Community stewardship through our Youth

By ANNIE GARDNER

Jon Kabat-Ziinn said, “We take care of the future best by taking care of the present now.”

These words ring true now more than ever as we face an evolving landscape of societal pressures and environmental changes. One of the best ways to take care of the present is through community stewardship.

Community Stewardship is broadly defined as the careful and responsible management of resources, and the collective effort of a community to sustain healthy, equitable and responsible relationships and habits that help a community connect and thrive. This means that as a collective whole, we embrace opportunities to engage in health and well-being. We create a culture of belonging and inclusion. We embrace a shared vision and are open to change. We recognize that resources do not belong to any one entity but are a shared responsibility that must be treated with special care. Stewardship is a concept for everyone to embrace - from our highest elected leaders to our youngest impressionable community members. Therefore, community stewardship is an integral aspect of community growth and health.

At Safe Harbor Coronado, we whole heartedly embrace and implement the principles of community stewardship. Our mission is to provide our community with skills, supports and resources for mental health and wellness. This means that we work with and for our community to be good stewards of mental health. Because our children are our most precious resource, we strive to include them in this stewardship effort. Thus, we bring programs and partnerships to all Coronado schools. Further, Safe Harbor Coronado is advancing and expanding our internship program at Coronado High School by adding 13 students to our internship program. These students are role models and work within the high school and the greater community to help steward connections, relationships, healthy use of resources and the Safe Harbor Coronado mission. Each of these students adds their unique talents, perspectives and personalities to the Safe Harbor Coronado team and helps advance the message of mental health and wellness. We are proud to introduce them to the community and hope all will have the opportunity to interact and help advance the stewardship of mental health and wellness throughout the coming year.

Safe Harbor Coronado provides lowcost counseling, youth and parenting programs, and community education. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to learn more about our community stewardship, go to SafeHarborCoronado.org. Sign up for the e-newsletter and follow us on social media @SafeHarborCoronado to stay connected and make sure you never miss a Safe Harbor Coronado Event!

Ella Smith – 12th Grade

Ella is a senior at CHS, heavily involved in COSA Technical Theater. As a second year intern, she has been instrumental in helping mentor local youth about mental health and wellness through SHC.

Nicholas DeSena - 11th grade

I do a lot of community service, mainly through a club at CHS called Interact. We do a variety of service work including beach cleanups and assist with Coronado Rotary. My favorite activity is visiting the Hacienda Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.

Alexander Emmanuel Mizrachi – 9th Grade

I try to help my community by helping my family, friends, and Jewish community. I help them with fighting antisemitism. I also have joined the Best Buddies Club which helps others with special needs (Check the club mission). I also am in the Feeding San Diego club, in which I help give out food to the hungry and homeless once a month.

Sadie Proctor – 12th Grade

Over the past few years, I have found ways to give back to my community through Safe Harbor Coronado and other activities. I am an ASB Executive Commissioner, where I plan fundraisers and events for outreach to CHS students. I also volunteer as a Miracle League Buddy where I help disabled teenagers play baseball, and I actively participate in many CHS clubs!

Izzy Arroyo – 9th Grade

I am part of Safe Harbor Coronado, Young Life Youth Group, and I volunteer at Coronado Junior Lifeguards and Emerald Keepers. I am also part of COSA, Coronado Academy of Dance.

Rio Kramer - 9th grade

I am part of the club, Young Life, which helps kids in the community after school. I am also on the girls tennis team which is planning to visit women’s shelters and create wellness blankets for the homeless.

Xavier Marsh – 10th Grade

I work with boy scouts to keep the city clean and as a part of my Eagle Scout badge, I recently completed a dog toy shelf for PAWS after the water damage they sustained after our big rainstorm destroyed their storage. I also help as an assistant coach for an off-campus track club to help them with social and running skills.

Eva Vinegrad - 12 grade

Through my time at CHS, I have been an active member of the community. My time is spent with not only Safe Harbor Coronado, but clubs like Junior Optimists and National Honor Society, I have volunteered my time to support mental health and community programs. I am also a founding member of CHS Stop the Sewage and have been a strong advocate for clean beaches and environmental health.

Morgan Maske – 11th Grade

I aim to protect mental well-being by participating in Safe Harbor Coronado events and Rady’s Auxiliary fundraisers. I also provide a safe space for the on-campus clubs I lead.

Lucy Joubran – 9th Grade

I help kids feel better about themselves, about their lives, and help the community through the Safe Harbor Coronado internship. I love giving people coping skills and support. I also keep the community clean by picking up trash so it’s a better place.

Savannah McCauley - 11th grade

I am a steward by helping other students with stress and mental balance. I created a Mindfulness Club at CHS where students can relax and learn about the benefits of practicing mindfulness. Not only do students get the chance to practice mindfulness, but they also get a chance to meet new students and connect with the counselors.

Lily McMaster – 12th Grade

I am a senior at CHS and this is my second year interning with SHC. In my day-to-day life, I aim to stay positive and happy no matter what. I do this by taking care of my body, exercising, recycling and spending time with people that make me feel good. I intern at SHC to help my peers know that they are not alone and to release the stigma of mental health.