The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office just completed a six-week G.R.E.A.T. Families program with the William Floyd School District designed to strengthen families and build safer communities.
“This program is about prevention and empowerment. By giving families the tools to grow stronger together, we are investing in the long-term safety and well-being of our communities,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.
The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Families program is a component of the school-aged G.R.E.A.T program. Seven families participated in the program that is a research-based initiative that focuses on enhancing family communication, developing conflict resolution skills, setting healthy boundaries, and reducing bullying through character development.
Over the course of six weekly sessions, participating families engaged in hands-on activities, group discussions, and practical assignments that helped reinforce positive behaviors at home. Certified G.R.E.A.T. instructors from the Sheriff’s Office led each session, working closely with families to build trust, encourage open communication, and navigate parenting and family challenges.
Topics included, building communication skills, creating positive family relationships, becoming better role models, developing a plan of action for change, creating a foundation of growth as a family, and raising awareness about the influences of technology and the internet.
Each session they were also provided free dinner courtesy of Mary’s Pizza & Pasta of Speonk, Pollo Campero in Brentwood, Chick- Fila-A in Farmingville as well as the Deputy Sheriff Police Benevolent Association (DSPBA) and Suffolk County Correction Officers Association (SCCOA).
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office teaches the G.R.E.A.T program to elementary and middle school students in 19 schools annually, reaching more than 3,700 hundred students. For more information visit GREAT Program.