Relationships — with friends, family, partners, and yourself — are some of the most important parts of life. Yet most of us never learn the actual skills needed to make them healthy, lasting, and fulfilling. We just figure it out as we go, often making the same mistakes over and over.
Real Talk is different. This 8-week program creates a safe space to explore what makes relationships work, learn practical communication and boundary-setting skills, and discover how to show up authentically in every connection. Through interactive activities, honest discussions, and real-world practice, you'll build the foundation for relationships that actually last.
Whether you're navigating friendships, family dynamics, dating, or just trying to understand yourself better, this group gives you the tools to connect with confidence and care.
We're bringing this relationship skills program to Douglas County youth for the first time, and we want you to be part of it from the start.
As a new nonprofit, we're building our inaugural cohort and creating sustainable community programming. When you register, you're not just joining a group — you're helping establish something that will serve young people in our community for years to come.
What you need to know:
Current Status: Building our first cohort now
Forget sitting in rows taking notes. Every session includes:
This is a judgment-free zone where mistakes are learning opportunities and every voice matters.
Throughout this program, you'll explore:
Communication - Speaking and listening with heart
Boundaries - Respecting yourself and others
Trust - Building and maintaining connection
Identity - Understanding who you are in relationships
Conflict - Fighting fair without causing damage
Self-Worth - Loving yourself as the foundation
Recognition - Spotting healthy vs. unhealthy patterns
Connection - Creating relationships that fulfill and support you
Creating Safety and Connection
Start strong by building community, establishing trust, and setting the foundation for honest sharing throughout the program.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Identity and Self-Awareness
Before you can have healthy relationships with others, you need to understand yourself — your values, patterns, strengths, and areas for growth.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Expressing and Hearing with Respect
Learn how to say what you mean, hear what others are really saying, and communicate in ways that build connection instead of creating distance.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Saying Yes and No with Confidence
Boundaries aren't walls — they're the guidelines that help relationships thrive. Learn to set them, respect them, and navigate what happens when they're crossed.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Handling Disagreements Without Damage
Conflict is inevitable. Damage isn't. Learn tools to navigate tension, disagreement, and hurt feelings in ways that strengthen rather than destroy relationships.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Spotting Healthy and Unhealthy Patterns
Trust your instincts and learn to recognize the early warning signs of unhealthy relationships — and the positive traits that signal safety and respect.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Loving Yourself as the Foundation
You can't pour from an empty cup. Build confidence, practice self-compassion, and release shame that keeps you from showing up fully in relationships.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Reflect, Celebrate, and Look Forward
Bring it all together, celebrate your growth, and prepare to take these skills into your real relationships with confidence.
Topics Covered:
Activities:
Self-Awareness Understand your patterns, triggers, and what you bring to relationships.
Communication Skills Express yourself clearly and listen with genuine care and understanding.
Boundary Mastery Set and maintain healthy limits with confidence and without guilt.
Conflict Navigation Handle disagreements in ways that strengthen rather than damage relationships.
Pattern Recognition Spot red flags early and recognize truly healthy connections.
Self-Worth Build confidence from within, not from external validation.
Authentic Connection Show up as your real self and create relationships that actually fulfill you.
Practical Tools Take home techniques you can use immediately in every relationship.
Perfect for:
8-week program: $160 total ($20 per session) Payment plans available. Scholarships offered based on need — no one turned away.
Included:
Program Details:
When you register, we'll:
We're committed to launching this program and will actively recruit until we reach our minimum. If enrollment takes longer than expected, we'll keep you informed. You can withdraw your registration at any time before the cohort launches if timing doesn't work for you.
We'll email you regular updates on enrollment progress. Once we're close to our minimum, we'll reach out to confirm scheduling and your continued interest before finalizing dates.
We ask for commitment to help us plan, but we understand circumstances change. You can withdraw before the cohort launches if needed. Once the program starts, consistent attendance is important for group trust and cohesion.
You share what you're comfortable sharing. We create space for vulnerability but never force it. Many activities can be completed privately.
Perfect! These skills apply to friendships, family, future relationships, and most importantly, your relationship with yourself.
Not at all. This is for anyone who wants to build healthier relationships — whether you're struggling or just want to grow.
No. We maintain confidentiality unless there's a safety concern (harm to self or others). What's shared in group stays in group.
Many participants feel this way at first. We build trust gradually and offer different ways to participate. You're never put on the spot.
Yes! Many find it helpful to attend with a friend. Just both register separately.
We may split into age-specific groups (13-17 and 18-23) depending on registrations to ensure developmentally appropriate discussions.