Community Development Programs
NATHA offers a full-range of community programs
The Public Health Action Team (PHAT)
NATHA's Drug-Free Community Coalition
Composed of NATHA board and staff members, Pasadena Health Department Staff and community volunteers, PHAT created a 3-year community health and safety improvement plan to address four priority concerns: drug prevention and intervention, youth activity options, neighborhood safety and neighborhood beautification. Through partnerships with public agencies and volunteer effort, NATHA has made progress in each area.
The PHAT Coalition which is spearheading our 5 year Drug Free commnunties grant held it's last meeting of 2011 on October 25, 2011. The meeting highlighted the 3 episode completion of the "Pretty little Drunk " webseries, future community outreach efforts, and discussions about social hosting between youth and representatives from the Pasadena police department. In 2012 the PHAT coalition will be focusing on broader community engagement , social media promotion , and strengthening partnerships witihin our community.
Drug-Free Community: Campus Health Promoters (CHP)
The Campus Health Promoters is an intership program with ten youth from Pasadena high schools who are actively engaged in spreading anti drug and alcohol abuse messages to school age children and their peers.
The youth have already begun to take action against drug and alcohol abuse, working on various Public Service Announcements that teach community members the facts about drug and alcohol abuse. Our teens are utilizing their artistic and technological skills, along with their passion for community change, to improve the Lincoln Village Community.
The Campus Health Promoters have sucessfully completed their first webseries called "Pretty Little Drunk " which they produced in partnership with OnWeb television production. You can view the first three episodes at www.prettylittledrunk.com
“Youth are taking charge of implementing the change they want to see in their community.”
What's Cooking?
A cooking and nutrition class offered at the local high school teaches healthful eating habits. In its first season, the eight-session class enrolled 15 students, while 30 others were wait-listed. Continued high demand enabled NATHA to enlist the support of The Nutrition Network, which generally participates in in-school programs only.
Past Community Development Projects
Neighborhood Revitalization Project
Working with residents, property owners and the City of Pasadena, NATHA sponsored a Parkway Improvement Project. Activities included:
- Removing old plant material and weeds
- Amending soil
- Broadcasting mulch in areas where other plants will not survive because of mature trees
- Installing beautiful drought tolerant groundcovers, and
- Planting sod where residents prefer.
The Healthy Living Club
Designed to inform and encourage residents to eat healthfully, the Club offers a variety of nutrition options that provide culturally appropriate alternatives to high fat and high calorie diets. Facilitated by a local chef, a nutritionist and CHPs, Club activities include nutrition and cooking workshops, health education and recipe parties.
The Neighborhood Healthy Families Program promotes physical, mental and social well being while educating residents of all ages in modifying the behaviors that contribute to health problems.
The Gardening Club
Two senior citizen CHPs help this group of home gardeners find ways to use the fruits and vegetables they grow in healthful recipes.
The 5-a-Day campaign
Encourages healthy eating for students at the nearby elementary school. For the past four years, NATHA has offered special activities and presentations to approximately 60 5th and 6th grade students per year. Special promotions and 5-a-Day curriculum encourage these youngsters to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Anti-drug efforts
NATHA offers Project Alert, a school-based drug prevention program for middle grade youth, and actively participates in Day One’s efforts to reduce alcohol, tobacco and drug use in the local area. NATHA is developing a curriculum for high school students and a companion curriculum for parents for delivery at the local middle and high schools, NATHA’s Neighborhood Resource Center and other community-based organizations that serve youth.
If you would like to join NATHA's Community Development Programs, please call the Projects Coordinator at (626) 794-5889 ext. 204.