The Red Hook Initiative Creating Change From Within: Peer Health Education

Mission Statement The Red Hook Initiative works to confront and affect the consequences of intergenerational poverty by providing support in the areas of education, employment, health, and community development. We believe that social change starts within individuals. We empower people who live in the community by providing training and employment so in turn, they can create their own programs and provide support services to their neighbors, family, and friends.

Peer Health Education Stage One: Training Stage Two: - Community Education - Peer to Peer Counseling - Workshops - Referrals

Peer Health Educators

Training 10 – 12, teenage girls (ages 14-17) living in the Red Hook, Brooklyn community. Develop a comprehensive understanding of sexuality, reproductive health, and health education techniques. Build their knowledge of reproductive justice. Group meets minimum of twice a week year round.

Peer to Peer Counseling Ability to identify youth in crisis faster than adults (on the ground approach). Engage young people in age and stage appropriate discussions around reproductive health and wellness. Create a safe space for teens to discuss reproductive health issues and get referrals for comprehensive care.

Workshops Create and facilitate their own workshops for teens in their community. Travel to local schools and organizations to teach other youth reproductive health. Reduce the number of dangerous myths and misinformation surrounding sexuality and sexual expression. Become the referral resource for peers.

Peer Health Educators teaching a HIV workshop to their peers

Other benefits Bi-weekly paychecks throughout the year. Work study/tutoring (min 1 hour/week). 1:1 Health/social work screenings (2x/year). High school and college application assistance and/or advocacy in school. Builds employment and job readiness skills Young women see themselves as leaders in their own community.

Outcomes Develop team work skills. Reach over 250 teens a year with positive health messages. Most PHE’s move on to college. Most PHE’s are able to sustain employment outside of RHI, because of their experience. Many PHE’s continue to work in the Red Hook community.

RED HOOK INITIATIVE 767 HICKS STREET BROOKLYN, NY PHONE FAX Red Hook Initiative