Nancy Fleming

I am “all in” when it comes to Networks of Support! I am the Counselor for Oelrichs School in the southwest corner of South Dakota next to the Oglala Lakota Nation. We are so happy to again be joining the Networks of Support team!

As a mental health counselor and teacher, I firmly believe that learning through activity is the best way for young people to grow and develop! I have been at Oelrichs for the past 8 years and our Peer Mentors/Leadership program has been a part of our school and we have some great student participation. Our students love to help others and work to improve our school climate. We are a small school, and this becomes especially important. Tim and the program have been so beneficial to making Oelrichs the “family” we strive to be.

Outcomes:

Groups became increasingly unified, exhibiting a shared commitment to healthy norms, and actively encouraged peers in help-seeking behaviors, fostering a supportive environment where every member feels valued and understood.

Social Network Health's interactive training fostered an even more dynamic relationship network. Within these groups, vulnerable members can draw strength from adaptive members, leading to more changes in who they identify as valued connections.

Schools have reported significant improvements in various metrics, including increased daily attendance, higher graduation rates, enhanced identification of Trusted Adults, greater willingness to seek help, and improved connectedness among students and staff. Additionally, school disciplinary issues have notably declined, reflecting the program's positive impact on the school climate and student well-being.

Network Enhancing Facilitation Strategies

Creating an environment for collaborative learning to develop protective strengths and networks through:

From Individual To Group Focus

Moving from a focus of individual skills to recognizing and developing group strengths.
Reflecting on how group strengths benefit individuals and the group.
Extending these benefits to the larger group.
Supports formation of key relationship and culture Intentional scaffolding.