PAVE: Advocating for Others, Healing the Self

At MHALC, we are all about education, prevention and advocacy. But we are also about relationships and fostering ways to improve them all the time. One of the impactful programs that we offer is the Prevent Assault & Violence Education (PAVE) program that utilizes high school student volunteers who go into the middle schools to tech about bullying, media literacy, physical abuse and sexual assault.

The students who do this might know what they are talking about in far too personal ways. Many of the students who teach about these issues have already experienced some of them. So not only do the students reach younger children about very sensitive topics, but they also learn healthier ways of coping themselves and create their own PAVE family setting. PAVE members are empowered by learning about the underlying reasons that may cause some of these negative behaviors. Then they are able to gain asset building skills to help them maneuver this portion of their life and be better prepared for what their future may hold.

Two PAVE members have shared parts of their stories with our group. In this posting are the words they want everyone to hear. Not only do they want other teens to know how PAVE has helped them, but they want schools, educators, parents, peers, family and other students just like them to know how PAVE can change a life. They are cared for, utilized, empowered, strengthened, and valued as members of this afterschool family. What may be most important about their vital membership with the group is that they are not judged, they are free to be themselves, they are welcome to bring friends – or not. They are accepted just where and how they are. Isn’t that really what we all want?

PAVE was a life changing experience for me. I was having a lot of family problems & was always depressed. One day I was talking to my friend Dallas about my problems so he brought me to PAVE. I have learned many ways to deal with my problems. Being in PAVE has turned my life around. Everyone involved in PAVE is like family to me. I can trust everyone and openly talk about my problems and not worry about being judged. PAVE really helps when you have problems or even if you just want to help people.

- Miranda Nixon

This is my second year at P.A.V.E. and I am glad to be a part of this group. I feel like I have a family here. Our first day we come together as strangers, and at the end of the day we leave as friends. 

            Recently, I had a personal experience with sexual assault - last month. I felt like there was no one I could talk to. I came to P.A.V.E and we had 'circle time'. That is where we sit in a circle and each person gets the chance to say what they are thinking, whether it was on the topic we discussed that day, or a personal issue that is weighing on your mind. When it got to me, I started to shake, and my voice was choppy. I told my story to everyone that was there. I felt very relieved that I was able to talk about it. The part that touched me most was what happened afterword. I was sitting in my seat, shaking and crying...and Miranda comes running to me, hugs me and says, "I love you Caley!"

            P.A.V.E is a great place to release your feelings. You can speak your mind and not worry about being judged, it is a safe place. Everyone there has touched me in some way. I will never forget the whole experience. I hope to come back after I graduate in the spring. P.A.V.E. Rocks!!

Caley

~Senior at Utica

--Jan GreenRiver
Director of Prevention