CARLA DAVIS- SMITH; Innovative HS Mental Health Program Creator(recognized by NJEA & Gov. Phil Murphy)

CARLA DAVIS- SMITH; Innovative HS Mental Health Program Creator(recognized by NJEA & Gov. Phil Murphy) TOPIC: Carla Davis-Smith’s volunteer journey for the greater good of mankind with special emphasis on children’s mental health. The month of May being Mental Health Month brings into focus her much needed, timely and relevant work during the pandemic. These are some of the events she hosted: · A clinician provided stress reduction techniques and coping strategies to students faced with isolation issues and challenges with attending school remotely · One on one visits with nineteen (19) students at their homes, these students were specifically from Atlantic City High School population identified as facing homelessness and being displaced – hygienic care packages and a voucher for a meal at a local restaurant were presented to these students on Valentine’s Day · Conversations with male students and their parents – Presenter Nate Evans, Jr., motivational speaker and best-selling author of “I love you: Letters of Love from Black Men to Black Boys”. Participants were presented with a copy of his book and a gift voucher for services to a local barber shop · Two (2) paint parties hosted by an art teacher from Atlantic City High School and a local artist from the community. · Upcoming Road Safety Awareness session on May 27th with a presenter from AAA These are a some of the events that were offered to our students via zoom with the objective of encouraging them and also checking in from a mental health angle. But, Carla’s volunteer journey did not ignite due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work goes back to being an adolescent growing up in Jamaica. She has been involved in Key Club (youth arm of the Kiwanis Club) during high school; Leo Club (youth arm of Lions International); student liaison for AFS-USA, which is an international, voluntary, non-government, non-profit organization that provide intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world; Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer; Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey troop leaders for troop #11223 & 12278; President & Fundraising Coordinator for Atlantic City High School Track & Field Parent Association. Carla’s is passionate about nurturing and investing in our youths (our future). Her belief is “a that community is nothing without the health and well being of our children – our future”!