Everett’s H.E.A.T. program kicks off first session

Youth participants learned about social and life skills to help navigate the dangers of substance abuse

The City of Everett’s Helping Everett’s Adolescents and Teens (H.E.A.T.) program recently kicked off with its first session at the Everett Recreation Center. Led by the Youth Development and Enrichment Department’s Assistant Director of Youth Substance Abuse Prevention, Eric Mazzeo, youth ages 10 to 14 who attended had the opportunity to learn social and life skills that will focus on the areas that tend to be triggers for substance abuse. During the program, participants heard from guest speakers: Vinfen’s YouForward Program Director, Rachel Cooper, who generously donated three $50 gift cards, and the Everett Fire Department’s Outreach Addiction Specialist, Paul Guarino.

In addition to learning, the H.E.A.T. program features games, food, prizes and more for all who participate. The program will cover a variety of topics, including how substances affect us, navigating through peer pressure and insecurity and finding ways to spend time on positive activities. Those who wish to participate may still register for this nine-week course by visiting EverettRecandEnrich.com and navigating to the “Mental Wellness” section, which is under the “Programs” tab’s section for “Youth Wellness”. For more information, please email Eric Mazzeo at Eric.Mazzeo@ci.everett.ma.us.

Organizers of the program would like to thank The Square Deli for donating the pizza, which was a hit with those who participated.