field trips for children.
Bethel Park plans to continue the program next school year, and will look to engage new families to participate in SNAP starting in the fall.
About Auberle:
Auberle is a nationally recognized human services agency serving 4,000 children and families each year in 26 program areas in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Auberle was recognized by the Alliance for Children and Families as Agency of the Year in the country, primarily for our delivery of consistently high positive outcomes in programs across the agency; and for successfully launching 23 major initiatives last year that significantly improved services for the children and families they serve.
Since 1952, Auberle has helped thousands of children and their families through our residential care, foster care, emergency shelter, in-home intervention, education, vocational, workforce development, student assistance, drug and alcohol and mental health programs. From its start as a residential facility, today more than 2/3 of Auberle’s clients are served in their home, school or in their community.
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