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The
Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc. Families
and Schools Together (FAST) is funded
through the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the City of San
Antonio and support from the participating school districts.
FAST
is an early intervention and prevention program for early childhood and
elementary school children and their families. Twelve to fifteen families
participate in the eight to ten week program that takes place one evening
a week at neighborhood school or center.
FAST
is staffed by a collaborative team with one each of the following:
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Parent
Liaison
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School
Representative
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Early
Childhood Transitional School Representative
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Mental
Health Professional
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Substance
Abuse Counselor
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Kidstime
Coordinator
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FAST
also relies on volunteers to help with meal preparation and to supervise
the children's group activities.
FASTWORKS,
a two-year monthly support group that is run by the parents follows
the eight to ten weeks of sessions. Additionally, program participants
have access to individual or family counseling.
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FAST
provides parents with the support they need to be active advocates for
their children. FAST is a positive/healthy experience for all families.
Parents report, on average, an overall increase in their involvement in
their child's education and in their child's school. Furthermore, the
child's attention span, self-esteem, and conduct improve on an average
of 20-40%.
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Five
Key Goals of the FAST Program:
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Providing
POSITIVE Family Bonding Activities
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Promoting
Success in Schools
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Providing
Family Education on Preventing Substance Abuse
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Decreasing
Day to Day Family Stress
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Encouraging
Parental Involvement in Schools
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The
Success of FAST
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All parents
are provided with the support they need to help their children be
the best they can be.
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The FAST
team members work together as equals for the benefit of the families.
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FAST provides
an opportunity for the entire family to have fun together.
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(click on image
to see larger view)
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"Before
FAST, my child was careless with his school work. He was not very attentive
at school or at home. Since FAST, he now pays extra attention to his school
work, dedicating time to detail. He is proud of his school work and his
behavior has improved. FAST gave him the confidence to do better and be
better!"
¾
Personal Observation, FAST Graduate
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FASTWORKS
is a monthly family gathering where graduates with common experiences
establish a network of support. FASTWORKS provides a continuation of school
commitment. The school has a prime opportunity to build parent involvement
with parents who have already demonstrated their readiness with interest.
FASTWORKS also provides the following:
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Resources
San
Antonio Area
Rural
Areas
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Schools with
FAST Programs
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Pressroom
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The Annual
FASTWORKS Carnival
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Questions & Answers
About This Program
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