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.
Our first PHAT meeting of the year, which took place on 1/29/09, kicked off with special guests from the Pasadena Police Department, City Prosecutor’s Office, Neighborhood Connections, and the Safe Streets Now initiative. At this meeting, residents got to discuss issues in the neighborhood, such as chronic nuisances, and also worked towards developing solutions for them. Other agenda items included reporting on our progress along the PHAT team’s work plan 2009, our Drug-Free Communities work in the neighborhood, and discussion of strategies for community outreach and engagement. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2009; we hope to see you there! Call us for more information.
Drug-Free Community: Campus Health Promoters (CHP)
NATHA has partnered with John Muir High School and Mustangs on the Move to deliver drug prevention education programming for the second year in a row. A grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has made it possible for NATHA to train five youth on prevention and outreach strategies, who will then conduct an outreach campaign on the John Muir campus.
“Youth are taking charge of implementing the change they want to see in their community.”
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.
Beginning this month, the youth will be participating in various training activities, including travel to a Drug-Free Communities Conference in Northern California. They had a great start this season, participating in the annual Drug-Free Communities Conference in Washington, DC! The youth will utilize the skills that they will gain to spread awareness amongst their peers at John Muir High School.
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.