NEWS Prevention Educator Adapts to New Challenges During Pandemic
Throughout 2020, Carla Andrade-Maston, NEWS prevention educator, worked diligently to reconnect and provide support to our Napa County youth. She found safe ways to connect with them that would provide the same level of privacy and confidentially.
The biggest challenge was making the same human connection with her students, now that she couldn't meet in person. Carla worked hard to translate the same warmth, compassion, and engagement she did pre-pandemic. Thanks to her passion and enthusiasm, she was able to do just that! Not only did Carla reconnect with students using social media, she also met new youth through our strong partnerships with community partners, like our local middle and high school Wellness Centers.
In 2020, 42 students received individual Healthy Relationship Coaching. An additional 98 students learned about how to promote healthy behaviors in their relationships and how to manage their emotions, conflicts, and Covid-related stressors through educational presentations.
REFLECTIONS OF NEWS
Jackie is an 11th grade student that was referred to Carla, NEWS Prevention Educator, by her school Wellness Center staff after her teacher noticed her daily smile was absent. They referred her over to NEWS because she was having a hard time with how her boyfriend was treating her. Carla started to meet Jackie and they were able to connect with some shared interests. Throughout the course of their meetings, Carla saw a more confident young women who had the courage to end an abusive relationship. They kept in contact during the pandemic to check on Jackie’s mental health and ultimately she reached out again as she was considering starting a new dating relationship and needed some refreshers on boundaries, and knowing her personal worth!
If parents or students would like to talk to Carla, contact your school wellness center, or email CarlaA@NapaNEWS.org. Teens may also participate in our support groups, or one-on-counseling by calling our 24-hour help line at 707.255.NEWS (6397). Find Carla on Instagram @NEWS4Peace.