Peer leadership conference empowers youth, offers advocacy resources

Wildwood, NJ – Cape May County middle school and high school students interested in leadership and advocacy had the opportunity to convene at a youth empowerment event that featured engaging activities focused on mental health, prevention, citizenship and leadership development. Hosted by Cape Assist and the Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition (HCC), the 29th Annual Peer Leadership Conference was held Friday, Nov. 22. at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Open to local middle school and high school students, the annual Peer Leadership Conference offers learning activities that support the development of leadership skills and promote responsible citizenship, positive lifestyles, and healthy relationships. This year, prevention partners assembled a roster of collaborative workshops for youth centered around the theme of support, “I'll be there for you.” As part of the conference, Cape Assist facilitated discussions with students about topics that matter to them including friendship, relationships, self-esteem, stress management, coping with peer pressure, seeking help for oneself, and other youth-focused issues.

“It is important we stay relevant when it comes to the issues facing youth. For this reason, we hear directly from our participants through interactive discussions so they can be best supported and in turn, empowered,” said Cape Assist Executive Director and CEO Katie Faldetta. “As the leaders of our future, the strategies learned at the conference will be invested back into their own communities and through their relationships. This year’s theme about fostering confidence helps our youth feel supported through their decisions while supporting each other.”

Each year, the conference serves as a forum for Cape May County students to exchange ideas, build relationships, and receive recognition for the accomplishments of their Peer Leadership groups. In addition to educational sessions, there were mock voting booths, engaging activities, informational booths, lunch and refreshments, community resources, and a Peer Leadership Challenge Display.

To help facilitate the discussions, participants submitted questions prior to the event and a panel of Cape Assist Prevention Educators provided answers along with offering support about mental health and substance misuse.

“It was very helpful learning tips on how to respond to younger students and friends in a manner of ‘we’re here for you but sometimes it’s important to also tell a teacher or parent’,” said Lower Cape May Regional High School (LCMRHS) junior Holly O’Neill. “My biggest takeaway was, especially in high school, a lot of us are too scared to lose a friendship over going and telling a parent something. I’d rather build a friendship back and make sure my friend is okay than see them suffer.”

“This event taught me to ask people how they’re doing more and see if they need help,” said Upper Township Middle School eighth grader Henry Costal. “I feel like sometimes kids don’t listen to adults first. Kids sometimes would rather take advice from a peer than from an adult because they can communicate with them better and understand where they’re coming from and relate. It’s good to prepare for those kinds of conversations.”

“My biggest takeaway was that it’s okay to ask for help, even if you’re worried about ruining relationships. Make sure you always have someone trustworthy there for you and that you feel safe talking to someone,” said LCMRHS senior Kallen Garagozzo. “To hear that people are looking out for us, it’s encouraging, and people need to hear it sometimes.”

HCC Coordinator Natalia Leusner said this age group is at a critical point in their lives as they prepare for the next chapter and enter adulthood.

“We want youth to leave the conference positively influenced, renewed, supported and empowered, taking with them the skills and coping mechanisms they need to thrive in this world as a young adult. Our goal is to offer support through this time and provide resources so that they can make the right choices which will have life-long impacts,” Leusner said.

Following the keynote address and discussion by the panelists, students attended interactive and engaging workshops surrounding leadership development, run by Cape Assist’s prevention specialists and community partners. This year's panelists included a group of experts who offered insight through a guided conversation.

29th Annual Peer Leadership Conference Panelists (Cape Assist)

• Joe Faldetta – Director of Prevention Services

• Nikki Nichols - Prevention Program Manager, Therapist

• Temerity Berry – Senior Prevention Specialist

• Chelysmaly Cruz – Prevention Educator

• Rachel Marroquin – Prevention Educator, Youth Coordinator

• Marquise Jones – Prevention Educator

For questions regarding the conference, please contact Natalia Leusner, HCC Coordinator, natalia@capeassist.org

Cape May Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) is a group of community members representing youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations, the faith-based community, substance misuse treatment agencies, local government, healthcare, businesses, media, civic/volunteer groups. Its mission is to create healthy communities by reducing substance misuse through education, advocacy, counseling, and community collaboration.