As the champion for change around domestic violence, I recently told a group of adults that I have re-examined my expectations that it will be impossible to completely eradicate domestic violence from our community.
Mississinewa Natural Helpers
This revelation came about because of an incredible opportunity I had to witness first hand a group of Mississinewa students with a passion, desire and commitment to change the landscape around domestic violence.
I recently told a group of adults that I have re-examined my expectations that it will be impossible to completely eradicate domestic violence from our community.
I heard from these future leaders that domestic violence was not going to be part of their lives or the lives of those around them. I heard some heart breaking stories, but as the stories were shared, I heard hope in their voices, not defeat.
I also heard from their teachers and administrators the depth of commitment and passion they have for the work they do and the ongoing support to stop this devastating crime.
As part of the ongoing work Hands of Hope is doing to transform Grant County around healthy relationships, Mississinewa Community Schools has committed to implementing a program called Natural Helpers.
Natural Helpers is a peer based helping program designed for middle and high school students who want to strengthen their communication and helping skills by providing support and service to others. Natural Helpers is based on a simple premise: students naturally seek out other trustworthy students, and occasionally teachers, for advice, assistance, or just a sympathetic ear.
Students and school adults are chosen through an anonymous survey process where they also choose top concerns (grades, rumors, drug use, etc.). A cross section of students identified by the survey is then invited to attend the retreat. The retreat is designed to engage students in team building and problem solving skills, while breaking down barriers with the diverse group. Participants also learn active listening skills, knowing their limitations to helping others, and how to better care for themselves. Natural Helpers are not professionally trained counselors or therapists.
When I first introduced this program to the administration at Mississinewa Community Schools, the enthusiasm for the opportunity was immediate.
The program focuses on reinforcing positive norms and changing negative ones. By focusing on the attitudes and behaviors of individual Natural Helpers, the program seeks to influence those norms. The changes occur on several levels: one to one, when Natural Helpers are helping their friends; in the classroom, when Natural Helpers are learning skills and forming attitudes; and in the school & community.
When I first introduced this program to the administration at Mississinewa Community Schools, the enthusiasm for the opportunity was immediate. After months of planning, the Natural Helpers retreat, led by Joan Knies from Crisis Connection in Jasper was realized.
One aspect that impressed me greatly about the retreat was the dedication of the Mississinewa teachers and administrators who unselfishly gave up their Sunday to empower their students who had been selected by their peers to begin this journey. The teachers who attended were selected by the middle school and high school student body as ones who students respected, and who students might turn to in time of need.
The teachers and administrators who deserve a heartfelt thanks are: Teachers Mrs. Arbogast, Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Little, Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Speakman, Mr. Armes, Mr. Reed, Mrs. Osborne, Ms. South, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Van Winkle, Mr. Taylor, Mr.Felger, Mr. Alsup and Principal Mr. Quaderer.
One aspect that impressed me greatly about the retreat was the dedication of the Mississinewa teachers and administrators. . .
Each of these individuals not only gave up their Sunday, Feb. 8 and time with their families, but spent the night with 22 students – grades 8 to 11 and continued their day on Monday, Feb. 9. A special thanks also to Lezlie Winter the master planner behind the scenes who ensured that all the behind the scenes planning was secured and carried out. And, lastly thanks to Mrs. Eckstein who also participated in the training.
It was an incredible opportunity, that is so needed in Grant County, and for that I want to shout out my praise and thanks to the Mississinewa Community School Corporation for their commitment to changing the culture in their piece of the world.
I had the incredible opportunity to see first-hand how the Natural Helpers program can impact lives of both students and adults during the two-day retreat.
A few words that immediately come to mind as I reflect on the two day retreat are: compassion, dedication, limitless understanding, commitment, selflessness, caring, impassioned and respectful.
It was an incredible beginning, to an amazing opportunity for change that will only fully occur if we in the greater community stand with not only Mississinewa School Corporation, but all in Grant County. And this can be accomplished by changing the landscape of expectations around what is accepted behavior – instead of settling for mediocrity, we must aspire to be our best, always – so when a child living in a violent home goes to school, church, a youth serving organization or even a local restaurant, that child is seeing positive bucket filling behaviors. Then that child will begin to realize that what is happening at home is not positive and not the way life is supposed to be. Then, and only then, can we truly say we are moving towards eradication of domestic violence in our community.
