WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - A program that aims to steer at-risk kids in the right direction is seeing success. P.O.W.E.R., which stands for Providing Opportunities While Ending Recidivism, is a free, open communication seminar for youth who have made mistakes but want to avoid repeating them. It is h osted by the Sedgwick County Department of Corrections and administered by the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. "We like to give the kids a platform to talk about how they truly feel," Jamarae Finnie, the program facilitator for P.O.W.E.R., said. Finnie says reaching these kids through conversations on mental health, conflict resolution, substance abuse, and sexual education will hopefully lead to reducing recidivism. "The key is to be a resource for parents or connecting adults in need with [at]-risk kids here in the community," he said. "The goal is to improve family relations, build a healthy environment for the community, enhance youth strengths, and offer accessible, successful services here in the community that parents may not know about." Prime Fit mentors dedicate daily visits with students P.O.W.E.R. partners with other local resources around the community, such as Mental Health America, Kidzcope, Prime Fit, Equity Initiative, and the Wichita Police Department. Jaden Patterson is a graduate of the P.O.W.E.R. program. "I've seen him open up to me, and us having elaborated conversations is pretty awesome. To see that he's doing well, and grades are good, and he's doing well around the house. We love to see it," Finnie said about Patterson. Patterson's mother, Tassaday Strickland, says they felt like they were running out of options the second time he got into trouble, so they turned to the P.O.W.E.R. course. "When this program was offered, I was like, 'Why not? Obviously, it's filled with a bunch of resources from the community. I need help, we need help, let's give it a try,'" Strickland said. Strickland says they have become closer as a family, and her son has learned important life lessons that he hopes will translate to success in high school. "You're not alone. Your whole community is here to help you, to support you, to support your youth. I would just say, 'Say yes,'" Strickland said. P.O.W.E.R. still has open slots available. To learn more about the program, click here. ...read more read less