Trekkers program staff complete Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
L-R: Diane Sternberg (Program & Training Director), Mitchell DelFrate (Program Manager), Kaleb Robinson (Program Manager), TJ Morris (Principal Program Manager), Kamryn Prior (AmeriCorps Member), Clara Dale (AmeriCorps Member), Emily McKnight (AmeriCorps Member). (Photo courtesy Trekkers)
L-R: Diane Sternberg (Program & Training Director), Mitchell DelFrate (Program Manager), Kaleb Robinson (Program Manager), TJ Morris (Principal Program Manager), Kamryn Prior (AmeriCorps Member), Clara Dale (AmeriCorps Member), Emily McKnight (AmeriCorps Member). (Photo courtesy Trekkers)
ROCKLAND — Program staff for Trekkers completed a Youth Mental Health First Aid course in March. Delivered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the website says, “just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.”
"Trekkers staff are equipped to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges and provide support until youth are connected to professional support," said Trekkers, in a news release.
"By investing in this training, we are ensuring that our staff is more prepared to support the diverse needs of the youth we serve. These essential skills are critical to our ability to deliver safe, high-quality programming," said Diane Sternberg, Programs and Training Director for Trekkers.
Trekkers offers two youth programs, including its core six-year program as well as weekly programming provided in collaboration with the RSU13 Oceanside High School Nova Program. These programs help create positive childhood experiences and connect youth to positive role models from the community, both known to be protective factors for youth with adverse childhood experiences (ACES).
"The completion of this mental health training by Trekkers staff is a proactive measure to meet needs we are seeing more often," said the release. "Trekkers has a long-standing history of making a positive impact on the lives of young people through its mentoring and experiential learning programs. The completion of this mental health training is a testament to the organization's dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in youth mentoring."
For more information about Trekkers and its programs, please visit trekkers.org.
For 30 years, the nonprofit organization Trekkers has been dedicated to helping young people thrive. Through its unique 6-year mentoring and expeditionary learning model, research shows Trekkers helps students increase skills in resiliency, an ability to build positive relationships, and develop aspirations for the future. To learn more, visit the website at trekkers.org.
