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Community Corner

Success Cafe: Learning to Be Yourself

The "Success Cafe" teaches local children how to respect other, and be comfortable being themselves.

When Lisa Crofton's daughter was bullied while in middle school years ago, she didn't forget it or the effects in had on her daughter.

Rather than become bitter, however, Crofton has made it her life's work to develop a plan to help kids build confidence, respect and camaraderie amongst peers from every background.

After researching what helps kids develop and grow successfully at the middle school age, Crofton introduced her program to six years ago. She began holding nightly meetings for parents facing issues with their middle school-aged children and soon parents began requesting an after-school program for their children.

And so Success Cafe was born. The after-school group at the middle schools combines activities, games and snacks with programs that promoted building strong friendships and assist children in handling bullying situations and other challenges facing today’s youth.

The group quickly developed from what Crofton called the ‘my parents made me come program,’ which drew 14 kids in the first year, to a program that now services 55 kids and has a waiting list of others seeking to join.

“When kids come here we teach them the obvious things like not doing drugs and making the right decisions, but they also undergo a discovery process, finding out who they are, and then being comfortable with themselves,” Crofton said. “What happens in middle school is that they're trying to find their uniqueness, and this gives them the courage to be themselves.”

Operating under a grant and funding from sponsors like the Southington Youth Services, Crofton offers four 7-week sessions each year. In such a short time, she said many kids transform from being unsure of themselves and timid to empowered individuals with more confidence.

Crofton said even bullies or kids mandated to join the group have left feeling more understanding and compassionate of others, as well as reprioritizing their own values and belief systems.

“The curriculum Lisa developed really helps them practice those skills and react in a more positive way in the schools and with their families," Director Susan Saucier said. "It's important to give kids the opportunity to learn long-lasting skills they might not be great at or are still forming.”

Parent Felice Danielson can attest to that.

She said she's noticed a big difference her children-especially her son, who's graduated the program and volunteering to return as a volunteer-since beginning the program four years ago.

“Both of my children took away from this wanting to give back to the community,” Danielson said. “It's a place where everyone fits in and kids can express themselves freely. It's a community of problem solvers who really become there for each other. No one else is doing what Lisa has done, in my opinion.”

This year, Crofton will also begin an interactive blog explaining to parents what she discussed each meeting, allowing parents the ability to ask questions and give feedback. She said she's excited about another year of helping to change kids' lives.

“It's very rewarding for sure,” Crofton said. “What's nice is the kids have really started to own the program. We repeat the concepts ever year but we do it in different ways.”

students meet Tuesdays and students on Thursdays.

Applications are available in the main offices at both schools, or by calling at (860) 276-6281. The fee is $75.

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