Eureka, CA – April 20, 2009 – The State Farm Es Para Mi program is issuing a $1000 grant to the Humboldt County Board of Education. The funds will be applied towards the Gang Risk Intervention Program (G.R.I.P.) and the School Community Violence Prevention Program (SCVPP) at Eureka and Fortuna High Schools. In addition to addressing the problem of violence, the programs are working towards getting students to stay in school and complete their high school education.
Over 250 students are involved in the programs at the two schools. The majority of involved students are from minority populations, and most are in this program by their own choice. Others are referred by school administration, probation or law enforcement. The G.R.I.P. is the only program in Humboldt County that focuses on prevention and intervention for at-risk youth.
The programs have several methods for working with students including addressing social skills, education, cultural awareness, and recreation. The inclusion of self-esteem building skills has proven to be highly successful in reducing violence, increasing interest in education, and reducing dropout rates. In addition, getting students involved in their communities through volunteer work and activities has also shown to have an impact on positive behavior.
The State Farm Es Para Mi program was started in July of 2008, reaching over 30 million Spanish speaking people in its first year. In 2009, the campaign has identified education, civic engagement and culture in the Latino community as the prime areas of focus.
The opportunity for this grant was brought to the attention of State Farm Agent Janet Holmes by her staff member Marie Peterson, who was familiar the program and its success in local high schools. “I saw Simona Keat, the coordinator for the Gang Risk Intervention Program on the local news recently,” said Holmes. “Marie and I thought the State Farm Es Para Mi program would be a great fit for the impressive work they’re doing.”
State Farm is America’s largest insurer of homes and cars. In California, State Farm insures over three million cars and 1.3 million homes. The policies are serviced by over 1,800 California agents and more than 4,200 employees.
Janet Holmes, State Farm Insurance at (707) 443-4523