No family is perfect.  We all have our own trials and tribulations and problems that affect us, and we all react in different ways.  Generally, we pull together, fix the issue at hand and move on to the next one.  There are families, however, where the issues are so great or the coping skills are lacking to the degree that the family dynamic becomes damaged.  This could be due to a variety of issues including poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, criminal behavior, lack of social or community supports, or just a gradual decline of trust and support in the family.  The lack of coping skills can serve to further exacerbate these issues and introduce additional dysfunction into the family.  This can lead to childhood trauma and increased risk for antisocial/unproductive behavior.  Maltreated children are at increased risk of low academic achievement, drug use, teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, and adult criminality. (Center for the Study of Social Policy 2003 p 29)

Cultivate’s mission is to create an environment for skills building in at risk individuals and families through implementation of evidence supported programs and supportive pro-social community relationships.  Cultivate utilizes two key tools to ensure those in need are able to develop positive skills in supportive environments; first we focus on implementing evidence based best practices, and second, we introduce at risk families and individuals to supportive, pro-social community relationships.  (CSSP 2003 p 25) 

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strengthening program used by Cultivate for high-risk and general population families. SFP is an evidence-based family skills training program found to significantly improve parenting skills and family relationships, reduce problem behaviors, delinquency and alcohol and drug abuse in children, and to improve social competencies and school performance.  Through SFP, trained facilitators address these issues by providing three core skills; connecting, communicating and boundary setting.  After completing SFP, families are better equipped to deal with the challenges that arise and to lessen the impact of life’s struggles.  By improving the family unit, the likelihood of engaging in future antisocial behavior is reduced and support systems can flourish.

Since September 2012, a total of 5 groups of the Strengthening Families Program have been provided to at risk Johnson County families.  Through those groups, a total of 31 children and 45 parents have been served.  Upon the completion of the programs, surveys were provided to the groups to assess their perception of the program and its helpfulness in their lives.  Survey results have been positive from both parents and children.  Across the board increases have been shown in response to all questions.  In particular, scores for questions such as “We talk about family issues/problems or we hold family meetings” increased by 63% from children and 88% by parents.  Establishing the framework to get issues on the table is a critical step in improving relationships and family functioning.

By enhancing capacity to navigate and overcome challenges, we seek to improve relationships.  By improving relationships, we seek to assist families.  By assisting families, we strive to cultivate our community.  Cultivate – we’ll help you grow.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

Cultivate Founder – Lee Jost

Lee currently has a bachelors in Biblical Studies and a Masters of Divinity degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary.  He has been in vocational ministry for over 25 years and has served as youth pastor and now currently as the founding pastor of Christ the Servant Covenant Church in Olathe Kansas.  In 2015 Lee started Cultivate Inc. a 501c3 aimed at Interrupting cycles of risk by equipping individuals and families for success through life skills, job skills and supportive relationships.

Lee has served as Board of County Commissioners representative on the Johnson County Drug and Alcoholism Council, he served as Chair of the Council for 2 years.  He served on the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Committee and assisted in establishing the Johnson County Evening Reporting Center the after school program for at risk youth.   Lee is the chair of the Employment Sub Committee for Johnson County Continuum of Care on Homelessness.  He serves as the  Board of County Commissioners Faith Community representative on the Criminal Justice Advisory Council.  Lee also serves on the board for Johnson County’s United Community Services.  In Greater Kansas City Lee serves on the Homeless Information Management Systems governing board, and is a key leader in the KC Works Together Workforce Development Network.    He has been recognized for his outstanding service as the City of Olathe’s Person of the year, and honored as a leader in community service by Johnson County United Community Services. 

Lee believes in and promotes community collaboration and partnership around some of the most pressing human service needs.  He believes everyone deserves another chance and also believes that community support during that second chance will empower adults and youth to make positive future life choices.