The "Touching Hearts, Touching Minds" initiative was funded through a 2003 United States Department of Agriculture Special Projects grant to revitalize nutrition education and services in the Massachusetts Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. The 30 nutrition education materials and…

Describes a six-session structured group for women focusing on self-esteem and relationships. Offers ideas using feminist theory and focuses on group membership, group goals, group leadership, special issues, and format. Provides session-by-session examples and offers evaluations of previous groups. Discusses implications of this approach. (RJM)

Describes a pilot program that provides basic communication skills and assertiveness training in a supportive group environment and addressed some of the problems of battered women. The women who participated in the program reported that they had been helped. (RC)

Evaluates the post-discharge recidivism rates of an eclectic sex offender treatment program. Study of 120 program completers and 100 noncompleters indicates significant differences in recidivism for the two groups. Results suggest that comprehensive treatment of sexual offenders can substantially reduce sexual as well as nonsexual offense…

The effectiveness of a self help book on assertiveness training was assessed by comparing two bibliotherapy conditions with group therapy and a waiting list control condition. One group of bibliotherapy subjects read a popular paperback with no therapist contact, while the other group additionally participated in informal discussion sessions.…

Describes a group for couples deciding whether or not to have children. Couples (N=4) participated in various group exercises and activities. Results indicated the group experience was positive for most members: they gained an understanding of their own needs and attitudes, of their spouses' positions, and of issues involved. (Author)

Describes a format used in 13 parenting groups for White parents of Black children. The purpose of these groups was to help the parents to raise their children with strong, positive Black identities and self-concepts. The purpose, goals, issues of the parents, and the format are outlined. (Author)

Describes and evaluates a social competence program for high risk children. Undergraduates used interpersonal problem-solving techniques to work with 32 maladapting first through third graders who were seen on a small group basis. Results indicated that children in the program made significantly greater gains in classroom adjustment. (Author)