People Empowering People is an innovative life skills program created and coordinated by Cheryl Czuba, UConn Cooperative Extension Educator. The PEP program is for adults and older teens from family resource centers, community agencies, faith communities and prisons. PEP is designed to build on the unique strengths and life experiences of participants and emphasize the connection between individual and community action. Created over ten years ago, over one thousand individuals have graduated from the PEP program.

• How does PEP work? PEP participants attend ten weekly two-hour training sessions focused on:
  
  - values
  - communication skills
  - problem solving
  - parenting
  - action planning
  - community assessment
  - community issues
  
  Groups and individuals also participate in projects that benefit their community. In the past, PEP participants have crocheted blankets for homeless, created a children's library and developed literacy materials for children.


• Who conducts PEP sessions? The PEP facilitator is an agency staff member or volunteer. She/he attends two days of facilitator training, and receives a 200 page PEP manual. The facilitator conducts the training sessions and followup educational support meetings, and supports the participants in their community service projects. The training sessions can be conducted in English or Spanish.


• Where is PEP? Because the program is adaptable to a variety of settings, the PEP program can be found at family resource centers, community based agencies and correctional institutions. Contact us if you are looking to participate, and we can help you find a group.


• Who benefits? PEP participants, PEP facilitators and communities benefit. Participants improve their life skills...communication, problem solving and parenting. They gain an increased awareness of community resources, have a greater ability to share new skills and knowledge, and are empowered with the skills and support to take positive steps toward personal and economic success. PEP facilitators learn more about their community and gain skills in working with groups. Communities benefit from adults and teens who believe in their individual and collective ability to achieve their dreams and use their ability to change or enhance their community.