Relationship Smarts for Youth

• Love U2®: Relationship Smarts PLUS offers guidance on navigating the world of teen relationships. This is a positive, asset building relationship program to help teens become wiser about relationships, smarter about sex, more skilled in communications and more informed about marriage and families. 
• LoveU2 is a 12-unit program that can be customized for presentations of any length.  It has been used in community centers and schools throughout Richmond. In addition, it can be used in churches.  Considered an evidence based "best practice," Love U2 was developed by the Dibble Institute and extensively tested. It is based upon a large-scale, five-year federally-funded evaluation conducted by researchers Jennifer Kerpelman, PhD and Francesca Adler-Baeder, PhD at Auburn University.

After participating in Relationship Smarts at Albert Hill Middle School in Richmond City, students wrote a letter to their future daughter or son:  
Dear Daughter,
I know that you are growing up and that you are not longer a baby. I also know that you are maturing and you have certain feelings. You might feel like you are in love. When you feel that way, you will do some things, but when it comes to sex, you have to protect yourself.  You have to wait. If you suddenly have the urge, come to me and I will listen to your thoughts and help in my ways. 
See more of the letters utilizing lessons learned.

Participant Comments:

"The professionalism of the  Relationship SMARTS instructor together with the engaging content helped move our high school students toward a more mature view of relationships.I am thankful to First Things First for providing this essential resource to the under served children of our city."  - Jesse G. Kell, Head of School - Elijah House Academy

"On a personal note, I've had bad experiences in relationships before and I'm pleased to say that I found what I was looking for in a 'boyfriend' about a month after participating in this course. I've been happy in this relationship for a couple months now and I still rely on the lessons that I learned from Love U2, along with my own knowledge, to guide me. This course taught me to learn about him before making a serious commitment and I did just that.  - Female high school student

"This program brought by First Things First generated more positive discussion between students and staff than any other program we have hosted." - Staff at Peter and Paul Development Center, Church Hill

"We are very grateful to First Things First for bring this program for healthy relationships to our students. Their instructors Tania and Lemar really captivated the attendtion and made an impact with their presentation and interraction. Thank you."  - Church Hill Acadamy Director