a divorce educational program
ywca salem rollercoasters
a workshop for young children of divorce, including fun games and activities help children through the transition of divorce or separation. For all children aged 6-11.
ywca salem rollercoasters registration/location
1255 Broadway Street Suite 110 Salem OR (Downtown, on the corner of Broadway and Market).
ywca salem rollercoasters cost
the fee is currently only $35 per child for the entire 8-week session.
ywca salem rollercoasters winter session
classes are divided into two groups: 1st-3rd graders meet from 6-6:50 PM and 4th-6th graders meet from 7-7:50 PM. classes are held once a week for 8 weeks
ywca salem rollercoasters topics include:
week one: everything is different
- week two: is it my fault
- week three: i wish everything was back to normal
- week four: what hasn't changed
- week five: i am so mad
- week six: nobody knows how I feel
- week seven: who can I talk to
- week eight: what I have learned
Rollercoasters FAQ
who can sign up for Rollercoasters?
Rollercoasters is for all children, girls and boys, in the 1st-6th grade who have been through their parents’ divorce or separation. You don’t have to be a member of the YWCA to enroll.
why do classes start with first graders?
First grade is generally when we think children are developmentally ready for this type of workshop, but it depends on the child. We do allow children who are age five to attend if the parent feels the child will participate and benefit from it.
when is the best time to enroll my child in Rollercoasters?
Any time is good, but children seem to benefit if a small amount of time has passed since the separation. Waiting a while gives the children time to experience some of the changes they will talk about in class. We recommend waiting about 6 months from the time of separation, but it is really up to you to decide when you think the class would be best.
can my two kids be in the same class if they are in different age groups?
There are some advantages for the kids who have their own separate class. We divide the groups by age because children usually feel more comfortable and relate better when the other children in class are of similar age. Sometimes a child will not be as honest and open when there is a sibling in class listening to what they say. Some siblings will feel like a team instead of each child expressing his or her own feelings and concerns. Many parents like the one-one-one time they get with each child to deal with their specific needs and issues.
do parents come in the class, too?
Children will have activities and games with the teachers for about a half hour, then parents are invited to attend the last 10-15 minutes of class for discussion.
how much does it cost?
The fee is currently only $35 per child for the entire 8-week session.
ywca salem rollercoasters resources for families in the salem area
social service resource directory
looking for resources in Salem? This directory is a listing of over 100 social service agencies in Salem such as nonprofit organizations, churches, health centers, and more. Find out the services they provide, their location, hours, web site address, and other contact information. Available online.
cope seminar
helping children cope with divorce or separation, this seminar helps parents understand how their children experience divorce and what parents can do to help. We know that divorce and separation can be a difficult time for all involved. Parents and other caregivers profoundly affect how well a child adjusts to the changes. We truly hope parents leave the seminar feeling like they have more tools for helping their children to thrive during this transition.