February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month!
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NEWS


 

Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become an adult. Every February, NEWS works hard to bring awareness about dangers of dating violence and the power of healthy relationships to teens all through Napa County.

We are so excited to announce the theme for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 2021 is Know Your Worth. Know Your Worth is all about self-empowerment! Every young person is deserving of a healthy, loving relationship.

This year, we are working with top national organizations like Love Is Respect and Join One Love to bring students fun and creative ways to learn about and show respect for each other. We are also promoting healthy relationships through our #orange4love campaign.

You can check out all the resources for students on our website. We have custom ZOOM backgrounds for students and teachers, #statisticssaturday social media posts, virtual presentations with 7 different youth groups, and much more planned!

In gratitude,

Carla Andrade-Maston
NEWS Prevention, Education, & Outreach Program Manager



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.



Thankful for our Community Partners!