Skills for Life
A skills group for teens and young adults with FASD
Starting October 13, 2026
Skills for Life is a 12-session group for young people ages 14–21 with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Together, we’ll explore how your brain works, build practical skills for everyday life and discover strategies that can help you feel more confident navigating adulthood.
This is a cohort, not a drop-in group. Participants are asked to commit to all 12 sessions so they can build relationships, practice skills together and get the most out of the curriculum.
Plus, you can earn up to $60 on a gift card just for showing up.
What is Skills for Life?
Growing into adulthood comes with a lot of changes — school, work, relationships, independence and figuring out what comes next.
For people with FASD, those transitions can come with unique challenges. Skills for Life creates a space to learn about those challenges without judgment and build strategies that work for you.
In this group, we’ll:
- Learn about the brain and how FASD can affect everyday experiences
- Identify personal strengths, interests and support needs
- Explore the difference between “can’t” and “won’t” and what that means for behavior
- Practice ways to manage emotions, stress and unexpected challenges
- Build communication, relationship and conflict-resolution skills
- Explore boundaries and healthy relationships
- Practice self-advocacy and communicating what you need
- Talk about identity, goals and what success means to you
- Build everyday skills that support confidence and participation in adult life
- Identify supportive people, resources and strategies you can use beyond the group
Most importantly, this is a place to learn, practice, connect and be yourself.
12 sessions. One group. Real-life skills.
Skills for Life is designed as a 12-session cohort. That means the same group of participants will meet throughout the program and build on what they learn from one session to the next.
Why commit to all 12 sessions?
Each session builds on the last. Coming regularly gives you the chance to:
Get comfortable
Build relationships with the group and create a space where you feel comfortable participating.
Practice skills
Try out new strategies with people who understand your experiences.
Build confidence
See what works for you and carry those skills into everyday life.
Earn rewards
Every session you attend gets you one punch on your Skills for Life punch card.
Show up. Earn rewards.
We want to make it worth your while to keep showing up.
For every session you attend, you’ll receive a punch on your Skills for Life attendance card. Each punch is worth $5 toward a gift card.
Attend 6 sessions → Earn $30
You’ll receive your first gift card payment halfway through the program.
Attend all 12 sessions → Earn up to $60
Complete the full cohort and receive the remaining $30.
12 sessions. 12 punches. Up to $60.
This is a 12-session cohort, and participants are asked to commit to attending all sessions.
Meet the people behind Skills for Life
Skills for Life was created in partnership with Barb Clark and Michael Harris, whose knowledge and experience helped shape the curriculum.
Their collaboration helped ensure the curriculum reflects the real-world experiences of people with FASD and focuses on practical skills, strengths and strategies that can be used in everyday life.
Barb Clark
Barb Clark is an FASD and behavior consultant, author and caregiver coach with extensive experience supporting individuals and families impacted by FASD. She brings both professional expertise and living experience to her work, helping people understand FASD through practical, strengths-based strategies.
Michael Harris
Michael Harris is a licensed psychologist, FASD coach and caregiver with professional and living experience of FASD. He brings clinical expertise and practical, real-world insight to helping individuals and families better understand FASD and build strategies that work in everyday life.
Their partnership helped bring Skills for Life to life — and now we’re excited to bring it to young people in our community.
When does the group meet?
All sessions take place from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Proof Alliance office in the Youth and Family Room.
- Tuesday, Oct. 13: Kickoff
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Module 1
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: Module 2
- Tuesday, Dec. 1: Module 3
- Tuesday, Dec. 15: Module 4
- Tuesday, Jan. 5: Module 5
- Tuesday, Jan. 19: Module 6
- Tuesday, Feb. 2: Module 7
- Tuesday, Feb. 16: Module 8
- Tuesday, Mar. 2: Module 9
- Tuesday, Mar. 16: Module 10
- Tuesday, Apr. 6: Wrap-up
Location: Proof Alliance office, Youth and Family Room
Time: 6–7:30 p.m. CST
Format: In-person
Cohort size: 14 participants
Frequently Asked Questions
Skills for Life is for teens and young adults ages 14–21 who are impacted by FASD.
Yes. Skills for Life is a 12-session cohort, and participants are asked to commit to attending all 12 sessions. Each session builds on the previous one, and regular attendance helps the group build trust and community.
You’ll receive a punch on your Skills for Life punch card for every session you attend. Each punch is worth $5 on a gift card, for a potential total of $60 if you attend all 12 sessions.
Your gift card incentive will be paid in two installments: $30 after six sessions and up to another $30 after completing the full 12-session cohort.
Yes! A snack will be provided during each group session.
This group is designed for young people to participate independently. Parents and caregivers are not expected to attend. If you receive support from a personal care attendant (PCA) or paraprofessional, they may attend with you if needed.
Whatever makes you comfortable! Comfortable clothing is encouraged.
Yes. Photos may be taken during the group for Proof Alliance communications and promotional purposes. Participants will receive information about photo permissions.
We’re planning for a small cohort of 14 participants so everyone has an opportunity to participate and connect.
The group will meet in person at the Proof Alliance office in the Youth and Family Room.
Ready to join us?
12 sessions. New skills. New connections. Up to $60 in gift card rewards.
Space is limited to 14 participants.
If you’re ready to build skills, explore what works for your brain and connect with other young people with FASD, we’d love to have you join us.
Join the Skills for Life cohort!
Registration will close once the cohort is full.
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Get personalized help
Our FASD-informed Family Support Navigator team will connect you with the best navigator for your needs. We’ll reach out within one week to offer personalized, real-time help.
