31 August 2014

It is not uncommon to hear the current generation referred to as “a generation in crisis.” Statistics regarding high risk behaviors including violence and suicide, substance use and risky sexual behaviors are staggering.

Consider the following facts about Idaho:

• 15% of the population lives below poverty level ⁽¹⁾ and suicide is the second leading cause of death for males ages 10-14. ⁽²⁾
• One in four students in Idaho have reported carrying a weapon of some kind at least once in the past month and 7% reported carrying a weapon onto school grounds. ⁽³⁾
• In 2009, 35% of high school students in Idaho reported using alcohol at least once per month and 22% reported having five or more drinks in a few hours at least once per month. ⁽⁴⁾
• One in four high school students in Idaho reported being offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property. ⁽⁵⁾

At the Ray & Joan Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene, ID, the "Press On" mentoring program focuses on helping students recognize their potential by challenging them to take ownership of their lives in healthy, positive ways. This unique one-on-one mentoring program provides a variety of intentional and experiential activities in an environment where students are supported, encouraged and challenged to grow. The goal is to promote healthy activities and an overall positive lifestyle for students.

     

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth is in 7th grade at Woodland Middle School. When her school counselor encouraged her to sign up for Press On at The Kroc Center, she wasn’t exactly sure what to expect—her family had never had the extra income to go to The Kroc. So when Elizabeth and her mom learned more about the opportunity Press On would provide, they didn’t really know what to say except for, “Yes!”

The very day she met with her mom and counselor to discuss Press On, Elizabeth took the free bus ride from school to the Kroc Center for the first time. She participated in the free Homework Help program, and had the opportunity to play basketball, ping pong and pool with her friends and caring Kroc staff. Elizabeth now goes to The Kroc everyday after school, and she continues to grow and excel along the way.

Mistie is Elizabeth’s mentor. They meet each week and hang out at the Kroc Center, walking and discussing school and life. Elizabeth has particularly enjoyed Press On team huddles. After an opportunity to work with elementary school students Elizabeth asked if she could be a mentor some day. Elizabeth has taken advantage of extra community events, challenged herself with the youth fitness swim program and is currently enrolled in break dancing. "Elizabeth is so excited to try new things." Mistie exclaims, "It has been such a pleasure getting to know her!"

All Elizabeth needed was an opportunity, and — thanks to the many generous contributions of individuals and businesses — she was given one in the form of Press On. Elizabeth will enroll in Press On again in the fall, mentoring new students and having an impact on our community.

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The Program

The Press On program has many facets, each personalized to meet the individual students' needs and intentional relationships:

One-on-one Student/Mentor Relationship: Students learn and have fun at the Kroc or in the community a few times each month while building a positive relationship with an encouraging role model.

Team Huddles: At least one afternoon per month Press On students come together to participate in large and small group activities and events, field trips, community service projects and more!

Individualized Leadership Development: On an individual basis students are offered personal growth opportunities through Kroc programming in the arts, culture, recreation aquatics and fitness. Students are also give opportunities to grow spiritually through participation in The Connection youth group.

With the unique facility and community support, Press On is helping to create an asset-rich environment and encouraging, supportive network of staff and volunteers for students and families in the Coeur d'Alene community. It is one piece of an overall effort by The Kroc Center staff to get people of all ages connected to a positive, healthy community where each person can thrive.

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You Can Help!

Invest in a Student: Join Team 353 and Become a Donor

For less than $1 per day (only $353 per year) you can partner with The Salvation Army to support one student in Press On. This covers leadership materials, meals, mentor activities, assessments, and intentional opportunities for play and enrichment. Your donation will directly and positively impact a child's life, and we are excited to get you involved as an essential partner in this effort to help middle school students thrive.

Questions? Call 208.763.0677 or email presson@kroccda.org.

You can also download a free Press On brochure by clicking HERE.

References

1. US Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16/16055.html
2. Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho http://www.spanidaho.org/docs/factsheet.pdf
3. Idaho State Department of Education. (2009). Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey. http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/csh/docs/ID_YRBS_09_final.pdf
4. CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance. (2009). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5905.pdf
5. Idaho State Department of Education. (2009). Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey. http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/csh/docs/ID_YRBS_09_final.pdf