Healthy Start
Healthy Start was established at Thomas Downey High School in 1997. The program is intended to address the needs of Downey’s students and families by providing an abundance of services and support that reduce barriers to learning. Healthy Start focuses on improved academic achievement, improved student and family health and well being, improved parenting skills development, and personal development. The mission of Healthy Start is “to improve the well being of children, families, and communities.”
Daniel Villegas, M. Ed.
Villegas.D@mcs4kids.com
(209) 574-1632
"Providing Support to Promote Student Success"
Programs and Services Case Management Assessment of student and family needs. Provide students and families support in accessing community resources so they are better able to focus on their personal, academic and career goals. Mental Health Counseling and Support On-site individual, family, crisis intervention, and group counseling services are provided by our Student Assistant Specialist. Support groups on a variety of topics are offered upon request and in response to student needs. Substance Abuse Counseling SU counseling is provided on-site for students as well as prevention education and referrals to outside agencies. Referrals for Health Care and Basic Needs Assistance Healthy Start assists students and families in accessing local resources for medical, dental, vision care as well as basic needs services (i.e. food, shelter, clothing, transportation, emergency financial assistance). | Tutoring, Mentoring & Dropout Prevention Healthy Start staff links students to appropriate academic resources such as academic counseling, after school tutoring, TRIO and Link Crew. Emergency Student Assistance Healthy Start provides emergency clothing, food boxes, school supplies and bus passes for students in need. A small clothes closet and food pantry is also maintained on-site to assist students who need warm clothes, food and personal hygiene products. All Services are Free and Confidential Assistance in Spanish is available Hablamos Español If you would like more information about our services, or you are in a crisis situation and would like to see a Student Assistance Specialist please contact Downey Healthy Start at (209) 574-1632. If a student expresses a desire to hurt themselves, please contact an administrator or Healthy Start immediately, we will respond quickly. |