To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is in regards to my recommendation of Haven Straughter. I have had the

pleasure of knowing Ms. Straughter for approximately two years through her
involvement with the Merced County Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery
Services youth development programs. With the County I serve as the Alcohol and Drug
Prevention Worker, implementing youth development programs such as Friday Night
Live Mentoring and our annual Youth 2 Youth conference. Through her junior and senior
year of high school Ms. Straughter has served in our Friday Night Live Mentoring
program as a mentor and as a staff member of our Youth 2 Youth conference. As a peer
mentor, Ms. Straughter interacted with middle school aged youth who were identified as
at-risk. She assisted in activities and discussions around the topic of healthy lifestyle
choices free from alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. She led an evidence based
curriculum with students teaching them about healthy coping skills and effective ways of
communicating. While serving as a mentor with FNL Mentoring and Youth 2 Youth she
has been able to provide support for over 30 middle school aged youth.

Ms. Straughter has demonstrated her creativity and hard work ethic in our Mentoring
program. She is willing to take leadership roles and step out side of her comfort zone.
Ms. Straughter leads by example and makes sure others are on task. She handles change
well and is organized. Most importantly, she provides a welcoming environment to the
students in our program and makes it easy for them to relate to her. She is well liked and
respected among her peers.

As a high school senior, she challenges herself with college courses, volunteers after
school and on weekends, and participates in leadership roles on her high school campus.
She will be the first in her family to attend college. I strongly believe Ms. Straughter will
succeed and excel in any direction she chooses to pursue.

I write and submit to you this letter of recommendation without reservation for Haven
Straughter. I value her commitment in our local programming efforts to reduce substance
abuse among youth and provide safe spaces for all students.

Sincerely,

Marissa Chavez
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Worker
Merced County
Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
AOD Prevention Unit
209- 381- 6880
mchavez@co.merced.ca.us