December 15, 2022 | By Sophia Goulette
Teen Outreach Program (also known as TOP Club) is an after-school program offered in a number of Copper Country schools. TOP Club was developed by the Wyman Center, and research has shown that it helps build resiliency and leadership skills, and lower rates of drug use in youth. It is completely free, with weekly meetings, community service learning, and lessons in topics like emotion management, problem solving, goal setting, and adolescent health and wellness.
TOP Club is offered through a collaboration between Dial Help and the Houghton/Keweenaw Communities That Care coalition (HKCTC). The HKCTC holds a survey in local schools every two years to identify what our youth are experiencing. Data from the survey identified low perceived risk of drug use as one of the highest risks for youth in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, and prompted the coalition to work with Dial Help to bring in TOP Club.
“The Teen Outreach Program is such an incredible club for teens!” said Callisto Cortez, HKCTC Coordinator. “Between the ages of 11-14 is such a crucial time in a child's development. Being able to help them learn how to build healthy relationships, life skills, and self-confidence is important.”
TOP Club is currently available for middle schoolers in Calumet, Chassell, Dollar Bay, Ewen-Trout Creek, Hancock, Houghton, and Lake Linden schools. The clubs occasionally meet all together for extracurricular activities like sledding and ice skating. Parents and high school students are welcome to volunteer at TOP Club meetings; TOP facilitators provide training and background check all volunteers. Houghton’s TOP Club is especially large and could use volunteers. Donations are also appreciated to help pay for snacks and activities (PayPal link at the TOP website below).
To find meeting dates and other information about TOP Club, visit www.uptopclubs.com, email teenoutreachprogram@dialhelp.org, or call Dial Help Prevention Coordinator Lisa Simpson at 906-482-9077, extension 304. TOP Club is funded by Portage Health Foundation and Prevention Network. The HKCTC is always seeking volunteers to help create healthier, safer communities for youth; visit www.houghtonkeweenawctc.com to learn more.