14 / 16
1 4
|
L i v e Yo u n g e r L o n g e r
Every Child
Schools are a natural, comfortable
gathering place for families. That’s why
they’re perfect for the Hub program, a
community and school partnership. Two
Hubs — one on the Upper Lake school
campus and one at the St. Helena
Konocti Wellness Center — give rural
families easier access to educational,
health and social supports.
According to Shelly Mascari, “Each Hub
is an umbrella under which many Lake
County agencies make services available.”
That means each Hub is a one-stop shop
where families can connect with resources
that help them succeed. Those resources,
tailored to each community, include:
St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake encourages all local businesses and
agencies to join in supporting this unique and inspiring program. Visit
www.lakecountyheroproject.comfor more information or register to
become a superhero to the little ones in your life.
Who can change hats faster than a speeding bullet — from nurse to chef,
cheerleader to ref, teacher to playtime BFF? If you guessed “A parent,” you’re right.
According to Shelly Mascari, former director of communications at Lake County
Office of Education, an even better answer might be “A hero.”
“Every child needs a hero to help them reach their potential,” Mascari says.
Parents, she believes, are perfect for the role. And that belief is at the heart
of Lake County’s creative new parent engagement program, The Hero Project.
One-stop shopping for
social services
The Hub:
For information, call:
Upper Lake: 707.275.8166
Lower Lake: 707.995.1806
■
Medical services referrals and information.
■
Dental services referrals and information.
■
Transportation resources.
■
Food, clothing and housing information.
■
Counseling services for youth and
families.
■
Parenting support and education.
■
Help with new insurance options
through the Affordable Care Act.
The challenge
Chances are you’ve seen one of The Hero Project’s billboards, which feature local
heroes: families who live right here in Lake County. These role models — some
couples, some single parents, some grandparents — have donned capes to help
inspire all Lake County adults to be heroes to the kids in their lives. “Even the best
parents face challenges,” says Mascari, who says The Hero Project is a go-to support
system for all parents.
Through its website, monthly challenges and smartphone app, The Hero Project offers
simple yet inspiring tips and strategies that adults can try right away to help them:
■
Hone their parenting superpowers.
■
Savor the special moments of childhood.
■
Help their kids succeed in school and in life.
The Hero Project has been in existence for one full school year. With more than
1,300 members registered and almost 1,000 social media followers, it is estimated that
50 percent of all Lake County children age 0 to 8 have at least one parent enrolled.
During the summer, The Hero Project will sponsor a “Super Hero Scramble” obstacle
course and offer specially created coloring books at the Lake County Fair. But come
fall, the superpowers that will be championed at local events will be “Advocate”
and "Read."
Needs a Hero
Be a hero. Get involved.
Since the writing of this article, Shelly Mascari has joined St. Helena
Hospital Clear Lake as our new Director of Community Wellness. She is
developing initiatives to help the hospital to better reach our community
and improve health outcomes in our county. Look forward to hearing from
Shelly in upcoming issues of
Live Younger Longer
.
Welcome
aboard
,
Shelly
!