peerhelpers Jennifer Claire More PROGRAM ‘What Is Peer Helping Peer Helping is a variety of supportive services initiated by peers of elementary, middle, and high school students, in diverse settings. Peer Helpers are young people who are trained and supervised by professionals who adhere to ethics and standards of The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation. Peer Helper students are taught a set of core skills that empower them to assist fellow students with emotional, societal, behavioral, and educational challenges they face in day-to-day life, The 17-week course is an accredited elective for Middle and High school students. If the course is not offered, Peer Helping can be a club as itis in Intermediate and Elementary schools. The program covers several of the issues that affect our youth today, such as: bullying | parental divorce | body image | family sickness | grief and coping | depression Why Peer Helping ‘The concept of Peer Helping is based on the fact that ‘when a young person is seeking help, validation or guidance, they turn to a peer first and reach out to their parents much later, ifatall. Therefore, itis our youth that ‘we will continue to empower to support one another because they make the greatest positive impact. Roles Of Peer Helpers Peer helpers serve as tutors, mentors, mediators, and, advocates for their peers and assist new students in transitioning between schools and communities. Benefits of Peer Helping ‘The Peer Helper program helps students stay in school, avoid risky behaviors, graduate, choose not to commit suicide, and ‘make administrators aware of students’ situations at home that require social services intervention. The program has helped students continue in school while they were homeless, thrive after drug overdoses, overcome bullying, improve their grades, and get connected to other students for the first time in their lives. The program provides role models and assistance to children who may have none at home. Schools have become overburdened with discipline and learning issues that often stem froma lack of parenting or adult supervision, and the system has neither the means nor the obligation to address parenting problems. Peer Helpers fill the void for students who need time and attention to help guide them through their education Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation's Role Over the past 19 years, the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation has developed and implemented Peer Helper Programs in 46 schools, public and private, in Baldwin County, Alabama, Not only have these programs been successful, the program has exceeded their expectations. A former Superintendent of The Baldwin County Board of Education stated, “m convinced that the Peer Helper Program is the most valuable thing that schools have.” Building on the success of the programs in Baldwin County, the Jennifer Claire ‘Moore Foundation is now thrilled to assist other school systems wishing to implement their own program similar to the Baldwin County, Alabama model. Be the good... Show the evayy... Lend a Hand / ‘To learn more about: Peer Helper Programs and how the the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation can help peerhelpers.org | 251.971.3633 BeHOG eyo tien ou1. 2. ia: 4. Peer Helper Program Code of Ethics peerhelpers aimed. Smt. Lain sn | will participate in required Peer Helper training. | will make honesty, leadership, and service a personal priority. | will do my best to be a caring person, treating others with respect and dignity. Iwill be a positive school role model, abiding by the rules and regulations. | will represent myself with integrity at school, off campus, and on all social media. | will abstain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal drugs; furthermore, | will avoid situations in which students are using the above drugs. | will maintain confidentiality of program related activities in all cases EXCEPT: a. Illegal activity occurring on campus b, When there is a threat of serious harm to self or others c. When physical or sexual abuse is reported d. When problems are severe enough beyond the expertise of peer helping | will report the above exceptions immediately to designated professional staff. Upon being selected into the Peer Helper Program, you will receive your contract which includes this Code of Ethics. Your contract must be signed and returned to be accepted into the Peer Helper Program.PEER HELPER APPLICATION peerhelpers Péer Helping Core Beliefs: Guided by Integrity, Value of ‘ite Claire Moors Service, and Commitment to Excellence tea gooe. Semin. nes end! Jenni fe emoore ondahon . Cony This application must be completed, signed by a parent, and returned by_ May 10 : Please complete the following information: (PRINT) Email: Social Media Outlet(s): Social Media Username(s): HR Teacher: Current Grade: Parent/Guardian name: Daytime #: 2. List your extra-curricular activities. 3. Background Information: Please answer the following questions making explanations where needed. a. Were you a peer helper in middle school? If so, where? b. Explain any excessive absences. . Have you ever failed a class? If so, what class and when? d. Did you have any discipline referrals this year? If 50, explain. 4, Attendance Report. Please print and submit your attendance record with your application. 5. Confirmation. if chosen as a Peer Helper, | understand that: a. I must participate in required Peer Helper training. b. I must set a positive example for my classmates by being accepting, supportive, and helpful. ¢. I represent myself with integrity in photos & communication on social media sites, texting, etc. 4. If selected, | must sign below and adhere to the Peer Helper Program Code of Ethics. (on back- please read) Your signature: date: Parent/Guardian signature date: 6. Open Ended Response: On a separate sheet of paper in 100-150 words, explain your philosophy concerning service to others. Please include your strengths which would allow you to serve as an asset to the program. You may wish to include specific examples of times you've demonstrated helping behaviors in the past. (This is a great part of your score, so take this seriously. i.e, more than “I want to be a Peer Helper because | want/like to help my friends/peers.) The final selection will be based on a point system, scored by the following: regular attendance; few disciplinary referrals; open ended response; and evaluations from teachers and past Peer Helpers. For Program Coordinator Use Only: Score Dis. At. Grades Final Approval