How One of Our Certified Facilitators Has Run More than 30 Groups
Written by Stephanie Judith Batista, Prevention Coordinator
Tamar Israel, MSW, is the Prevention Education Coordinator for the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative at Catholic Charities of Louisville in Kentucky. Catholic Charities is a state-wide program serving youth ages 12-18.
Israel has been running My Life My Choice Prevention Groups since 2019, and since then, has run more than 30 groups. She runs them in various spaces including schools, community centers, residential facilities, Department of Juvenile Justice facilities and even refugee facilities. We interviewed her to get her thoughts and advice for future certified facilitators.
When did you first start running groups?
When I first started running groups in 2019, it was definitely a learning curve. I was so nervous the first time. The more you run them, the more natural they become. It can be a little intimidating, but I simply remember that I’m in the space to provide youth with knowledge.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in running groups, and how did you handle them?
At times, I had to adjust to accommodate youth and different behaviors and personalities. I also acknowledge where my weak spots are. I’m not the strongest in drug addiction or sexual health information. I am constantly seeking opportunities to become more knowledgeable in those areas.
How do you respond to youth who are more on the shy side?
First, I try to meet them where they are, and understand they will become more open with time. I always tell them, “I’m coming to put a tool in your tool bag.” Sometimes a youth may be quiet, not because they are not interested, but because they are processing and absorbing all the information.
What advice do you have for someone running groups for the first time?
Understand that it may not go the ideal way. You may plan to spend 10 minutes on one activity, but it may end up taking more or less time. So, do not worry if your timing isn’t exactly as you planned. Also, youth may not be super engaged and it’s okay to adjust and meet them where they are. Just as it is new to facilitators, it is also a new experience for youth.
How have you grown by running groups and working with My Life My Choice overall?
I’ve grown so much! I’ve built so much confidence running groups. I have a great skill in understanding small details in youth, changes in their behavior, even body language. I’ve grown even in the way I speak with youth. I tell them “You are all in this group because you ARE our future, our future leaders. Even if you don’t take anything away from this, you may teach someone else, whether a friend, or a family member.”
Are there any accomplishments you'd like to highlight?
I’m very excited to share that we were able to offer the Prevention Curriculum Group in FOUR other languages- Spanish, Persian, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda (Native to Rwanda). We work with refugee communities in Louisville and wanted them to also receive the prevention curriculum. It took a lot of planning, but we were able to offer the prevention group in their native languages. We hired interpreters, all of whom are women, who join us each session.
Additionally, we had to adjust the timing of each group to accommodate time for translation. As certified facilitators, we had to speak slowly so the interpreters could translate properly. They even translated journals each session as well, so no part of the group experience was excluded. It was such an amazing learning experience. We are hoping to offer more foreign language prevention groups in the future.
What's next for you and My Life My Choice?
Having the support of My Life My Choice is incredible! Whenever I have a question or concern, I know I can reach out to Charel Murrell (Assistant Director of Prevention & Partnerships). She is a great resource and so kind! She gives great tips and advice.
My goal with the curriculum is to make it sustainable in juvenile justice facilities. This year, my objective is to train 12 facilitators in the My Life My Choice Prevention Curriculum, mostly in residentials or Department of Juvenile Justice facilities. I want them to be supported, with the hope that groups be run in facilities all throughout KY.
Is there anything you'd like readers to know about you and your work?
I was recently nominated and selected to serve on the Department of Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. I am so honored as it is such an amazing opportunity to do great work! This new position will help me gain more knowledge that will only add to my work with youth.
If you are interested in becoming a certified facilitator and running prevention groups in your area like Tamar, please contact Nikki Valila, Senior Director of Training and Partnerships, at nvalila@jri.org.