By Jennifer Potter | Prevention Education Coordinator
The Prevention & Education Team — myself, Tami, and Charlene — spent July and August reviewing our new elementary curriculum and shaping it into a strong, workable presentation format. Unfortunately, Charlene resigned due to mental and physical health challenges two weeks before school started, leaving just Tami and me to carry the workload for September, October, and November. At the same time, we were reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy. It was quite the balancing act!
September: A Lightning-Fast Start
The school year kicked off at full speed with 11 schools on our calendar.
Tami and I visited:
A total of 5,484 students received prevention education services in September.
October: Our Busiest Month + Bullying Awareness Month
October is always our most demanding month — and this year was no exception. In addition to non-stop school presentations, it was also Bullying Awareness Month, and we were determined to hire and train a new advocate.
After squeezing interviews between school visits, we welcomed our newest team member, Amy, who hit the ground running. Even while learning the curriculum and working toward facilitator certification, she jumped in with enthusiasm.
Together, P&E visited 13 schools:
It was a whirlwind (honestly, I’m not sure I remember all of it!), but we reached 8,770 students in October.
November: A Slight Pause to Breathe
November slowed down just a bit with five schools and the Thanksgiving holiday week. Amy shadowed Tami and me, organizing her notes and building confidence with the curriculum.
We visited:
Altogether, 3,833 students received services in November.
December: A Short but Spirited Finish
December brought 7 schools —
6 elementary and 1 middle school — all packed into just three weeks instead of the usual four and a half.
One of our team members faced a family crisis during this time, and our newest staff member along with our intern, Akira, stepped up in big ways. Akira even presented their first classes solo and did an amazing job. They’ll continue to find their groove, but their willingness to rise to the challenge meant the world to me.
Looking Ahead
Teachers have responded very positively to our new curriculum, which is wonderful to hear. We’ve already scheduled 54 schools for the 2025–2026 academic year, with more requests coming in as word spreads.
A Grateful Heart
As we head into the holidays, I’m incredibly grateful for this little team of ours. We truly function like a family — showing up for each other through illness, crisis, and long days that require every ounce of teamwork and heart.
Thank you, Tami, Amy, and our intern Akira. I couldn’t do this without you.
And to our GlobalGiving donors:
Your support makes every single one of these school visits possible.
You help us reach thousands of children with safety education that can empower them, protect them, and change their lives.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
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