LINKING FAMILIES AND TEENS (LiFT)
Talking about relationships, boundaries, values, or sexual health can feel awkward—for teens and adults. Most families want to have those conversations, but aren’t always sure how to start them in a way that feels natural, supportive, and productive. That’s where LiFT comes in.
Stronger relationships start with better conversations
LiFT (Linking Families and Teens) is a free interactive, evidence-based family workshop helping Iowa teens ages 13–19 and their parent, caregiver, or other trusted adult build stronger communication and healthier relationships. Through games, guided discussions, hands-on activities, and support from trained facilitators, families strengthen communication, build trust, and feel more confident navigating real-life situations together. Families leave with practical tools and strategies they can continue using long after the workshop ends.
What happens at a LiFT workshop?
LiFT isn’t a lecture or classroom-style training. This five-hour interactive workshop helps teens and trusted adults feel more comfortable talking about relationships, sexual health, boundaries, and other real-life topics together. The extended format gives families time to move beyond surface-level conversation and build stronger connection without feeling rushed.
Teens leave with more confidence in making healthy decisions, while adults gain practical tools to better support the young people in their lives. Lunch, snacks, a take-home resource guide, and a $50 gift card for each participant are included.
Who is LiFT for?
LiFT is designed for families with at least one teen ages 13–19 and one supportive adult. Supportive adults can include parents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians, mentors, or other trusted caregivers.
Workshops are intentionally kept small—typically around 10–12 families—to create a comfortable, supportive environment where participants can connect and engage openly. Whether your family already communicates easily or struggles to start difficult conversations, LiFT is designed to meet families where they are.
Register today for an upcoming LiFT woprkshop
Workshops are intentionally kept small to encourage connection and conversation, and spots are limited.
Choose an upcoming session and invest in stronger communication for your family.
West Des Moines — May 30, 2026
Co-hosted with Chrysalis Foundation
EyesOpenIowa
4000 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lunch and snacks provided
Participants reeive a $50 gift card at the end of the event
Indianola — June 20, 2026
Co-hosted with WeLift
Lighthouse Community Center
109 West Boston Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lunch and snacks provided
Participants receive a $50 gift card at the end of the event
FAQ
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Yes. LiFT is completely free for participating families. Lunch, snacks, workshop materials, and a take-home resource guide are included. Each participant also receives a $50 gift card at the end of the workshop.
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LiFT is designed for teens ages 13–19 and at least one supportive adult. Supportive adults can include parents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians, mentors, or other trusted caregivers. LiFT welcomes all families and is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment for everyone, including LGBTQ+ youth, caregivers, and families.
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Yes. LiFT is designed as a shared experience for teens and their trusted adults. Families participate together throughout the workshop through guided conversations, activities, and group discussions. Attendance as a pair is required.
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LiFT helps families navigate conversations around relationships, communication, boundaries, values, decision-making, and sexual health in a way that feels supportive, approachable, and age-appropriate.
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LiFT includes interactive activities, games, guided discussions, and hands-on learning led by trained facilitators. The workshop is designed to feel welcoming and engaging—not like a lecture or classroom-style training.
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The extended format gives families time to move beyond surface-level conversation and build stronger connection without feeling rushed. Families consistently tell us the time goes by quickly and that the experience is worth the investment.
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No one is required to share anything they are uncomfortable discussing. LiFT is designed to create a safe, respectful, and judgment-free environment where families can participate at their own comfort level.
Interested in co-hosting a future LiFT workshop?
EyesOpenIowa is looking for community organizations interested in partnering to bring LiFT to more families across Iowa. Co-hosting a LiFT workshop is a meaningful way to support youth and families in your community.