The Adolescent Wellness Program (AWP) works with youth, schools, community health centers, and other community-based providers to promote the idea of “wellness” and empowerment within the adolescent population of Boston.
Need a wellness health fair?
AWP provides workshops for youth, materials, handouts, and resources.
Want to help adolescents move from risk behaviors to positive alternatives?
Get staff training, youth workshops, health education curriculum, and resources to set up a wellness program.
Do you have young people affected by substance abuse (link to that bureau), gangs and violence (link to VP), teen pregnancy, and other adolescent issues?
Call AWP to train staff and provide model support groups with a psycho-educational focus.
Does your community need help in collaborating, building alliances, or accessing resources?
Let AWP provide technical assistance in team building, networking, creating coalitions, and linking with city and community agencies providing youth services.
Peer leadership program
The peer leadership program serves Boston adolescents. Youth are identified through staff, teachers, and counselor recommendations. Recruitment of high school youth, ages 13 to 17, is facilitated through the Mayor’s Youth Line (is there a link?) and is done on the basis of an application and interview. The youth selected are taught to exemplify wellness and serve as role models of the dimensions of wellness.
What is wellness?
- Being connected to your family, friends, and community
- Feeling good about yourself and directing your life
- Experiencing meaningful work and a chance to grow and develop
- Having your basic needs met and building an economically stable community
- Knowing what your purpose is and having the support to fulfill it
- Living creatively in everything you do
- Having a sense of your own spirituality and belief in yourself and your values
Boston HealthCREW
The Boston HealthCREW trains young men of color to learn and acquire hands-on experience in becoming health educators. The young men also gain personal and professional skills necessary to prepare themselves to address health challenges of other young men in Boston.
As a CREW member, you will gain valuable experience, such as:
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Employable working skills
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Knowledge and importance of self care practices
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How to access various health care systems
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Knowledge of community-based programs and the resources associated with them
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Computer skills
To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18 and 25, live in Boston, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. HealthCREW members receive a stipend.
HealthCREW applications are accepted and reviewed in May and June of each year. Requirements for applying include a HealthCREW application, three references, a resume, essay, and an interview. For more information, contact the Adolescent Wellness Program at 617-534-5196 or adolescentwellness@bphc.org.