Planned Parenthood Center of El Paso’s community education programs and services assist individuals, youth, and parents with making responsible decisions by employing a variety of comprehensive sexuality education strategies that help individuals gain the necessary knowledge and decision-making skills regarding:  sexuality, abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection, and sexual responsibility.  The education curriculums provided by PPCEP afford individuals a foundation to assess their sexual responsibility decisions and reduce harm caused by irresponsible or poor decisions. Further, programs for parents such as the Parent-to-Parent Network provide parents with a means to impart sexuality education to their children, encourage them to draw from their own values and use them to reinforce the right messages.

Abstinence Education Programs

Teen Outreach Project (TOP)

TOP, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a three-part abstinence program for pre-teens and teens, ages 9-14, and their parents.  The program stresses the postponement of sexual activity and provides age appropriate discussions about delaying sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy prevention.

• First Things First targets 9-11 year olds at area elementary schools.  The program consists of twelve weekly sessions using the Sex Can Wait curriculum.

• Teen Outreach Project is designed to reach 12 to 14 year olds at area middle schools. The program is administered over twelve weekly sessions utilizing the Changing Scenes curriculum. Because volunteerism introduces the teen to the community, participants are also required to complete at least eight volunteer hours in order to graduate.  Teens are also introduced to adult role models that are professionals in the community.

• Parent-to-Parent Network assists parents with communicating openly about sex and sexuality with their children and focuses on a message of abstinence.  Parents attend a series of nine sessions using the Positive Choices Positive Futures curriculum.  The program provides an opportunity for parents to meet and share ideas with one another.  This component of TOP is centered on the parents drive to educate themselves and willingness to understand and manage the many challenges involved in raising teens.

Abstinence Education Program for Rural Communities

The Abstinence Education Program for Rural Communities, funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Title V program, adapts age and culturally sensitive methodologies to provide abstinence education to students, ages 12-15, residing in the rural communities of El Paso County.  The semester-long series of sessions address the risks of early sexual activity with a focus on positive decision-making, peer pressure resistance, and the benefits of abstinence and self-esteem.  The program seeks to increase communication between parents and their children and enhance a youth’s decision-making skills.  The goal of the program is to reduce unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and postpone sexual activity until marriage.

Male Oriented Programs

El Paso Young Fathers Project (EPYFP)

The EPYFP, funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services, provides a combination of educational, occupational, and prevention services to help young fathers improve their economic, social, and familial situation.  The goal of the project is to help young fathers become more involved in their children’s lives, take financial and emotional responsibility for them, and postpone additional children until they are financially and emotionally prepared to support them.  Services provided include:  DADS (Dads Are Doing Something for their Children) Workshops, education presentations, case management services, and the coordination of the Fatherhood Coalition.  Moreover, the program allows young fathers the opportunity to spend time with other males with similar issues and problems; provides emotional support; and offers access to mental health counselors, advocates, and representatives of the legal and social service systems.

The Male Involvement Program

The program, funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Title X program, is designed to increase the civic, community and family involvement of men in the El Paso area through the promotion of sexual responsibility.  The program provides presentations tailored to meet the unique cultural needs of El Paso’s young men. The following presentations are available through the program:  Responsibilities in Family Planning and Contraception, Communicating with Your Partner, How to Avoid Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS, Sexual Responsibility, Men’s Health, and Growth and Development. The program also coordinates the Annual Male Involvement Conference, which provides a full day of information, life skills, and education focused on young men.  For more information, please call (915)544-0631.