Sources of Strength

By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

The Adams County Health Department is offering a grant-funded program this summer to ACOVSD children in grades 1 through 6. The program is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week except for holidays.

Heather Dickens, Head of Community Services for Behavior Health, described the program held from June 4 through August 1 at the former Oliver School from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The program started two weeks ago. Dickens said they didn’t know how many children would be interested but 32 signed up for the program and 30 of those applicants were not currently being served by the Department. They haven’t had all 32 show up, but the turnout has been around 20 plus each day.

A big concern for families was transportation. They wanted to ensure their children weren’t placed on FRS vans with adult strangers. Dickens worked with Justin Maddox of FRS, and they set aside three routes solely for children attending the program. She said, “That was awesome because transportation was our biggest barrier.”

The program utilizes an evidence-based curriculum called Sources of Strength. The focus is on mental health, family support, positive friends, mentors, health activities, generosity, spirituality and physical health.

The day includes breakfast, group work, lunch (which sometimes includes life skill videos) and free play.

A licensed social worker and a licensed practicing counselor are working with the program. Two school Care Coordinators and Dickens also work each day along with two high school mentors.

The Health Department cannot take monetary donations, so their licensed social worker, Braydan Shelton, took care of donations for the program. The Adams County Homeless Shelter is helping with fruit donations, and they have received some fresh produce donations. The Adams County Office of Economic Development contributed $500 and the Adams County Medical Foundation donated $2,000. The 2024 Leadership Adams Class raised approximately $2,000 for this project with their recent golf scramble. The Precinct Café will also donate their tips for this month towards the program.

Monies will also be used for extra food, FRS passes for children who do not qualify, and fans. All purchase receipts are accounted for.

Dickens said, “We have a wonderful staff of people who care not only in our youth program but throughout our entire behavioral health division. We want to be a safe space for kids and provide them with anything we can.”