INTRODUCTION
The FACES for the Future Program at John O’ Connell High School (JOCHS) is located in the Mission District neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. The program started in 2015 in partnership with the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Unified School District. The FACES program provides a 2-year healthcare internship and leadership development program for JOCHS students in the 11th and 12th grades. The program supports entry into healthcare professions, including public and behavioral health careers, through internships, workshops, academic support, college preparation and wellness support.
PROGRAM
Health Careers Exploration
- Clinical and non-clinical rotations with San Francisco Department of Public Health agencies, including Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center and Laguna Honda Hospital.
- Exposure to one-on-one relationships with Internship Supervisors who provide support, guidance and hands-on training.
- Interactive Workshops and Field Trips designed to further immerse students in the health and public health professions.
- Interaction with health professionals who regularly present during classroom workshops to enhance healthcare preparatory curricula.
Academic Support and Enrichment
- Health careers preparatory curriculum at John O’ Connell High School, covering topics such as HIPPA, ethics and confidentiality, safety, and professionalism.
- Individualized academic and career support to high school students via one-on-one advising and tutoring.
- College pathways support in helping search for college, apply and receive financial aid.
Wellness Support and Psycho-Social Intervention
- A Psychosocial Program focusing on counseling and education.
- Ongoing case management, psycho-social referrals to appropriate services when appropriate.
- Individualized Life Coaching and academic plans.
- Strong commitment to engaging parents and families in all aspects of the FACES program via parent meetings and phone conferences.
Youth Leadership Development
- Regular personal growth workshops focused on experiential learning about self-advocacy, assertive communication, healthy and unhealthy relationships, stress management, and other relevant topics.
- Team building activities and support experiences.
- Working with and supporting youth to seek out leadership opportunities in FACES as well as their schools and neighborhoods.
LEADERSHIP
Rachelle Banares, Program Coordinator
Rachelle Banares is the Program Coordinator for FACES for the Future in San Francisco. With a passion to support individuals and communities to achieve better health, Rachelle pursued and received her bachelor’s degree in Health Education in 2017 at San Francisco State University. Here she examined health through a social justice lens, exploring possible health determinants and interventions from the individual level all the way up to the public level. During her time at SF State, she also advocated campus health and internship at a Tier three school. Alongside the school’s social worker, they provided students with adverse circumstances individualized care to help improve their academic scores.
After graduating, she continued her work with nonprofit youth programs as she experienced firsthand the success young students can achieve given the right environment. Over the course of eight years, she has provided safe spaces for young students to explore and build their confidence. Through the FACES program Rachelle plans to empower youth to meet their goals through strong mentorship, workshops and hands-on experience in the wellness field. In addition, as a certified yoga instructor she loves helping others discover the benefits of movement and mindfulness. Her love for self-development extends outside of work as she enjoys listening to health podcasts and stays committed to working towards her ideal self.
CONTACT
Rachelle Banares
FACES for the Future, San Francisco
Phone: (510)707-1681
Email: RBanares@phi.org
Ariana Woodard, AmeriCorps VISTA
Ariana Woodard is an Americorps VISTA serving with FACES for the Future San Francisco. She attends the University of San Francisco where she is studying Philosophy with a minor in Latin American Studies. During her time with FACES she hopes to contribute to the removal of barriers to education and health-care careers that low income students face. As a first generation low income college student, she has experienced first hand the difficulties of achieving higher education when you lack the resources and knowledge necessary for success. Throughout her year of service she aims to offer support to the San Francisco program through social media management, partner outreach, and project coordination. Her other passions are crocheting, playing pool and ranting about ethics.
CONTACT
Ariana Woodard
FACES for the Future, San Francisco
Phone: (510) 385-8134
Email: awoodard@phi.org