Building a Winning Team
Earlier this year, a dedicated team of Community Health Workers (CHW’s) began implementing an evidence-based youth violence prevention program, SafERteens, across three Muskegon County School Districts. The team swiftly gained success by engaging with middle and high school students, bringing a fresh perspective and genuine concern for their future and wellbeing. The SafERteens Program emphasizes helping young people define their life goals and visualize how risky behaviors – such as violence, drug use, and alcohol consumption – can create roadblocks in achieving their goals.
In and Out of School
Beyond their impactful work within school walls, the CHW’s team influence extends into the broader community. The team has actively participated in various community events, such as National Night Out, where they reinforced the positive messages delivered during school hours.
These events offer broader opportunities to educate parents and community members on the comprehensive benefits of the SafERteens program. They also serve as opportunities to distribute important information and firearm safety devices such as gun locks.
Community Violence Prevention Creates Lasting Change
Recently, the CHW team was invited to extent their outreach with a table at Muskegon Reds Home Football Games. This video, produced by CHW Malissa Reyes, beautifully illustrates the program’s transformational impact on the community.
This initiative further highlights the importance of continued support and funding for Community Violence Prevention (CVP) and Intervention (CVI) programs at the state and national levels, showcasing their capacity to create lasting positive change.
Home Team’s Winning
I’d like to thank our CHW team for their tireless efforts, both in school and in our community. Their dedication, care and concern for the youth of our community, and sense of purpose is what drives the program’s success. I invite everyone attending the games to visit the Trinity Health table, engage with the CHW team, and thank them for their invaluable work.