The first Sierra Learning Community for the 2019-20 fiscal year focused upon Best Practices in Trauma Informed Care: Building Youth Resiliency.
The power point and other materials distributed to attendees is available in the Resources Section. View the recording by clicking here:
September 18, 2019 Sierra Learning Community
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Make sure to visit the Strategies2.0 YouTube Channel to access recordings of all the Strategies2.0 sponsored webinars and Learning Communities. The channel holds a wealth of resources you can use for training purposes, or to catch up on the latest programs if you are unable to attend a Learning Community!
Highlights and Resources
The Learning Community program began with a presentation from Oscar Perez, Ph D., on components of successful youth mentoring programs. Oscar began with an empathy building exercise to help participants feel the power of listening to others. Oscar then shared his four components of successful relationships with youth: respect, connection, growth and gratitude/honoring.
Next, we heard from Kathryn Eustis, Director of the Calaveras County Youth Mentoring program. Kathryn shared the roots of the program, how it was funded, and key factors in sustaining a program. The Calaveras program continues to evolve, adding a mentoring program for older youth as well as a program where older youth mentor middle-schoolers. Click the following link for a video about the program: Changing Lives
Participants were then provided time to discuss challenges in sustaining or beginning a youth mentoring program in their community. How did they decide the target population to serve? How can they gauge the ability of their community to sustain a program? Highlights of the discussion are provided below.
- It is important to work productively with the other adults in the youth’s life, do not undermine their efforts.
- Amador has a fragmented mentoring system. They have CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) that serve youth in the court system, and paid mentors for other youth.
- Calaveras also has different programs, CASA for court appointed youth and family, and the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. CASA and the Calaveras Youth Mentoring have partnered to help transition youth to other programs when the CASA relationship ends.
- Programs need a consistent champion. The champion can help provide credibility, respect, and funds!
Next Steps for the Sierra Learning Communities:
Save the Dates for the 2019-20 Series!
- Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 9:30-12:30
TOPIC: Best Practices in Trauma Informed Care: Self-Care and Peer Programs that Support Agency and Community Resilience. Speakers: Vanessa Compton, Peer Personal Services Coordinator, Amador County Behavioral Health; and, Doty Shepard (remote), Compassion Without Fatigue and Windows of Tolerance; Schuyler Bright, Registered Yoga Therapist
- Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 9:30-12:30
TOPIC: Further Along the Road to Building Family, Agency, Community Resilience: Rural Policies to Improve Housing Affordability and Accessibility
- Wednesday, May 13, 2020 from 9:30-12:30
TOPIC: Further Along the Road to Building Family, Agency, Community Resilience: How Can Technology Bring Services and Residents Together?
All Learning Communities can be attended on-line from your own computer; at remote sites throughout the region, where you may view the presentation and participate in discussions with your local colleagues; or in-person, at the hub in Jackson.
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