Paula Wilkinson Smith

Paula has dedicated 30+ years in her professional career towards helping people impacted by addiction. After years working in treatment programs, she began her work in the understanding of prevention. She undertook a “mission” of reaching out to young people before they may become addicted. She was the founding Executive Director of Lifeways, a nonprofit adolescent substance abuse prevention program. Lifeways implement evidence-based prevention programs in the Rapid City, SD area schools. On her journey she was introduced to the exceptional work of Tim McGowan, and she further realized the power of authentic connections with young people in schools.

Youth use substances even though they know drugs are dangerous, as they use substances to escape views of their reality. Through this work it is identified how the ability of prevention can be magnified by creating a caring connection. This is where Tim McGowan and the Network of Support become an integral component that focuses on being supportive of youth and the power of one person who cares can change lives. It is essential for youth to “feel that they matter.” Prevention fosters belonging. Through prevention, they can possess the tools to foster their feeling of empowerment and build trust.

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.

Paula Wilkinson Smith