What Is LiFT?
LiFT (Linking Families and Teens) is an engaging, interactive, and evidence-based family connection workshop. Teens (13-19) and their trusted adult(s) come together to share family values, strengthen bonds, and talk about the tough stuff – healthy relationships and sexual health. Research shows that strong connection between parents and teens is a superpower that helps teens achieve their goals and supports healthy outcomes, including: decreased rates of unwanted pregnancy, STIs, depression, drug and alcohol use; and increased school success.*
Teens will learn...
Skills related to sexual health
The signs of a healthy relationship
Communication skills and how to be heard by their parents
Adults will learn...
How to support their teen in achieving their goals
How to help their teen make healthy choices
How to encourage open communication with their teen
*Lezin, N. R. (2004). Parent-Child Connectedness: Implementations for Research, Interventions, and Postiive Impacts on Adolescent Health. ETR Associates.
I Learned…
(Testimonies from Past Participants)
Workshop Structure
LiFT is a 6-hour program that consists of 6 different modules in addition to breaks and lunch.
4 of the modules are “Together Times” where teens and supportive adults are in the same room and completing activities together
There are 2 modules where teens and supportive adults split into separate spaces and complete different activities. During together times there is opportunity to share what each group learned in their Youth or Adult modules.
LiFT Outcomes
In data collected by LiFT developers, youth and parenting adult participants say they are having more tough talks, and credit LiFT with building their confidence and skills to have conversations around sexuality and relationships; helping to increase trust between family members, and to be more open and empathetic with one another.
LiFT youth communicate more frequently about sexuality values, thoughts & feelings with their supportive adult
LiFT youth are more likely to feel competent preventing pregnancy.
LiFT supportive adults indicated a more positive relationship with their youth
LiFT supportive adults are more comfortable with and likely to support their young person seeking sexual healthcare.
Do You Want to Have Your Own Workshop? Email Us Today!
LiFT is intended for youth aged 13-19 and their supportive adult(s). Supportive adults can be a parent, caregiver, grandparent, aunt or uncle, older sibling, coach, or another important adult in the life of that teen.
If you are interested in scheduling a LiFT workshop, we would require a group of at least 10 participants
Bridgercare can provide:
Educators to facilitate the workshop
Space to host the workshop
Lunch, snacks, coffee, and drinks
A gift card incentive for each participant
A childcare stipend for folks with younger children that cannot attend the workshop
Learn to Host Your Own LiFT!
Bridgercare can also offer a Training of Educators (TOE) if you are interested in hosting and facilitating a LiFT workshop in your community
Our LiFT TOE will build the foundational knowledge and skills to implement the LiFT curriculum with youth and their supportive adults. Upon completion of the training facilitators will have established the skills to support successful delivery of the curricula with comfort and fidelity
Topics covered in a LiFT TOE include:
Theoretical framework & program outcomes
LiFT curriculum & activities
LIFT recruitment considerations
Sex-Ed best practices
Answering values-based questions
Mandatory reporting considerations
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Anna Couch (She/Her)
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Anna is the Education Director at Bridgercare, where she leads a small but mighty team to help people of all ages learn about sexual health, healthy relationships, and how to take care of their bodies. Whether she's teaching in classrooms, leading workshops, or working with community partners, Anna is all about making sure everyone has access to accurate and empowering education. She is proud to be providing education to this community because she received sex ed in Gallatin Valley herself as a teen! Anna believes learning about reproductive health should be approachable, non-judgmental, and even a little fun! When not advocating for sexual health, you can find Anna on the trails, playing racket sports or hanging out with her two sweet pups!
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Kylie Bachich (She/Her)
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Kylie grew up in Bozeman, her involvement with Bridgercare started in 2017-2019 as Peer Educator for her classmates in the Gallatin Valley. She is beyond excited to join the team as an Education Specialist and continue to provide comprehensive sex education around the state. Completing a degree in Public Health at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Kylie is passionate about supplying people with the tools needed to make informed and empowered decisions about their reproductive health. Outside of work Kylie is likely hiking, camping, or doing some other variety of outdoor activity with friends and family.
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McKeely Shannon (She/Her)
LEAD EDUCATION SPECIALIST
McKeely was an education and development intern at Bridgercare from 2018-2019 and is stoked to rejoin the team as an educator! Her mother has been a nurse for 40 years and provided age-appropriate sex education conversations throughout her childhood. She felt prepared and confident in making decisions about her sexual health due to this education, but also witnessed friends and classmates in college not having the same foundational understanding. As a nursing student, and then as a Community Health major McKeely became passionate about sexual and reproductive health. When not teaching you can find McKeely reading speculative fiction and foraging tasty things to cook and bake.
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Anne McBride (She/Her)
EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Anne joined the Education Team after a year and a half of working at Bridgercare's front desk. She is deeply proud of the work that Bridgercare does in the community, and is excited to continue that work as the Education Program Coordinator! When not nose-deep in data and program expansion, you can find Anne on one of Bozeman's many world-class trails, watching competition baking shows, and pretending other people's dogs are her own.
