INTRODUCTION
The FACES for the Future Sacramento program includes both Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High School and Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento. The program launched Fall of 2016 in partnership with the FACES for the Future Coalition. The FACES program provides a multi-year healthcare internship and leadership development program for its students and supports entry into healthcare professions through internships, workshops, academic support, college preparation and wellness support.
FACES Sacramento partners include and have included Dignity Health (Mercy San Juan Medical) Center, SANE (Safer Alternatives through Networking and Education), Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, Sacramento Peers on Prevention, Capital Physical Therapy, Campus Commons Physical Therapy, Food Literacy Center, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, Sacramento Epidemiology, Kubo Optometry, My Sister’s House, Golden Pond Assisted Living Community, Dr. Cam Dental and Surfside Kids Dental.
PROGRAM
Health Careers Exploration
- Clinical and non-clinical rotations with local healthcare and community-based agencies.
- 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 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 HPHS, covering topics such as HIPAA, 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
For inquiries about the Sacramento Program, contact Jasmine Nakagawa-Wong at jnakagawa-wong@phi.org.
Courtney Ma, AmeriCorps VISTA
Courtney Ma is the AmeriCorps VISTA for FACES Sacramento. She was born and raised in Sacramento, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Creighton University. Passionate about health education, she’s worked as a tutor for students ranging from middle school to college in subjects including math, English, and biological sciences. In her free time, Courtney enjoys volunteering, baking, and most recently has taken up painting, a hobby she picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s excited to work with and serve the community she grew up in, and is looking forward to building relationships with the students, staff, and partners of FACES Sacramento Program.
CONTACT
Courtney Ma
AmeriCorps VISTA
Email: Cma@phi.org