Jordan High School Teen Mothers Program

1. Long BeachJordan High SchoolJordan W.R.A.P.Teen Mothers Program By: Candace Meehan Program Director cmeehan@lbschools.net

2. Background: • Funding source – ASSET’s Grant (District run program). • Jordan WRAP Program will be in its 10th year this year so we have had time to establish new innovative programs. • We have provided a teen mothers program on and off as needed within those 10 years. • This upcoming year we will launch a peer mentoring program with our teen mothers and our Xi Sisters Leaders.

3. Types of Programs Provided by Jordan WRAP: Omega Brothers Male Leadership Program Cupcake and Cake Decorating Program Jordan WRAP Leadership Camp Retreat Pacific Islander Dance Program Latin Dance Program GSA Making Posters for “No Name Calling Week” Xi Sisters Female Leadership Program Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Mentor Program

4. Extra Stuff… Team Building Activities Pumpkin Carving Service Projects – Spirit of Christmas event for victims of Domestic Violence BBQ’s and Outings – Park Time College Tour CSU Fullerton and USC Service Project Miller Children's Hospital LB 10th grade Youth Summit Human Relations Building Bridges Camp

5. Why we started a teen mothers program at jordan • I personally was a teen mother who dropped out of high school in 11th grade and had a child with special needs when I was 17 years old, but managed to continue on to college and get my AA Degree in Human Services, BA Degree in Sociology and Masters Degree with P.P.S. Credential in Counseling. • There is a huge need at our school and in our community (my experience in recently going to a free clinic – there were tons of young girls in there!!!!! TONS). • Programs and Resources for pregnant teens are dwindling. • Prevention VS Intervention Funding gets cut because programs are working-- or prevention and interventions stop – lack of support Epidemic is high Prevention or Intervention Education Epidemic is high AGAIN or worse

6. Getting Started • Recruit your teen mothers: • Work with school nurse to identify them. • Put flyers and posters up and in Teachers Mailboxes. • Email Counseling Team. • Have student leaders put out the word. After Identifying them: • Meet one on one with each person. • Do an orientation type meeting to get them interested. • Highlight all of the incentives (what’s in it for them?).

7. Incentives • For each meeting they attend they will get a ticket (dollar) after ? meetings they get a pack of diapers and wipes and can pick out of the bucket for baby supplies. • Getting your incentives: • Purchase Diapers and Wipes through grant • Do a baby supplies drive at the school (student leaders can do this). • Teachers and Staff to donate. • Asking community to donate. (I once got a donation of 25 car seats from the city of Long Beach). • Do one or more baby shower celebrations. • Food • Make sure there is food/good snacks at every meeting (They are hungry)

8. Collaborations / staff • Collaborating Community Partners: • California Families in Focus • City of Long Beach • Women Shelter of LB • Interval House • Helpline Youth Counseling • Casa Youth Shelter • Human Dignity Program • Youth Opportunity Center • Workforce Development Office • Long Beach City College • Cal State Long Beach • At least one consistent person needs to run it (whether it is run by one of your staff or if you bring in an agency to run it). **We have done it both ways” • That person needs to make reminder phone calls for each meeting and also frequently meet one on one with each participant (this ensures their continued participation). • Collaborate with community agencies to present topics and bring resources and goodies. • Collaborate and bring on school day staff to present topics and provide resources (this ensures buy in with school). • There may be some reluctance with school staff (be patient).

9. Mentoring Component • Xi Sisters Leadership Program: (40 girls in this program) • Girls will serve as peer mentors and will come to weekly meeting with teen mom. • Girls will be paired up with one teen mom to serve as peer mentor for the year and will meet on their own with them weekly. • Those girls NOT peer mentors will babysit the children in a room nearby when teen mom is in the meetings. • Xi Sisters will get stuff donated for the program. • Peer mentor will help with tutoring and getting their mentees work when they are absent. Meeting with Mentors Relaxation session with Mentors Baby Sitting Picnic at the park

10. Why this Model works • Teen Mothers feel connected to school and the program. (Better chance of success) • Education and Resources are provided. • Mentors are provided for support. • Teen does not feel alone. • We continue to push them forward. " A great fighter is not necessarily one who won the battle but one who never gave up, despite the wounds and struggles." " The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you."

11. Why I continue to do what I do: Because I get notes like these:

12. Conclusion • There needs to be a strong teambuilding/trust component filled with activities that promote this. • There needs to be a variety of topics. • There needs to be deliberate opportunities for them to get to know their own selves. • There must be opportunities for future planning. • They must feel connected to the program in order to keep them coming. • There will be lots of setbacks, don’t get discouraged when your program dwindles down to two. (Childbirth, move away, low interest, family issues, transportation issues, etc).

13. Contact Information Candace Meehan M.S. Counseling P.P.S. Jordan WRAP Program Director Long Beach Jordan High School (562) 423-1471 Ext. 2139 cmeehan@lbschools.net Like our Jordan WRAP Page on FACEBOOK LIKE ME on Facebook Candace Meehan