Sources of Strength Program at Northern Humboldt Union High School District Receives $21,000 Boost to Support Vulnerable Students and Families

Press release from the Humboldt Area Foundation+Wild Rivers Community Foundation:

A small, promising program at Northern Humboldt Union High School District that builds deeper connections between staff and vulnerable students received a financial boost via a $21,000 strategy grant from Humboldt Area Foundation+Wild Rivers Community Foundation.

Students and staff participating in the Sources of Strength program at McKinleyville High School oversee a variety of campus activities and events that foster better relationships among staff, students and their families.

The grant for the district’s Sources of Strength program will be used to provide food for inclusive trainings, meetings, and purchase swag to promote the program and share its message of hope on campus and the community, said district social worker Julie Simpson. The grant will also provide food for a series of community “Family Engagement” meetings for underserved and vulnerable students and families seeking resources to deal with stressful events and situations.

“Sharing food together is a key way to bring people together and build community, and something that school districts cannot pay for through regular funding,” Simpson said. “Students in our district and our entire community are in great need of mental health support, and this grant will help us grow the (Sources of Strength) program to facilitate connection, belonging and mentorship.”

Sources of Strength is a nationwide evidence-based, youth resilience-building program that promotes equity and inclusion. More than a program to prevent suicide, violence, bullying and substance use/abuse, it brings together a diverse group of students and adults to build social networks and foster relational connections.

“Social workers and crisis counselors will participate in the (Family Engagement) meetings, connecting with families individually and in the larger group to build relationships, offer support, and increase access to resources that build equity and decrease vulnerability,” Simpson said.

HAF+WRCF’s strategy grant program, funded by its generous donors, is designed to assist groups and projects in Humboldt, Del Norte, Curry, and Trinity counties that are good match with the foundation’s goals of promoting a thriving, just, healthy, and equitable region.

“Sources of Strength is considered an upstream approach to changing outcomes for all youth. Its mission aligns well with our Thriving Youth and Families goal area, with much overlap in relation to racial equity,” said HAF+WRCF Coordinator/Interim Program Officer Bonnie Smith. “Supplementing the program by providing funds for food for trainings and convenings that youth and families attend is a foundational way of fostering outreach and longevity.”

Learn more about HAF+WRCF’s Strategy Grants via email [email protected] or call 707-442-2993. Learn more about Sources of Strength at sourcesofstrength.org.