The student-led counseling group, Natural Helpers, is back again this year to help Park students in any way. They hosted their first interest meeting on Friday Sept. 22 and invited all to come. They gave a presentation, had snacks and shared ideas they have for the upcoming year.
Co-president, junior Chloe Lorentz said Natural Helpers had many different ways of recruiting new members this year.
“We went to freshman orientation, so we got a few people there to join,” Lorentz said. “A lot of times we actually reach out to people we know or students that we think would be good for the club. So then it’s more of a one-on-one thing where it’s like, ‘hey, we want you and we think you’d be good for the club.’”
Co-advisor Barb Nelson said she likes Natural Helpers because of its focus on improving students’ mental health, a concern that’s needed more attention since COVID-19.
“It’s a great club, because usually the people are so invested in being helpers and are very positive and want to support all students at Park in terms of mental health,” Nelson said. “We know that mental health for adolescents has really been a challenge for post-COVID and even more so with so much going on in student lives. To see kids who are invested in that is nice to see.”
Lorentz said she likes the club because there’s a spot for anyone who wants to join. Nobody is excluded from it.
“I really like it (Natural Helpers) because it compiles every type of person. It’s a club for anyone, like everyone can join. It’s not just for a certain type of person,” said Lorentz. “I also like Natural Helpers because it helps out and I think that’s really important, especially in school.”
Nelson said with her becoming co-advisor, it suited her with what she already does.
“It’s a natural fit for me being in the student services and counseling office, to work with students who are wanting to be helpers, and especially around issues like mental health and wellness,” Nelson said.
Lorentz said she wishes for the club to expand to others and give an example of an instance where students were involved.
“I hope to reach more people, to have more people in the club. I hope that we do more things that are hands-on in the community so other students can come and join us,” Lorentz said. “For example, last year we had therapy dogs who came to the school, and I really want to redo that this year because it was something everyone could partake in.”
Natural Helpers meet Friday mornings in A206. For more information, you can reach out to them on their Instagram @slphsnaturalhelpers.
