As a leading source of sexual health education, Planned Parenthood plays a major role in helping people understand the realities of sexuality and teen pregnancy, as well as the importance of open and honest family communication.

Adult Role Models (ARMs) is a train-the-trainer program that brings increased awareness of these issues to diverse communities. By teaching parent volunteers to provide instruction and outreach to their peers, ARMs fosters the development of leadership skills, an understanding of sexual health issues, improved parent-child communication, and an awareness of Planned Parenthood’s services, mission, and advocacy efforts.

How the Program Works

Adults who become ARMs volunteers have the opportunity to interact with their peers, create a parental support system in their neighborhood, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they are model parents within their community. In 2007, more than 7,000 local parents in St. Lucie and Palm Beach Counties received this training either directly from Planned Parenthood or from an Adult Role Model. In 2008 the program was launched in Miami-Dade County.

Some of the potential benefits of ARMs include:

• Reduced teen pregnancy
• Decreased sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDS)
• Better and more responsible decision making
• Improved family communication
• Enhanced knowledge of reproductive health care

ARMs programs are delivered in a culturally sensitive environment and are taught in English, Spanish, and Créole in culturally diverse areas. ASPIRA, Urban League, Glades Community Development Corporation (GCDC), and Latin Chamber of Commerce of the Treasure Coast have partnered with Planned Parenthood to develop and deliver culturally relevant sexual health education.

This program is generously funded by the Children's Services Councils of Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties and Education Foundation of America.

Want to learn more?

Visit us on Youtube!
 
Email us at: adult_role_models@ppsoflo.org or call 561.848.6402