I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Way of San Juan County for their generous grant that has enabled the restart of the nationally recognized program “Natural Helpers” here on Orcas Island.

Last fall, the first 14 Natural Helpers youth grades 6-8, along with five Natural Helper adults ,participated in the initial retreat training at Camp Orkila. Coming up on June 5 we will hold the first followup meeting, which is open to all island middle school youth. This unique program combines fun, friendship and learning, as new and returning Natural Helpers continue to hone their “peer helping” skills based on making good decisions, empathic listening, knowing how to seek adult help, and resolving conflict.

The grant from the United Way has helped the collaborating Partners – the Orcas Family Health Center, DVSAS, Readiness to Learn and the Funhouse – purchase materials, fund the retreat training, bring out trainers from ESD 189 and plan future activities for this new youth group.

5th – 9th grade has been shown by research to be an important time for youth to establish inner guidelines and character traits that influence them throughout life. Activities such as Natural Helpers have proven to positively increase bonds between students, caring adults and the community and are a “safety factor” that can also greatly reduce negative peer pressure and influences to engage in risky behavior such as underage drinking and tobacco and drug experimentation.

Thank you to the United Way of San Juan county for your generous support in helping to bring this program to Orcas Island youth.

Marta Nielson, Director

Orcas Island Prevention Partnership