Abstinence message given to teens in relevant ways By REBECCA TUITE CNNW staff writer

PORTLAND--With this “ATM” card you can’t purchase anything, but the message says it all: “Abstinence Till Marriage.” Expiration date: Wedding Day.

The card is one way that that Reality Unlimited., a program of the Pregnancy Resource Centers of the Portland Metro Area. conveyed its message to more than 7,342 middle and high school students last academic year.

Jen Distler, director of prevention, says, “If your teen hasn’t had an opportunity to receive his or her ‘ATM’ card, be sure to contact your teen’s school prinicipal or youth group pastor and encourage him or her to schedule a Reality Unlimited presentation.”

Reality Unlimited is an abstinence-based program utilizing concepts from “Choosing the Best.” This is a nationally-known curriculum Distler says was proven effective in a 1996 study released by Northwestern University Medical School’s Mental Health Services and Evaluation Program.

Reality Unlimited presents the unlimited possibilities young people face when their reality is sexual abstinence until marriage.

Reality Unlimited is available in a variety of formats (one or two sessions, 45 to 90 minutes in length) suitable for middle and high school health classes as well as youth groups and alternative settings.

The program draws students into discussion through an examination of topics that interest them, says Distler. In discussing pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases, teens evaluate risks and make personal decisions concerning sexual issues. In discussing television, movies, magazine and peer pressure, teens evaluate the influences around them and learn ways of overcoming pressures to be sexually active, she says. In discussing personal goals and dreams, teens understand the benefits of an abstinent lifestyle and learn to articulate good reasons for waiting.

Reality Unlimited aims to help supply the tools needed for teens to make their own decisions concerning sexual involvement.

Feedback from the students on the presentation has been overwhelmingly positive from both educators and students. One student commented, “It will change how I think and maybe what I do. I will think through things more deeply before having sex with my boyfriend.” Another student said, “I don’t want to have sex again until I’m married and my boyfriend is OK with that.”

Reality Unlimited offers assemblies, or classroom or youth group presentations at no charge. To book a Reality Unlimited presentation, contact Jen or Angela at 503-256-0808 or jen@portlandprc.org.