Members:

Carmen Feysioglu, parent
Pat Wilkins, parent
Mark Cherney, Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service
Barbara DeWolfe, School Social Worker
Jan Dymtrow, Boca Raton Community Hospital
Dr. Linda Hunter, Association for Community Counseling
Dr. Holly Katz, Center for Group Counseling
Rhonda Lesniak, School of Promise Nurse
Abby Ehrman-Klayman, Family Counselor
Dr. Merrilee Middleton, Clinical Psychologist
Jacquie Nicholson, Boca Raton Community Hospital
Christina Oliveros, Social Worker, The Haven
Judy Schachleiter, School of Promise teacher
Diane Schofield, West Boca Medical Center
Andrea Schuver, Parenting Project
Ricky Siegel, Planned Parenthood Educator
Joni Webster, School of Promise Guidance Director

Team members think about healthy bodies and healthy minds as being equally essential to providing a healthy start for adulthood. In addition to having reliable and affordable health care, including immunizations and regular check-ups, attention must be given to mental health status as well. Health education is equally important for bodies and for minds. Just as adequate nutrition and exercise are important, so too, are freedom from harassment, bullying, and depression. Many of these resources are provided to Boca Raton youth, but support systems for adolescents are not accessible in all areas. Parents, group leaders, and other caring adults can provide valuable assistance for youth at this age.

In 2000, The Promise 3 Implementation Team pledged to provide additional support to schools and centers by helping teens deal with issues of importance to them. The team sponsored training for 25 volunteers interested in facilitating the Solutions Unlimited Now (SUN), a group problem -solving program. Sessions are organized by the Association for Community Counseling.

In 2001, the Team planned and sponsored the “Don’t Laugh At Me” (anti-bullying) training for principals and teachers at the Center for Group Counseling and started work on a comprehensive resource directory. The directory, Boca Raton’s 5 Promises Checklist , was introduced to community leaders in October, 2002. Team members are currently conducting a re-assessment of needs and expect to be working in closely with the Palm Beach County School’s Prevention Center.

By: Rita Thrasher, Executive Director