BOOST

Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Too many teens think that controlling, disrespectful, or even abusive behaviors are “normal” parts of a relationship. Oftentimes they are unaware of what a healthy relationship looks like, or how to help themselves or others trapped in harmful relationships. BOOST is a teen dating violence prevention initiative of the Family Abuse Center. We recruit and educate a yearly cohort of Waco-area youth on violence prevention knowledge and skills, who then step into youth leadership roles as ambassadors to direct the program's impact and engage their own unique networks and communities. We also provide specialized training on preventing dating violence for communities and organizations. The program and its activities are all led by the ambassadors, and guided by the BOOST Program Manager.