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.
Make it stand out
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.